Jenkins Jellies by Hillary Danner

By Melissa Stephans

Since its inception, I’ve grown to love Gwyneth Paltrow‘s lifestyle site GOOP. The Oscar winner’s celebrity gives her access to the best and most unique food, beauty, and fashion from across the globe; so when she introduces products of any sort, I take note. Recently, in a newsletter about artisanal products, the Oscar-winning actress featured her cousin Hillary Danner’s line of homemade goodies, Jenkins Jellies.

Handcrafted foods that impress big-time celebs with well known palates, such as Paltrow, incite my curiosity.  This is probably because high profile people have access to the very best culinary delights, but have instead chosen something more simple and personal. Ms. Danner’s most vocal fans may be her famous family and friends; however, this won’t last for long.

Here’s why:  Jenkins Jellies is good.  Very good, in fact. Her jellies were so delicious and adorably packaged that I was eager to learn more about her line.  I decided to meet up with the jelly genius for the lowdown, and here is what I learned:

-Danner is one of those people you automatically cheer for simply because she has a disposition as sweet as her jellies.

-She is a hard worker, jarring product and taking interviews on her birthday (oops!).

-Hellfire Pepper Jelly started off with a bang, thanks to some helpful spice advice and a full case order from Kate Capshaw.

-Danner began jarring jellies because her L.A. home had a beautiful garden, overflowing with excess fruit and vegetables.  Business has taken off  since then (7,000 orders were placed from GOOP’s coverage alone), yet Jenkins Jellies has maintained the integrity of its ingredients by using produce from organic farmers.

-Dining with her cousin Gwyneth and uncle Bruce in New Orleans was the moment she realized the extent to which people can enjoy and celebrate food.

-A portion of the company’s profits go to the Bruce Paltrow Oral Cancer Fund.

-Hell Fire Pepper Jelly is not as scary as it sounds.  I was so nervous to try it, that I actually prayed she wouldn’t ask me to sample it in front of her.  When I did try it (in the safety and security of my own home, thank you very much), I was shocked at how pleasant it tasted.  There is a sweetness along with the heat, so it is full of flavor and not just fire.  Note:  Stir before serving.  Otherwise, the ingredients separate and the jelly becomes a tad bit runny.

-Danner suggested two ways to prepare the jelly:  Spread over a cracker with cream cheese or on toast with peanut butter.   I tried both, though I substituted the cracker for a fresh baguette.  Before you cringe at the thought of peanut butter and jalapeno jelly, remember that spice and peanuts are a basic combination for many Thai dishes.

-Jenkins Jellies makes various preserves, including one of my favorites: fig.  They put whole pieces of fruit on the inside and charming little spoons on the outside of the jar.

-This is the ideal gift for the holidays!  I like giving gifts that have just as much of a story as they do charm.  These jellies have both and are great to give a hostess for her holiday dinner, or a foodie friend as a present.

Jenkins Jellies is clearly an up-and-comer.  But what’s with the name?  Danner explained that Jenkins is her nickname, and that one of her friends who witnessed her in the midst of some jelly making magic put the two together, exclaiming, “Jenkins…making some jelly!”

It is nearly the holiday season and Jenkins Jellies is definitely gift material.

Have you tried it? Tell us what you think!