National Rum Day

Today is National Rum Day!

Rum, the mysterious spirit hailing from the Caribbean has a day of its own: today, August 16th.  Why National Rum Day and why August you may ask? Some say the timing coincides with the end of the sugar cane harvest on the islands.

Celebrating National Rum Day doesn't necessarily have to be done with with a mojito or a Captain Morgan, JAVA & Co. offers dark Jamaican rum infused coffee syrups and dark rum infused artisan caramels - to satisfy your decadent, sweet tooth cravings...

Who knew celebrating National Rum Day could be so good, so tame and so delicious!

JAVA & Co. joins N.A.S.F.T.

JAVA & Co. has just been accepted for the esteemed membership in the N.A.S.F.T.

In 2008, just months after the husband and wife team started the company, JAVA & Co. first was accepted into NASFT’s member candidate program – a new program designed and implemented to foster assistance and growth in specialty food start-ups. Committed to quality and with a discerning reputation - not all applications and product samples are accepted and approved for candidate membership.

JAVA & Co. then applied for full membership in the spring of 2010. The innovative coffee infused syrups and JAVA Spice launched them into favorable approval. It is a true honor to be accepted into this world wide recognized and respected organization as we continue to grow our new business with the support of N.A.S.F.T.!

“The National Association for the Specialty Food Trade is an association of independent, innovative businesses committed to bringing great foods to market. It is a diverse community of passionate and creative entrepreneurs who fuel the innovation and authenticity found in food today.

With more than 2,900+ member companies from around the world, the NASFT is the preeminent not-for-profit business trade association established to foster trade, commerce and interest in the $60 billion specialty food industry. The NASFT organization includes domestic and foreign manufacturers, importers, distributors, brokers, retailers, restaurateurs, caterers and others in the specialty foods business. They bring the industry together with events, business opportunities, education and awards that further our goal of expanding the specialty food industry.” www.Specialtyfood.com

Visit www.javaandco.com to view the entire collection of JAVA & Co. artisan made specialties. For inquiries, please contact Jamie Knoll at javaandco@live.com or via phone at (309) 361-3276.

Farfalle Pasta Salad

There are so many pastas to choose from and I'm falling in love with the wheat and whole grain pastas.  I like my pastas al dente anyway and these pastas have the best texture and 'toothiness', plus the flavor is incredible, plus Barilla's has protein...nice.  Instead of just a pretty backdrop and filler to dishes, the pasta can now add its own wonderful flavor and protein to enhance the dish.  Hello?!  LOVE it!

Looking for a quick, easy and beautiful addition to your July 4th weekend menu?  Try this!

1 Box of Barilla Whole Grain Farfalle (bowtie pasta)
1/2 cup of julienned (thin strips) Sun Dried Tomatoes
4 oz of julienned Fresh Basil - use as much as you want and save some for garnish.  (I love basil.)
1/4 cup Romano Cheese - freshly grated
Fresh Squeezed Lemon - (key ingredient)

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper - to taste

Once ingredients are combined, squeeze the lemon juice from a fresh lemon into the salad - watch for seeds - and do NOT substitute bottled lemon juice.  Drizzle olive oil over pasta salad just enought to moisten.  Stir.  Place in refrigerator and let sit.  The pasta will soak up olive oil, so add / drizzle more olive oil until slightly moist.  Add a little bit at a time.  Note:  You do not want mega amounts of olive oil rolling around in the bottom of the serving dish.  Chill.  Garnish with fresh basil and more grated romano.  Serve!

This is a simple, basic recipe.  Add artichokes or feta cheese for a zippier flavor instead of romano. 

Have fun.  Be safe and enjoy the fireworks!

2010 Market Schedule - UPDATE

Freight House Farmer's Market 2010
Attending: May 1st through June 26th
Saturdays, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Davenport, Iowa

Bloomington Farmer's Market 2010
Attending: May 15th through October 30th, 2010
Saturdays, 7:30 am to 12 Noon

Ottawa Old Town Farmer's Market 2010
Attending Occasionally: Beginning July 10th, 24th and 31st through October 30th
Saturdays, 8:00 am to 12:30 pm

Ottawa Riverfest Market 2010
Saturday, July 31st & Sunday, August 1
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Downtown on Jackson St. - Ottawa, Illinois

Peoria Heights Market 2010
Attending: June 16th through September 29th
Wednesdays, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Peoria Riverfront Market 2010
Attending Occasionally: Beginning July 3rd and 17th through September 25th
Saturdays, 8:00 am to 12 Noon

SPECIAL NOTE:  Market schedule is subject to change.  In the event of heavy rains or the anticipation of severe weather, JAVA & Co. will not be in attendance.  Please email javaandco@live.com if you have a special order request or have any questions. 

Thank you!