January 15-17, 2012

Moscone Center
San Francisco

Booth #602

September 1, 2011 – SIERRA MADRE, CA
Sierra Madre Grocery Company, a leading manufacturer of premium bruschetta salsas and specialty foods, today announced that Gourmet Merchants International (GMI) is their new distributor.

“We are delighted to be able to work with Gourmet Merchants to distribute our complete line of products throughout California. Gourmet Merchants is one of the most respected distributors of gourmet and specialty foods and we believe that their regional expertise, customer service driven philosophy and superior logistics are a perfect fit for our products,” said Karen Swisher, President of Sierra Madre Grocery Company.

The new partnership is the latest expansion for Sierra Madre Grocery Company. Opening in early 2010 Sierra Madre Grocery Company has been growing the specialty food company to local gourmet food retailers. Gourmet Merchants will assist with the increase in growth and distribution of the quality selections along with helping to cultivate new relationships to expand in the marketplace.

The product line consists of Roasted Garlic & Olive Bruschetta Salsa, Black Bean & Corn Bruschetta Salsa, Sweet & Spicy Mountain Trail Snack Mix, Sierra Seasoning Rub, Cheese & Olive Crisps and the latest addition to the flavorful line is Caramelized Onions & Garlic.

About Gourmet Merchants International:
Gourmet Merchants International provides full service distribution to gourmet, natural and independent grocery markets from San Diego to Santa Barbara. GMI distributes an exciting variety of domestic and imported specialty food products ranging from hand crafted European traditions to the most innovative items that the new generation of American chefs and entrepreneurs are creating. The company is committed to serving the independent marketplace and focus remains on providing an array of foods that will make customer’s product mix stand out from the everyday. Gourmet Merchants is located in Gardena, California and can be reached at 310-808-0960.

About Sierra Madre Grocery Company:
Sierra Madre Grocery Company is a local California producer of specialty food products that is driven on customer satisfaction, quality and flavor. The products are developed with healthy and flavorful ingredients that can be used in cooking to create gourmet meals, appetizers and snacks. Sierra Madre Grocery Company uses original recipes and crafts the specialty product line in small batches to ensure freshness and quality. The business is owned by Karen Swisher and is made up of a successful and talented team with over 25 years of industry experience. Sierra Madre Grocery Company is dedicated to producing healthy, fresh and reasonably priced products for the gourmet specialty food marketplace. For more information contact 626-355-9556 or on the web at www.sierramadregroceryco.com.

After assessing the ease of ordering online, how well the packaging protected the products, and of course, the flavors, texture, and all–around quality of the item, we narrowed our choices to the following eclectic mix of favorites, including creamy cheeses, exotic mushrooms, and spicy veggie chips, all available with the click of a mouse.

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New at Hi-Time!
Sierra Madre grocery company

• Roasted Garlic & Olive Bruschetta Salsa
• Black Bean & Corn Bruschetta Salsa
• Cheese & Olive Crisps
• Caramelized Onions & Roasted Garlic

Sierra Madre Grocery Company is a local producer of specialty food items that is driven on customer satisfaction, quality and flavor. Our award-winning products are developed with healthy and flavorful ingredients that can be used in cooking to create wonderful gourmet meals, appetizers and snacks for family and friends. Since the beginning, Sierra Madre Grocery Company has used original recipes and crafted our specialty product line in small batches to ensure freshness and the highest of quality. Enjoy!

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Swisher developing food concepts and scaling them to be sold in mass-produced-but-still-gourmet-quality quantities, has introduced six products to store shelves in the past year alone. She loves nothing more than dreaming up creative and fun food concepts that translate from her home kitchen to products any family can use in a variety of ways, such as the garlic salsa that she always makes around Christmas. After a trial run selling it at Savor the Flavor in Sierra Madre, the salsa was so well received that she became motivated to sell it under her own label.

Swisher explains the practical side of cooking with some premade items, saying, “You can take a jar of my Roasted Garlic and Olive Bruschetta Salsa, and a pound of meat and some beef broth, put it in a crock pot and cook it all day. And you have dinner!” One of her recent products, a Caramelized Onion & Roasted Garlic Spread, resembles a savory sort of marmalade that’s great on burgers or on crackers with Brie. Slightly less traditional and possibly a bit more challenging is Swisher’s passion for combining sweet and savory flavors, like in her label’s Sweet ‘n Spicy Mountain Savory Trail Mix, which combines sweet brown sugar sauce, soy, and chili pepper for a bit of heat. Next, she hopes to develop savory cinnamon rolls: key ingredients could include pesto and cheese. When asked how she has found the time to build her career while raising two children, Swisher laughs, summing it up as ‘chaotic’. In her world, anything is possible as long as you can multitask, Find Swisher’s products locally at Porta Via Italian Foods in Pasadena and Savor the Flavor in Sierra Madre.

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“The Caramelized Onions & Roasted Garlic is now one of the top selling products in our shop. We love it on a cracker with brie and topped with this outrageous product – yummy,” said Karen Keegan, Owner of Savor The Flavor in Sierra Madre and a top specialty retailer of the Sierra Madre Grocery Company product line.

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They call all of their salsas “bruschetta” which I think is fun, and my favorite is the Black Bean and Corn Bruschetta. The Black Bean Bruschetta is made with vine ripe tomatoes, black beans, sweet onions and white corn combined with green chilies, jalapenos, Lime juice, cilantro and other spices to create a robust and delicious specialty bruschetta salsa. I had it with chicken, but it would be equally delicious with chips, baguettes or even by itself!

Some of the other varieties include Roasted Garlic & Olive Bruschetta, Caramelized Onion & Roasted Garlic, Sweet & Spicy Mountain Trail Snack Mix and even a seasoning rub (so good on grilled chicken!).

Karen Swisher established Sierra Madre Food Development Company in 1993. Her experience includes over 26 years in the food industry and development for a vast variety of new food product concepts including flavored tortillas, low fat donuts, microwavable English muffins, salsas, seasoning blends and gourmet sauces. In January 2010 Sierra Madre Grocery Company launched, introducing a line of bruschetta salsas for the gourmet specialty markets. Roasted Garlic Olive Bruschetta and Black Bean & Corn Bruschetta are among customers’ favorites. Since its introduction, Sierra Madre Grocery Company has expanded product offerings to include delicious snack foods, sauces and the flavorful Sierra Seasoning Rub that enhance the taste of beef, lamb, pork, and poultry.

Source

Give us a call if you would like to be added to the schedule!

The new website has a host of features that include an updated store, display of company retailers where products can be found, news and events and a noteworthy What’s Cooking page filled with a selection of delicious, quick-and-easy food recipes.

“As part of our one year anniversary recognition customers can now enjoy a beautiful and interactive website as they browse our online specialty food market,” stated Karen Swisher, Owner of Sierra Madre Grocery Company. “We are excited to have a fresh new look as we continue to expand our business,” she added.

Sierra Madre Grocery Company offers a full line of gourmet food products that are all-natural, healthy and low in fat. Products include Roasted Garlic & Olive Bruschetta, Black Bean & Corn Bruschetta, Caramelized Onions & Roasted Garlic, Sweet & Spicy Mountain Trail Snack Mix and Sierra Seasoning Rub.

The business is owned by Karen Swisher and is made up of a successful and talented team with over 25 years of industry experience. Sierra Madre Grocery Company is dedicated to producing healthy, fresh and reasonably priced products for the gourmet specialty food marketplace. For more information contact 626-355-9556.

Company representatives will be at the Fancy Food Show next month in San Francisco to exhibit products and to meet with clients and prospective companies.

Blend together 1 ½ c Hummus and ½ cup SMGC Roasted Garlic Olive Brushcetta Salsa. Serve with crackers or vegetables.

Whip together 8 oz cream cheese & 6 oz goat cheese. Spread on to cracker and top with SMGC Roasted Garlic & Olive Salsa

For a spicy Salad Dressing: Blend 1 cup Mayonnaise, 1 cup Sour Cream and 1 cup SMGC Roasted Garlic Olive Bruschetta Salsa. Stir in 1 – 2 Tbsp Red Wine Vinegar. Chill.

Caramelized Onions & Roasted Garlic is a delicious and diverse product that can be used in a variety of ways and to add amazing flavor to the simplest of dishes. The product can be used as a spread on toasted baguettes or for upscale appetizers. Caramelized Onions are perfect on sandwiches, hamburgers, steak, pizza or in a gourmet quesadilla. The possibilities of getting creative and using this distinct product are endless.

“The Caramelized Onions & Roasted Garlic is now one of the top selling products in our shop. We love it on a cracker with brie and topped with this outrageous product – yummy,” said Karen Keegan, Owner of Savor The Flavor in Sierra Madre and a top specialty retailer of the Sierra Madre Grocery Company product line.

Sierra Madre Grocery Company’s Caramelized Onions & Roasted Garlic are now available at select retailers throughout California and a 12oz jar retails for $8.99. Case packs are also offered and make exceptional gifts for companies to give clients and consumers alike.

Sierra Madre Grocery Company offers a full line of gourmet food products that include Roasted Garlic & Olive Bruschetta, Black Bean & Corn Bruschetta, Sweet & Spicy Mountain Trail Snack Mix and Sierra Seasoning Rub. The business is owned by Karen Swisher and is made up of a successful and talented team with over 25 years of industry experience. Sierra Madre Grocery Company is dedicated to producing healthy, fresh and reasonably priced products for the gourmet specialty food marketplace. For more information contact 626-355-9556 or on the web at www.sierramadregroceryco.com.

The company will be exhibiting at the Fancy Food Show this month in San Francisco (Booth #304).

Buckwheat

The Kahn Family

The Kahn Family

Christine and Jeff Porter

Jan and Tom

I’m delighted to tell you how much we enjoy your Roasted Garlic & Olive Bruschetta Salsa and the Black Bean & Corn Salsa (my special favorite) with chips or crackers. They are a big hit at the snack table at meetings–a refreshing change from cookies and sweets.
Your seasoning rub really perks up chicken or beef.

Shirley Henderson

Mission Flavors

Sherry

Altadena, CA

• 3 cups, Polenta, prepared
• 1 ½ cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Green Onion, diced
• 1 ½ cups Sierra Madre Grocery Company Black Bean & Corn Salsa
• 1 cup Cheddar or Jack Cheese, shredded

Directions:

Combine first 3 ingredients and blend thoroughly.
Spread half of the polenta mixture into a greased pie plate.
Combine Black Bean & Corn Salsa with remaining cheese.
Evenly distribute salsa mixture over polenta.
Spread remaining polenta mixture over salsa mixture.
Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until warm and bubbly.
Remove from oven and allow to stand 20 minutes before serving.

• 2/3 cup Brown Sugar
• 1/3 cup Sierra Madre Grocery Sierra Seasoning Blend
• 1 pound Chicken Breasts, boneless, skinless, cut into ½ – 1′ cubes
• 1 lb. Bacon, cut into thirds

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Pre treat baking pan or individual ramekins with cooking release spray.
Combine Sierra Madre Grocery Company Sierra Seasoning and Brown Sugar and blend until thoroughly incorporated.
Wrap bacon strips around chicken cubes. Secure with a toothpick.
Roll into seasoning mixture to cover.
Place on rack on baking sheet trays with sides.
Bake @ 350 F for 25 to 30 minutes or bacon is cooked and browned.
Serve hot.

• 1 package (1 lb) Cornbread Mix (Marie Callender’s)
• 12 Tbsp Sierra Madre Grocery Company Roasted Garlic & Olive Bruschetta Salsa
• 1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar Cheese (or Mexican Blend)
• 1 ¼ cups Water

Directions:

Spray a muffin tin with cooking release spray
Mix dry mix with water until incorporated
Stir in Cheddar Cheese
Portion cornbread mixture into each cup, half full
Top batter with 1 Tbsp Sierra Madre Grocery Company Bruschetta Salsa
Cover Salsa in each cup with remaining batter (3/4 to 7/8 full)
Bake at 375F for 18 to 20 minutes. Serve warm.

• 8 cups pasta (such as rotini or bowtie) cooked, cooled
• 1 can (15 oz) Corn, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) Black Beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced 1/4″
• 1 Yellow Bell Pepper, diced ¼”
• 1 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 2 cups (1 jar) Sierra Madre Grocery Company Roasted Garlic & Olive Bruschetta Salsa
• 1 Tbsp Red Wine Vinegar

Directions:

For dressing, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Sierra Madre Grocery Company Bruschetta Salsa and red wine vinegar. Whisk until thoroughly incorporated
In a larger bowl, combine cooked pasta, corn, black beans and diced bell peppers
Toss with dressing to coat
Season to taste with Salt & Pepper
Chill & Serve
Garnish with fresh cilantro

• 1 (9.0 oz) can refried beans
• ¾ – 1 cup Sierra Madre Grocery Company Garlic & Olive Bruschetta Salsa
• ½ cup shredded Cheddar Cheese (or Mexican Blend)
• Two 10” Flour (or Flavored) Tortillas (or wraps)
• 4 eggs
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• Sliced Green Onions and Sour Cream to garnish

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F
Place tortillas on a baking sheet pan
Combine refried beans with ½ cup Sierra Madre Grocery Company Bruschetta Salsa
Evenly spread and layer beans and Salsa mixture over tortillas
Sprinkle with Cheddar Cheese
Bake until cheese melts, about 3 to 5 minutes
In a small bowl, whisk eggs with salt and pepper
In a small pan cook over medium heat until eggs begin to become firm. Add remaining salsa and continue to cook until eggs are cooked through
Divide egg mixture into center of each tortilla
Sprinkle with green onions and sour cream. Roll to wrap and serve.

• 1 (9.0 oz) can refried Black Beans
• 1 cup prepared guacamole (2 avocados)
• 1 cup Sierra Madre Grocery Company Roasted Garlic & Olive Bruschetta Salsa
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese (or Mexican Blend)
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• Tortilla Chips or strips
• Green Onions, sliced to garnish

Directions:

On a large serving platter, evenly spread and layer refried black beans, guacamole and Sierra Madre Grocery Company Bruschetta Salsa
Sprinkle with shredded Cheese
Using a pastry bag, pipe rosettes of sour cream around edge of platter and dip
Sprinkle with green onions and serve with chips

• 5 pieces French Bread, cubed (about 4 cups)
• 1 ½ cups Sierra Madre Grocery Company Roasted Garlic & Olive Salsa
• 1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar Cheese ( or Mexican Blend)
• 3 Tsp dry mustard
• 3 Tbsp. Flour
• 3 Tbsp. Butter, melted
• 4 eggs
• 3 cups milk

Directions:

Spray a 9 x 13” baking dish with cooking release spray
Mix flour and dry mustard
Make layers of 1/3 of the bread, cheese, 1 Tbsp of flour mixture and Sierra Madre Grocery Company Bruschetta Salsa in baking dish
Combine eggs and milk. Beat well. Pour mixture over casserole.
Refrigerate over night. Bake at 350F for 1 hour

• 4 cups Sourdough Bread, cubed
• 1 cup White Cheddar Cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Sierra Madre Grocery Company Garlic Olive Bruschetta Salsa
• 3 eggs
• 2 Tbsp Half ‘n Half
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F. Pre treat baking pan or individual ramekins with cooking release spray
Combine Sierra Madre Grocery Company Bruschetta Salsa, shredded cheese and cubed bread. Toss until thoroughly blended.
In a medium mixing bowl, using a wire whisk, blend eggs and half ‘n half together. Season with salt and pepper
Evenly pour egg mixture over bread mixture
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until pudding has set
Serve hot!

• 1 Prepared pie shell, pre baked
• 1 cup Cheddar & Jack Cheese Blend, shredded
• ¾ – 1 cup Sierra Madre Grocery Company Roasted Garlic Olive Bruschetta Salsa
• 4 eggs
• 1/3 cup Cream
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375F. Pre bake pie shell as necessary
Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheese in pie shell
Evenly spread Sierra Madre Grocery Company Bruschetta Salsa over cheese
In medium mixing bowl & using a wire whisk, blend eggs and cream together
Season with salt & pepper
Pour egg mixture over cheese and salsa mixture
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until quiche has set (insert knife into center, if it comes our clean the quiche is done)
Serve hot. Garnish with sour cream

Yield: Serves 4 to 8

• 1 Prepared Pizza Crust or Pizza Dough, pre baked
• 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Sierra Madre Grocery Company Roasted Garlic Olive Bruschetta Salsa
• ½ cup shredded White Cheddar or crumbled Goat Cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450F. Pre bake pizza crust as necessary
Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over pizza crust
Evenly spread Sierra Madre Grocery Company Bruschetta Salsa over monzzarella cheese
Sprinkle white cheddar or goat cheese over salsa
Place pizza on baking sheet pan or pizza stone in oven
Bake 5 to 10 minutes. Slice & Serve

Yield: Serves 2-4

• 8 Corn Tortillas
• 2 cups Roasted Beef, cooked & shredded
• ½ cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Sierra Madre Grocery Company Black Bean & Corn Bruschetta Salsa
• 1 cup Black Bean & Corn Bruschetta Salsa
• ½ cup Cheddar & Jack Cheese Blend, shredded
• Sour Cream to Garnish

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F.  Pre treat a baking dish with release cooking spray

In a medium mixing bowl, combine shredded beef, 1 cup shredded cheese and ½ cup Sierra Madre Grocery Company Black Bean & Corn Bruschetta Salsa.  Mix until thoroughly incorporated.

Microwave corn tortillas on High for about 1 minute

Place ½ cup chicken mixture into each tortilla.  Roll and place seam side down in baking dish

Evenly spread 1 ½ cups Black Bean & Corn Bruschetta Salsa over enchiladas.  Evenly sprinkle cheese over salsa

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.  Serve Hot.  Garnish with Sour Cream

Yield: 4 servings (2 enchiladas each serving)

• 8 Corn Tortillas
• 3 cups Chicken Meat, cooked and shredded
• 1 cup Cheddar & Jack Cheese Blend, shredded
• ½ cup Sierra Madre Grocery Company Roasted Garlic Olive Bruschetta Salsa
• 1 ½ cup Sierra Madre Grocery Company Roasted Garlic Olive Bruschetta Salsa
• ½ cup Cheddar & Jack Cheese Blend, shredded
• Sour Cream to Garnish

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F.  Pre treat a baking dish with release cooking spray

In a medium mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, 1 cup shredded cheese and ½ cup Sierra Madre Grocery Company Bruschetta Salsa.  Mix until thoroughly incorporated.

Microwave corn tortillas on High for about 1 minute

Place ½ cup chicken mixture into each tortilla.  Roll and place seam side down in baking dish

Evenly spread 1 ½ cups Sierra Madre Grocery Company Bruschetta Salsa over the enchiladas.  Evenly sprinkle cheese over salsa

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.  Serve hot.  Garnish with sour cream

Yields: 4 servings (2 enchiladas each serving)

• 2 cups Sweet Yellow Onion, diced
• 2-3 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 8 cups Golden Corn Kernels, frozen or fresh
• 8 cups Potatoes, peeled, cubed
• 3 quarts Chicken Broth
• 1 cup Cream
• 2 ½ cups Sierra Madre Grocery Company Roasted Garlic & Olive Bruschetta Salsa
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions:

In a large stock pot, sauté onions in olive oil until tender

Add corn and potatoes and sauté for 5 minutes

Add chicken broth and bring mixture to a boil.  Simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are soft

Add cream and blend thoroughly

Add Sierra Madre Grocery Company Roasted Garlic & Olive Brushetta Salsa

Season with salt and pepper

Allow soup to sit for 2 hours or refrigerate overnight for ultimate flavors to develop

Heat and serve warm

Yield: Serves a crowd!

• Wash and clean a whole chicken. Place in baking pan treated with release spray. Generously sprinkle SIERRA MADRE GROCERY COMPANY SIERRA SEASONING over chicken and rub seasoning over chicken to cover. Bake at 350 F for 1 hour and 15 – 25 minutes. Cut and serve. This is a family weeknight favorite!
• Rub pork chops with SIERRA MADRE GROCERY COMPANY SIERRA SEASONING. Sear in a skillet over high heat. Blend together 1 Tbsp coarse ground mustard, 1 -2 Tbsp Apricot Jam and 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Pour mixture over pork chops. Place in preheated oven for 7 to 10 minutes or until internal temperature is 140 to 150 F. Remove from oven and serve.
• Generously run SIERRA MADRE GROCERY COMPANY SIERRA SEASONING over a tri tip or any cut of your favorite beef for barbecuing. Allow to sit from 1 to 24 hours. Grill to desired doneness. Slice and serve.
• Fill small dinner rolls with grilled & sliced BBQ Tri Tip seasoned with SIERRA MADRE GROCERY COMPANY SIERRA SEASONING. Serve “sliders” with au jus and creamed horseradish sauce.
• Seasoning chicken wings with SIERRA MADRE GROCERY COMPANY SIERRA SEASONING RUB. Toss with 1 jar of SIERRA MADRE GROCERY COMPANY ROASTED GARLIC OLIVE BRUSCHETTA SALSA and bake at 400 F for 45 to 50 minutes. Serve with ranch or bleu cheese dressing for dipping! Great Super Bowl recipe!
• Serve. This is a family weeknight favorite!
• Rub lamb chops with SIERRA MADRE GROCERY COMPANY SIERRA SEASONING. Sear in a skillet over high heat.  Place in preheated oven for 7 to 10 minutes or until internal temperature is 140 to 150 F. Remove from oven and serve with mint jelly. (Also great on rack of lamb).
• Shake ‘n Bake chicken using a combination of flour and SIERRA MADRE GROCERY COMPANY SIERRA SEASONING. Coat chicken with flour seasoning mixture and place on baking pan. Bake at 400 F for 50 minutes to 1 hour.
• Serve. This is a family weeknight favorite!
• Rub pounded chicken breasts meat with a combination of flour & SIERRA MADRE GROCERY COMPANY SIERRA SEASONING. Sear in a skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken stock and simmer 10 to 15 minutes. Add 3 – 4 Tbsp lemon Juice and 1 Tbsp capers. Serve garnished with fresh parsley and pasta.

• Serve Sierra Madre Grocery Company Roasted Garlic & Olive Bruschetta Salsa over cream cheese with crackers.
• Use as a topping on scrambled eggs or as a filling for omelet’s.
• Top chicken pieces with Sierra Madre Roasted Garlic & Olive Bruschetta Salsa and roast chicken for 1 hour @ 350 F.
• Use on beef, chicken or fish tacos.
• Use on nachos.
• Toss cooked pasta with Sierra Madre Grocery Company Roasted Garlic & Olive Bruschetta Salsa.
• Sauté white fish in salsa for a zesty change to your fish.
• In a skillet, brush flour tortilla with olive oil. On medium heat, sprinkle cheese and SMGC Roasted Garlic Olive Bruschetta Salsa over tortilla. When cheese is melted top with another flour tortilla. Flip and lightly brown other tortilla. Remove from skillet and cut in wedges. Garnish with Guacamole & Sour Cream
• Add SMGC Roasted Garlic & Olive Bruschetta Salsa to smashed avocado for a spunky and garlicy guacamole.
• Blend into corn chowder or potato soup to perk up the flavor

Simple Dips

Blend 8 oz cream cheese with 1/3 cup sour cream. Stir in 1/3 – ½ cup SMGC Roasted Garlic Olive Bruschetta Salsa. Serve with potato chips or vegetables.

Blend together 1 ½ c Hummus and ½ cup SMGC Roasted Garlic Olive Brushcetta Salsa. Serve with crackers or vegetables.

Whip together 8 oz cream cheese &  6 oz goat cheese. Spread on to cracker and top with SMGC Roasted Garlic & Olive Salsa

For a spicy Salad Dressing: Blend 1 cup Mayonnaise, 1 cup Sour Cream and 1 cup SMGC Roasted Garlic Olive Bruschetta Salsa. Stir in 1 – 2 Tbsp Red Wine Vinegar.  Chill.

• ¼  cup Brown Sugar
• 2 Tbsp Sierra Madre Grocery Sierra Seasoning Blend
• 4 cups (1 lb.) Roasted unsalted Cashew Nuts
• 2 cups (1/2 lb.) Pecan Halves, raw
• 1 egg white

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 F. Pretreat baking pan with release spray.
In a small bowl, stir together Sierra Madre Grocery Company Sierra Seasoning and brown sugar.
Whisk 1 large egg white in a medium bowl until frothy.
Toss cashews and pecans in the egg white.
Sprinkle seasoning over nut mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Arrange nuts in a single layer on the baking sheet tray.
Bake stirring every 7 or 8 minutes, until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Let cool and serve.

Makes 6 cups

Rona Barrett
www.ronabarrett.com

Janis M. Dalessandro

Karen and Denis Keegan

My family LOVES the bruschetta salsa.  Yes, we use it to top crisp bread as an appetizer – but its also terrific served over a main dish of baked chicken or sliced pork tenderloin.  We even had it over pasta.  Perfectly delicious!

Rita

Chris Bertrand
Mountain Views News

“Since the companies launch earlier this year we have been fortunate to see many opportunities for growth within the specialty food market,” stated Karen Swisher, Owner of Sierra Madre Grocery Company.  “We are very excited to be displaying our products at many of the upcoming shows and festivals throughout California and invite everyone to come out and join us.  This is a great way to market our gourmet products this time of year and the events provide a perfect strategic fit as we pursue new vendors for our goods,” she added.

In addition to offering products and demonstrations at the upcoming events Sierra Madre Grocery Company will be looking for resellers and distributors that are focusing on bringing original product offerings to their stores for the upcoming year and developing a new vendor relationship with the company.

The event schedule that will wrap up 2010 includes displays at two leading California retailers, Promelis in Newport Beach and Los Olivos in Santa Ynez on Saturday November 20, 2010.  You can also catch Sierra Madre Grocery Company at the Harvest Festival in Pomona at the Fairgrounds December 3-5.  Products will include award-winning Roasted Garlic Olive Bruschetta, Black Bean & Corn Bruschetta, Caramelized Onion & Garlic Bruschetta and Sierra Seasoning Rub.

• 1 lb. Ground Beef or Ground Turkey
• 1 cup Sierra Madre Grocery Company Roasted Garlic Salsa
• 4 cups Iceberg Lettuce, shredded
• 2 cups Tomatoes, diced
• 2 cups Cheddar & Jack Cheese Blend, shredded
• 1 cup Red or Green Onion, diced
• 1 cup Avocado, diced
• Tortilla Chips
• 1 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 2 cups (1 jar) Sierra Madre Grocery Company Roasted Garlic & Olive Bruschetta Salsa
• 1 Tbsp Red Wine Vinegar

Directions:

For dressing, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa and red wine vinegar.  Whisk until thoroughly blended.

Brown ground meat in a medium skillet.  Drain fat.  Add SMGC Roasted Garlic Salsa and mix until thoroughly incorporated.

In a large glass serving bowl, layer shredded lettuce, salsa meat, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes and top with the diced red or green onions.  Garnish with diced avocado and tortilla chips.

Serve with dressing on the side or toss salad and serve.

Yield: serves 6 to 8

The “Roasted Garlic and Olive Bruschetta Salsa” was an overwhelming hit in the test marketing as the new “gotta have it” salsa for the Pasadena and Los Angeles crowd. High end, LA area lifestyle periodicals, Pasadena Magazine and The Magazine, both highlighted Swisher’s first salsa as a real winner, with recent kudos.

Swisher wants her products to be versatile, offering two uses right on the label: a great salsa and bruschetta. For a fast, easy bruschetta appetizer, toast thin-sliced baguettes then top with this savory delicacy. Recipes for simple chili, appetizers, breakfast and dinner entrees based on Swisher’s products are a snap to find at www.SierraMadreGroceryCo.com.

“Each batch of salsa, including the newest release, our ‘Black Bean and Corn Bruschetta Salsa’, is prepared in small batches of just a hundred gallons, brought up to 200 degrees, then immediately bottled, comments Swisher. It’s not sitting in the kettle for hours, so it yields a “fresher” and less processed tasting product, with a better texture and flavor balance. At $6.99 a bottle, we’ve established an affordable price that reflects the top quality, fresh ingredients without breaking the bank. We want you as customers for life, not just for a once in a while treat!” exclaims Swisher.
Karen Keegan, Savor the Flavor gourmet food and gift store owner in Sierra Madre, CA, sells Swisher’s creations, commenting. “Her salsa has been a huge success, and many repeat customers come here specifically for her product.”

Karen Swisher already had a 26 year, successful food scientist career, developing custom recipes and products for Del Monte, Carnation/Nestle, Jenny Craig, Marie’s dressings, Ralph’s bakery, MariMixCo and Lawry’s Foods. Initially trained at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, she regularly created bakery goods and breakfast bars to flavored tortillas, baked donuts and gourmet salsas to spice mixes and snacks.

Over the years, she utilized her finely attuned palate and smell to deliver just the right blend of flavor, often with prescribed calorie count or ingredients. As satisfying as it was, eventually she yearned to put her own name on her culinary ideas; Sierra Madre Grocery Company was born.
The first “chick” to hatch was the “Sierra Seasoning” meat seasoning rub, high on flavor and ideal for poultry, beef, pork and lamb. Long a favorite of the local Rotary Club for fundraising meals, it’s always served to rave reviews. Recently, a local dinner party served lamb and beef prepared with Swisher’s Sierra Seasoning Rub.

One diner reflected, “Our Easter lamb was missing something… and this is it!”

Sierra Madre Grocery Company products are available through www.SierraMadreGroceryCo.com or 626-355-9556, and at Savor the Flavor in Sierra Madre, CA and other fine food, gourmet specialty stores and markets. Retail and wholesale product demonstrations and sample packs are available.

By Features Editor, Chris Bertrand, Mountain Views News, Sierra Madre, California

And after spending 26 years in food product development, this Sierra Madre resident has learned a thing or two about what tastes good.

During her tenure in the industry, she’s managed to create some unique innovations, including flavored tortillas, low-fat doughnuts, microwavable English muffins, salsas, seasoning blends and gourmet sauces.

Read more> http://www.sgvtribune.com/ci_14651313?IADID#ixzz19wwQ655W