GET INTO A JAM

While any of the items I discuss on Matt’s Meals can make for a great gift (if even for yourself!), I recently found a local maker who can solve pretty much any holiday giving jam.

In fact, jam is the source of the solution!

Starting with a parental promise to spread sweetness, Holly Condon started Holly’s Heavenly Creations – a handmade jam and jelly company that has some of the most creative and carefully-crafted varieties I (a devout jam fan) have ever tasted!

When I first saw Holly at the Needham High School craft fair, my eye was caught by a jar of Dirty Monkey Nuts. When I tasted this perfect combination of chocolate, peanuts, bananas, and a touch of locally-sourced honey, I was ready to swing from the trees myself!

While the grape, raspberry, and even cranberry jams are great, it is through more adventurous offerings like Figgy on a Bog (featuring figs, cranberries, and ginger sugar), Mother’s Embrace (which is flavored with actual roses!), and Sweet Wookie (RAWR!) that Holly truly sets herself and her creations apart. And with flavors like Boo Berry, Love Spell, and Nutcracker, there is truly something for everyone at this season and every season of giving.

As I perused the overflowing table of choices, I saw such seductive selections as Lavender Skies and Fear the Reaper jam (which has a VERY appropriate warning on the front where Holy usually reveals her ingredients). There were also a few flavors the names of which made me laugh but that might not be appropriate for this venue. You will just have to go to https://hollys-heavenly-creations.square.site or www.facebook.com/hollysheavenlycreations to read (and order) them for yourself!

It’s Time (once Again) to Get Fresh

After a four-year hiatus (thanks to your old friend COVID), the Greater Boston Food Bank is proud to re-present their fabulous Fresh Fest on May 17 from 6-9 PM at High Street Place which is quickly becoming a go-to spot for foodies in Boston- especially those who do not want to have to pick just one type of great food!

While the event’s move from the Food Bank warehouse was actually prompted by an inability to shut the facility down due to the still overwhelming call for food support, guests at the Fest will have a rare opportunity to enjoy High Street Place after hours and without the crushing crowds that have made the spot one of the hottest eateries in the area.

From Dive Bar’s undersea treats and Haley Jane’s fried chicken to sushi from Fuji at HSP, Tenderoni’s Pizza, North East of the Border tacos, and Boston’s Best burgers from Wheelhouse, the Food Bank event will include every one of High Street’s vendors’ amazing foods, any of which can be paired with beers from Alewives Taproom, champagne and wine from Bubble Bath, smoothies from Mother Juice, or hand-crafted lattes from Gracenote Coffee.

Fest guests will also have opportunities to meet and eat with James Beard Award-winning chefs and there is even a VIP lounge where extra special (and delicious) surprises await. There will also be auctions and other fun fundraisers to help the Bank keep giving every other night of the year.

Another highlight of the event will be the naming of the Food Bank’s Partner Appreciate Award winners and recognition for the other honorees who did not get their time in the spotlight due to lockdown.

The Greater Boston Food Bank give so much all year. Why not give back for a night while taking in one of Boston’s best places to eat at more than one of the best places?

For more information and to purchase tickets, please go to GBFB.org/FreshFest.

I am a WHEY big fan!

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73 and look for my latest food-related writing on Beyondish and in Food & Beverage Magazine.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Bon appétit!

Enjoy these bars…Whenever!

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73 and look for my latest food-related writing on Beyondish and in Food & Beverage Magazine.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Bon appétit!

Its raining cider! :)

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73 and look for my latest food-related writing on Beyondish and in Food & Beverage Magazine.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Bon appétit!

Catch the Shanti shuttle

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73 and look for my latest food-related writing on Beyondish and in Food & Beverage Magazine.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Bon appétit!

Food as it was meant to be

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73 and look for my latest food-related writing on Beyondish and in Food & Beverage Magazine.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Bon appétit!

Shine-y Pickles ;)

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73 and look for my latest food-related writing on Beyondish and in Food & Beverage Magazine.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Bon appétit!

‘Shine on!

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73 and look for my latest food-related writing on Beyondish and in Food & Beverage Magazine.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Bon appétit!

Curry-ing Favor with Mama Mona

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73 and look for my latest food-related writing on Beyondish and in Food & Beverage Magazine.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Bon appétit!