Monday, May 31, 2010

We All Scream for Ice Cream (and Egg Creams and Malts . . .)


And when your sweet tooth has been satiated via Brooklyn Farmacy's old-time soda fountain confections, browse the shelves of this gorgeously restored classic era pharmacy / lunch counter / provisions shop for lots of local goodies . . . from salted caramel sauce to pickles, jams and - of course - chutneys from the DP Collective.

Check back for more info on the Grand Opening June 7.

Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain
513 Henry Street
Carroll Gardens
Brooklyn, NY

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Find Our Products in Chelsea


The DP Chutney Collective is beaming with pride to now be offering our chutneys at Chelsea's premier fromagerie, Lucy's Whey. Stop by and say Hi to Amy and Rachel and pick up a jar of your favorite cheese accompaniment.

Lucy's Whey
Chelsea Market
425 West 15th St
New York, NY
10011
212.463.9500

From Our Test Kitchens


We strive constantly to both create new products and improve those in need of overhauling in an earnest attempt to deliver only the highest quality chutneys and condiments. The Collective has been experimenting this month with Orange Slices in Spicy Syrup and Spiced and Pickled Red Grapes; both should be perfected in time for the 2010 holiday season. So start helping us think of all the creative ways you're going to be employing these exotic and whimsical additions to your November and December tables . . . from slow-roasted hams and turkeys to stunning cheese platters. Here at The Collective we're already loving the pickled grapes in chicken salad with plenty of mayo and fresh tarragon . . . when they're not splashing in our chicer-than-thou Martinis and Sidecars.

Now for those of you requesting a fierier chutney, your incendiary cries have been heard and implemented in our recent Spicy Tomatillo Conserves. We're still selling the original that has become one of our most popular items, and this latest version delivers all the same great flavors, only with considerable more heat courtesy of 3 varieties of fresh green chilies. The Collective will be debuting (sample and jars for sell) our hottest product this Saturday at the Greenpoint Food Market.

Divine Inspiration





The Collective has been lucky enough to prep a few jars in the kitchen of Greenpoint's Lutheran Church of the Messiah. Many thanks to Pastor Griffin Thomas for loaning us this beautiful, stained-glass sunlight dappled space!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Taste our Chutneys at TASTE OF WILLIAMSBURG/GREENPOINT


The DP Chutney Collective will be sampling and selling our chutneys and spicy condiments (including the return of Spiced Pickled Cantaloupe) at May 16th's benefit event for the Northside Town Hall - Taste of Williamsburg/Greenpoint. Most of our favorite restaurants will be participating and the menus (click here for a sample of what's being offered) sound mouthwatering. $35 buys a ticket for a good cause and food and drink from dozens of North Brooklyn's finest eateries, but the outside gourmet provisions market will be free and open to all and that's where you'll find us! So stop by . . . rain or shine.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

A Great Day at the Brooklyn Lyceum






The usual heartfelt Thanks to all who visited The D P Chutney Collective today at Park Slope's Brooklyn Lyceum Spring Food and Craft Fair. As always we loved meeting myriad chutney fans and chatting with all those lovers of the sweet and spicy! Our Curried Peach Chutney sold out in record time, soon followed by Middle Eastern Zucchini Relish, Plum Ketchup and our youngest child, Shropshire Apple Chutney.

We'll be appearing (One Night Only extravanganzas!) at NYC markets throughout May so check by here soon for further locations and hours.

xoxo,
The Collective

p.s. And how many of you who braved the heat fell in love with Saturday's offering of Honey Heat Sauce from Cheshire Canning?

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Tuckaway Downs Grand Opening Weekend


All our Southern chutney fans should head over to Tuckaway Downs this weekend for their Grand Opening extravaganza on Saturday, May 1 (7 - 9:30PM). Live entertainment and snacks (and D P Chutney collective samples and jars for sale!) are but a few of the many draws to this alluring, whimsically-inclined gift shop, nestled in a "little crooked cottage" on a Sandy Springs sidestreet. Browse their Facebook page online if you can't be there in person and definitely add TD to your list of future shopping destinations.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know: The Collective Gets Interviewed


For an in-depth, Up Close and Personal look at The DP Chutney Collective, head over to the Greenpoint Food Market website and read our featured interview in the market's popular Vendor Blender series. The Collective answers loads of FAQs and explains in detail the inspirations fueling our line of chutneys and condiments.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Upstairs, Downstairs . . . Another Masterpiece Theatre Classic


We're getting all sentimental. The DP Chutney Collective is tossing one out to all you Anglophiles hungering for a true British chutney in the classic mode. Announcing . . . Shropshire Apple Chutney. New York State apples stewed for hours with UK-imported malt vinegar, sultanas, organic onions, Fair Trade brown sugar and loads of spices add up to a Merchant-Ivory wet dream. The only thing The Collective is missing in authenticity is constant stirring by Helen Bonhem-Carter!

Straight outta Kent, this medley of flavors is sure to delight those seeking sweet and tart. Essential to all your Ploughman's Lunches and Spring picnics, store a jar away in the hamper and see the guests drool over this thick, dark and luscious creation. Serve with ham sandwiches, cheese boards, rotisserie chickens and cold meatloaf. Just to name a few of your 1000 options.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Spice Up Your Next Sandwich with Chutney (of course)


A rainy and gloomy Sunday just cries out for the comfort of a hot cup of tea and afternoon snack. When faced with dreary weather, your taste buds need that extra pop of flavor, so slather a tablespoon of chutney over some toasted bread and get creative with the fillings.

Inspired by a recent creation of Sandwich Friend (ham tea sandwiches spread with The Collective's peach chutney), we created a quick bite from slices of whole-wheat sourdough, shaved turkey and sliced Gouda, topped with The Collective's new Curried Peach Chutney. We spiked this touchdown of a mini-meal with our own Southern-Style Hot and Spicy Pickled Okra (appearing soon in local markets and stores). Be sure to include a side of extra chutney for predicted compulsive dipping.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Brooklyn Lyceum Spring Food & Craft Market


Stop by and say Hi to The D P Chutney Collective Sunday May 2, 2010 at the sure-to-be superb Lyceum Spring Food & Craft Market. For one day only we'll be slinging chutney jars (and plenty of samples) from 11AM - 7PM in the 4000 sq. ft renovated public baths building. Why not come early and grab chutney to accompany your bread and cheese picnic in nearby Prospect Park? Plus, rumor has it The Collective may be introducing our newest baby to the adoring crowds . . . southern style Spicy Pickled Okra.

We'll be around on Saturday as well, not selling chutneys but helping out our friends at Cheshire Canning, so plan on visiting both days. Vendor selection will change a bit and admission is free!

Brooklyn Lyceum is located at:
227 4th Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11215
between Union and President Streets.
R train to Union Street - right atop the station!
15 minutes from Manhattan.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Love & Marriage: A Chutney and Cheese Primer


Chutneys are a graceful yet bold addition to all cheese plates and platters, and at the moment we're about pairing bleu cheeses such as Roquefort, Maytag Blue or Gorgonzola with The Collective's Blueberry Chutney (above photo). The sweet and earthy notes of stewed blueberries, onions and spices marry perfectly with the salty, astringent bite of moldy cheeses. Truly for us, a union made in heaven. If serving after a main course may we suggest a glass of port or good quality Madeira wine to accompany this most sophisticated dessert?

Below are a few further suggestions for cheese and D P Collective chutney combos:


Blueberry Chutney

Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Maytag Blue, Brie, Camembert, St. Andre, Taleggio


Spice Route Citrus Chutney

Aged Provolone, aged and dry Gouda, Parmesan Reggiano, Romano, Asiago


Pear Cardamom Chutney

All bleu cheeses, sharp Cheddar
, Gruyere

Apricot and Red Pepper Chutney

Sharp and aged Cheddars, dry Gouda, dry Provolone, triple cream cheeses like Brie or St. Andre


Date From Hell Chutney

Any sharp or strong-flavored cheese
, Manchego

Sweet Tomato Chutney with Black Mustard Seeds
Irish Farmhouse Cheddar grilled cheese sandwiches, Gouda

Tomatillo Conserves
Ricotta Salata, quesos Mexicanos such as Anejo, Cotija

Salty, Crunky, Swaggerific New Labels


Weightlifting Fanatic. (Vitamin) Pillhead. Connoisseur of Italian Sword & Sandals cinema. Graphic/web designer Octavio Fenech may be known for all these distinctions but his true raison d'etre is the eyepopping visuals he produces on a daily basis. Go to his website SurfaceImage to see lots of examples from his (mostly older) internet and multimedia portfolio, and right now swoon over the spankin' new jar labels Octavio pimped out for The Collective . . . soon to grace a pantry or fridge near you.

Join Jamie's Revolution


Caring about people begins with caring about what they put in their mouths. At The D P Chutney Collective we passionately believe in wholesome, natural food and its overwhelming importance in creating healthy and happy lives. You do too as a fan of The Collective's all-natural condiments crafted from the freshest produce (from local, sustainable farms whenever possible).

We're supporting, through volunteer work and grassroots campaigning, Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution USA, the chef's personal mission to bring real, honest and better food into every school and home in America. Lend your voice and signature to this essential cause by learning more at the website.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Current Product List


The Collective has a slew of upcoming festivals and food fairs dotting our calendar through Summer 2010, but all products can be ordered by simply contacting us through the link in the left column of this page. A few jars are available on our Etsy site as well. So without further ado, The D P Chutney Collective's Spring 2010 collection:

Sweet Tomato Chutney with Black Mustard Seeds
Tomatillo Conserves
Plum Ketchup
Middle Eastern Zucchini Relish with Sumac
Spice Route Citrus Chutney
Blueberry Chutney
Pear Cardamom Chutney
Apricot and Red Pepper Chutney
Gingered Raisin Chutney
Date From Hell Chutney
Spiced Pickled Cantaloupe
Hot Peach Chutney

Monday, April 12, 2010

More Fun at the Greenpoint Food Market







Sunny skies and warm weather brought seasonal revelers out in droves to last week's Greenpoint Food Market, breaking attendance records and sampling the best handmade gourmet provisions Brooklyn has to offer. At The Collective we love more than anything the chance to meet and greet new friends. We especially love getting feedback on our products and learning how you use them at home! Our three new items were a huge hit and sold out. Thanks for trying - and loving - Plum Ketchup, Spice Route Citrus Chutney and Middle Eastern Zucchini Relish.

Two other highlights for The Collective included the GFM debut of our compadres at Cheshire Canning (check out their multi-purpose Honey Heat sauce and just try to find a way not to use it) and the employment of our Spiced Peach Chutney on fellow vendor Sandwich Friend's sublime tea sandwiches.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

The Greenpoint Food Market Awakens to Spring



PRODUCT LIST FOR APRIL 10 GFM


Spice Route Citrus Chutney (new!)
Plum Ketchup (new!)
Middle Eastern Zucchini Relish with Sumac (new!)
Sweet Tomato Chutney with Black Mustard Seeds
Tomatillo Conserves
Apricot and Roasted Red Pepper Chutney
Blueberry Chutney
Date From Hell Chutney
Pear Cardamom Chutney (only a few jars left!)

Tropical Trend Alert


While NYC trend forecasters are falling over themselves in blogs, magazines and atop soapboxes (i.e. bar stools) predicting the Tiki Craze to soon land on our Eastern shores, The Collective is kinda hoping these forward glancing folks just might be right. Not that we don't love the low lighting, clandestine vibe and all that dark liquor of the current faux-Speakeasy invasion but it's time perhaps to reference another era of vintage cocktails (and maybe one not, um, so associated with the great Depression and American Dust bowl). Who doesn't love - even if with feigned guilt - umbrella drinks and the 40's/50's glamor of the Polynesian sort?

On the road to Bali be sure to channel Dorothy Lamour and grass A-lines with The D P Chutney Collective's festively retro Green Papaya Chutney, equally at home in Old Ceylon or Bora Bora. The Collective provides below a South Seas-inspired entree recipe featuring our latest condiment and encourages you to throw, in the spirit of the times, a backyard lua or island-themed picnic. Hawaiian Chicken will be a hit at either.


HAWAIIAN CHICKEN WITH GREEN PAPAYA RICE

Feel free to substitute chicken with thin pork cutlets or fish fillets. Good with stir-fried broccoli or a watercress salad. And don't forget to mix up a Mai Tai for the chef prior to preparing.

Mix about 1/2 cup each ketchup and red wine vinegar in a large bowl. Add a tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 cup of chopped pineapple and juices and 1 heaping teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Now season to taste with salt, black pepper and soy sauce - you must use all three for a layered, richer flavor. Add thin chicken cutlets (or fish or pork) to the bowl, cover and marinate in the fridge overnight.


Remove cutlets from marinade and place on an oiled baking sheet. Top with thinly sliced onions and green bell peppers and bake for about 10 minutes in an oven preheated to 400 degrees. Remove from oven, baste liberally with remaining marinade and pop in broiler for 5 minutes until just browning on edges.


Serve with Green Papaya Rice. Here's how: About 30 minutes before putting chicken in the oven, place in a saucepan: 1 cup brown rice, 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock, 1 T. soy sauce and heaping T. or two of The Collective's Green Papaya Chutney. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to very low and simmer for about 45 minutes or until rice is free from liquid. Let sit for 5 minutes, fluff gently with a fork and serve hot.