Kelly's Jelly – Pineapple Jalapeño Jam – Portland, OR

We’re big fans of entertaining – it’s almost never fancy, but there is always good food, and when people arrive, I love having a cheese board set up. Crackers, cheeses, pickles, nuts…and something spicy. In particular, I find that there’s something so satisfying about mounding a spoonful of sweet and spicy jam on top of a piece of aged white cheddar. Forget the cracker; it isn’t needed here. In the case of Kelly’s Jelly, sweet and spicy jams is their entire focus, and they’ve been doing it very well for quite a few years now. We wanted to feature their pineapple jalapeño jam not only because it’s delicious, and has a permanent home on all of future cheese boards, but also because you should start using it on everything. Use it as a glaze on chicken wings, add a dollop to the top of your tacos, spread a bit on the top of a salmon filet, or make a zippy salad dressing. Be adventurous! But promise me that you’ll let us know when you discover your favorite way to use it.