In New England, folks have been known to veer to the side of the road at the sight of a lush rhubarb patch. I swear I’m not the only one!

We tapped cheeseboard expert Elena Faltas for guidance when you get to the job of shopping for and building the grazing board at Friendsgiving (or any party that starts with snacks).

Local cheese professional Emma Harvey shares some delicious (and some unexpected) cheese pairings featuring V Smiley stone fruit preserves.

Introducing Plain Goods x V Smiley Preserves

An ode to New England, plain-spokenness, and the traditions we keep.

I live next door to my mom and she entertains a lot in the backyard, which I find really inspiring. She sets a beautiful table. I collect ceramics and she collects textiles. Together, we tend to the fire and feast. This is a little nod to the future and opening Minifactory where we'll cook food that celebrates preserves.

Totally up to you whether you wish to strain out the orange rind as you pour the cocktail. Some folks like getting to chew on the candy bits as they sip and this is a sipper! It’s boozy and punchy

Beets and blue cheese are a classic dish. Whenever I think of it, my brother's autumn wedding dinner comes to mind. The beet salad was my favorite dish of the meal. I love vegetable dishes and I really love using V Smiley Preserves less sweet and savory preserves to create one of a kind plates.

We are taking Nicolaus Balla's recipe, tweaking it slightly around the edges and serving the salad on a slim shmear of Elderberry Plum Jam.

A bright, creamy salad dressing for kale, radicchio or romaine lettuce made possible by the citrus marmalades of V Smiley Preserves.

Want to make a berry jam with honey? Raspberries, honey, lemon juice. Three ingredients comprise V Smiley Preserves Raspberry Jam. Use this recipe to re-create your version of this popular VSP flavor. Raspberry Jam is wonderful with yogurt and for nut butter sandwiches, it can’t be beat.

The cooking soundtrack to 2019.

A sharp and straightforward flavor like Dolgo Crabapple Rosehip Jam, Plum Preserves or Apricot Jam are an instant plate sauce for composed vegetable dishes. Whether you are tossing roasted squash with marinated kale or looking for something to serve underneath a platter of roasted pork and potatoes, consider starting with some preserves and building from there.