The History of Stonewall Kitchen Maine
Stonewall Kitchen Maine is a company that was founded in 1991 by Jonathan King and Jim Stott. Their passion for cooking and creating new recipes resulted in the company’s humble beginnings. The couple started selling homemade blueberry jam at a local farmers’ market in Portsmouth, NH, and quickly became local favorites. Seeing the success of their venture, King and Stott decided to expand their operation and turn it into a full-fledged business.
In 1993, the couple moved across the state line to York, Maine, where they continued to make small batches of jams, jellies, and spreads. Over the next few years, they expanded their product line to include sauces, mustards, and baking mixes. By the late ’90s, Stonewall Kitchen Maine had established a strong reputation for high-quality, delicious, and innovative products.
In 1997, the company moved to a larger facility, which included a production kitchen, a retail store, and a cooking school. The cooking school was an immediate hit with locals and tourists alike, as it offered cooking classes taught by some of the area’s best chefs. The retail store was equally successful, offering customers a wide range of kitchen gadgets, cookware, and Stonewall Kitchen products.
As the company continued to grow, King and Stott remained committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality. They sourced all of their ingredients from local farms and producers whenever possible and used only the finest, all-natural ingredients in their products. They also continued to innovate, developing new products and flavors based on customer feedback and their own culinary passions.
In 2000, Stonewall Kitchen Maine acquired Nervous Nellie’s Jams and Jellies, a small jam-making company based on Deer Isle, Maine. This acquisition allowed Stonewall Kitchen to expand its product line even further, adding unique and flavorful chutneys, marmalades, and preserves to their offerings.
Over the next few years, Stonewall Kitchen Maine continued to grow and expand, opening new retail stores and launching a successful e-commerce website. They also began selling their products in high-end grocery stores and gourmet shops across the country, gaining a national following.
Despite their success, King and Stott remained committed to their roots and continued to produce their products in small, handcrafted batches. They took pride in the fact that each jar of jam or bottle of sauce was made with the same care and attention to detail as it was when they first started out.
Today, Stonewall Kitchen Maine remains a leader in the specialty food industry, offering a wide range of high-quality products that are beloved by foodies and home cooks alike. They continue to innovate and develop new flavors, while staying true to their commitment to using only the finest, all-natural ingredients. At its heart, Stonewall Kitchen Maine is still a small company with a big passion for food, and that’s what makes it so special.
Shopping at Stonewall Kitchen Maine
Stonewall Kitchen Maine is a dream destination for food lovers. The store offers a vast range of specialty foods, kitchenware, and gifts, making it the perfect stop for anyone looking to stock up on delicious and unique products for their pantry or to buy a thoughtful foodie gift.
From the moment you step into the store, you are greeted with a visual feast for the senses. The modern rustic decor of the shop is warm and inviting, and the shelves are lined with jars of colorful jams, jellies, and fruit preserves, artisanal cheese, crackers, sauces, marinades, dips, and other gourmet foods. There is also a range of cooking tools, dishware, and other kitchen essentials that are both practical and stylish. The store’s layout is well thought out, making it easy to navigate and find what you are looking for.
What stands out most about Stonewall Kitchen Maine is the quality of its products. Everything is made with the freshest ingredients, and the attention to detail in the preparation and presentation of the food is evident. The selection of products is also impressive, and you will find that many of the items are unique and not easily found elsewhere. The store’s staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and ready to assist with any questions or recommendations. They are trained in all aspects of the products and can advise you on the best items to match your needs and preferences.
If you’re not sure where to start when shopping at Stonewall Kitchen Maine, you can’t go wrong with their signature products. The store is famous for its wild Maine blueberry jams, which are some of the best you will ever taste. Other staples include the classic New England chowder starter, traditional biscuits, and pancake mixes. For those looking to try something more exotic, Stonewall Kitchen Maine also offers a range of international foods, ranging from Indian spice blends to Italian pasta sauces.
The store’s culinary team is also keen on providing new and exciting culinary experiences through cooking classes and demonstrations. Join one of their culinary classes and discover the secrets of preparing gourmet meals while enjoying a fun and engaging atmosphere with fellow food enthusiasts. You may also learn how to make cocktails, charcuterie boards, or even decorate cakes.
Shopping at Stonewall Kitchen Maine is a delightful experience, and it’s always worth a visit. But if you’re not able to make it to their store physically, you can still shop online, and they offer an extensive range of their products for purchase on their website, including some exclusive items.
But let’s be honest, the best way to experience Stonewall Kitchen Maine is in-person. It’s the perfect place to pick up tasty souvenirs, presents, or essentials for the kitchen. You’ll leave with a smile on your face, a full stomach, and inspiration for your next culinary adventure.
Cooking with Stonewall Kitchen Maine Products
Stonewall Kitchen Maine offers a wide range of high-quality cooking products, from savory jams and spreads to spice rubs and versatile oils. Below are some easy and delicious ways to incorporate their products into your cooking:
1. Jams and Spreads
Stonewall Kitchen Maine is known for its distinct jams and spreads that are rich in flavor and can be paired with a variety of dishes. For instance, their blueberry jam is perfect for spreading on toast or using as a topping on pancakes, waffles, and French toast. Their spiced pumpkin butter is great for adding an extra layer of flavor to bread, biscuits, and scones, while their maple bacon onion jam can be used as a condiment for burgers and sandwiches. Additionally, their roasted garlic onion jam is an excellent ingredient to add to roast chicken or grilled meats for a sweet and tangy flavor.
2. Spice Rubs
If you are looking for a way to add flavor and seasoning to your meals quickly, try Stonewall Kitchen Maine’s spice rubs. They offer a variety of options such as barbecue, seafood, steak, and chicken rubs that can be used to enhance the flavor of a variety of dishes. Simply rub the seasoning onto the meat, poultry or fish, and let it sit for a few minutes before cooking it. Not only does it save you time, but it also adds distinct flavor to your meals.
3. Versatile Oils
Stonewall Kitchen Maine’s oils are a simple and effective way to add flavor and depth to your meals. They offer a wide variety of oils ranging from classic olive oil to specialty oils such as Roasted Garlic or Habanero. Their basil pesto oil can be used as a dip for bread or as a dressing for salads, while their white truffle oil can be used as a finishing oil to add a luxurious truffle flavor to pasta dishes and risottos. Their roasted garlic oil can be used for sautéing vegetables or as a marinade for chicken and fish, while their lemon herb oil makes for a perfect marinade for seafood or grilled vegetables. By using Stonewall Kitchen Maine’s oils, you can take your dishes to the next level, simply and easily.
4. Salsas and Dips
Stonewall Kitchen Maine’s salsas and dips are perfect for entertaining guests or as a quick and easy snack. Their pineapple chipotle salsa is a sweet and spicy condiment that pairs well with tortilla chips, on top of tacos, or as a glaze for grilled chicken, and their roasted garlic and onion dip is a must-try for garlic lovers. Their classic spinach and artichoke dip is a party favorite and can be served hot or cold. Additionally, their roasted garlic and onion dip is perfect for dipping chips or fresh vegetables.
5. Desserts and Baking Mixes
Stonewall Kitchen Maine also offers a range of desserts and baking mixes that are easy to prepare and perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Their chocolate brownie mix is a simple and delicious way to satisfy your chocolate cravings, while their s’mores dip kit makes for a fun and interactive dessert for the whole family. Their blueberry crisp mix is a must-try for dessert lovers, and their gluten-free chocolate chip cookie mix is perfect for those with dietary restrictions. By using Stonewall Kitchen Maine’s dessert and baking mixes, you can easily create delicious and impressive desserts that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
In conclusion, Stonewall Kitchen Maine offers a wide variety of high-quality cooking products that can enhance any dish and elevate your cooking to the next level. By incorporating their jams and spreads, spice rubs, versatile oils, salsas and dips, desserts and baking mixes into your cooking, you can create delicious and impressive meals with ease. Give these products a try and you may find that they become a staple in your pantry.
The Best Stonewall Kitchen Maine Recipes
If you’re a foodie and a fan of Maine’s local cuisine, then you’ve probably heard of Stonewall Kitchen. Based in York, Maine, this company produces a wide range of gourmet food products, including jams, sauces, dressings, and baking mixes. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best Stonewall Kitchen Maine recipes for you to try at home.
1. Blueberry Jam-Filled Muffins
Stonewall Kitchen is famous for its berry jams, and blueberry is a classic flavor in Maine. This recipe is a twist on a classic blueberry muffin, with a surprise jam filling that takes these muffins to the next level. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 1 egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fill each muffin cup about halfway with batter. Then, spoon 1 teaspoon of Stonewall Kitchen Wild Maine Blueberry Jam into the center of each cup. Top with more batter until the cups are about 3/4 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
2. Lobster Corn Chowder
Seafood is a staple of Maine cuisine, and lobster is king. This recipe is a hearty and creamy chowder that features sweet Maine corn and succulent chunks of lobster meat. Start by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 2 chopped garlic cloves. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Slowly pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, whisking constantly until smooth. Add 2 peeled and cubed potatoes and 2 cups of fresh or frozen corn kernels. Bring the chowder to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. When the potatoes are almost done, add a pound of cooked and chopped lobster meat and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir until heated through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers.
3. Maple Apple Butter Pork Chops
Stonewall Kitchen’s Maple Apple Butter is a sweet and tangy condiment that pairs perfectly with pork. This recipe uses bone-in pork chops for extra flavor, but you could also use boneless chops or a pork tenderloin. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Season 4 bone-in pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until browned. Remove the skillet from the heat and spread 2 tablespoons of Maple Apple Butter onto each pork chop. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and the apple butter is bubbling. Serve hot with roasted vegetables or a side salad.
4. Wild Blueberry Scones with Lemon Glaze
Scones are a classic breakfast pastry that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. This recipe uses Stonewall Kitchen’s Wild Maine Blueberry Jam and Lemon Curd to add extra tang and sweetness to the scones. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cut 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter into small pieces and add it to the bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1 egg to the bowl and stir until a dough forms. Fold in 1/2 cup of Stonewall Kitchen Wild Maine Blueberry Jam. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a circle about 8 inches in diameter. Cut the circle into 8 wedges and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While the scones are baking, whisk together 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of Stonewall Kitchen Lemon Curd to make a glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones and serve.
Conclusion
Maine is known for its fresh and flavorful cuisine, and Stonewall Kitchen brings that taste home with its range of gourmet food products. From sweet blueberry jams to tangy lemon curd, their ingredients take classic recipes to the next level. Whether you’re in the mood for a savory lobster chowder or a sweet and crumbly scone, these Stonewall Kitchen Maine recipes won’t disappoint. Give them a try and taste the flavors of the Pine Tree State in your own kitchen.
Visiting the Factory in York, Maine
If you’re a fan of Stonewall Kitchen’s delicious jams, sauces, and snacks, then a visit to the Stonewall Kitchen Factory in York, Maine is a must-do activity! Here, you’ll be able to experience firsthand how the company creates their gourmet products.
The factory is located at 2 Stonewall Lane in York, which is about 60 miles north of Boston and just a few minutes off of I-95. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff who will provide you with information about the different tours that are available.
One of the most popular tours is the Factory Tour, which is a behind-the-scenes look at the production process of Stonewall Kitchen’s delicious products. The tour takes you through the different stages of production, including mixing, cooking, packaging, and labeling. You’ll even get to see the kitchen’s state-of-the-art equipment in action as they create their signature products.
During the tour, you’ll also learn about the history of Stonewall Kitchen and how the company has evolved since its founding in 1991. You’ll discover how the founders, Jim Stott and Jonathan King, started the company by producing their homemade jams and selling them at local farmers’ markets. You’ll also hear about how the company has grown over the years and some of their exciting collaborations with other brands and chefs.
If you’re a foodie, then you won’t want to miss the Cooking School at Stonewall Kitchen. Here, experienced chefs will teach you how to create delicious dishes using Stonewall Kitchen products. The classes range from basic cooking techniques to advanced courses, and there’s something for everyone. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste some of the delectable dishes that are prepared during the class.
For those who are looking to shop, the Stonewall Kitchen Company Store is a must-visit. Here, you’ll find all of Stonewall Kitchen’s products, from their classic jams to their new and innovative flavors. You’ll also discover unique kitchen utensils, accessories, and gift sets that are perfect for any home chef. The store even has a section dedicated to Maine-made products that highlight local artisans and foods. Be sure to pick up some souvenirs for your friends and family back home or treat yourself to a delicious snack.
After your tour, cooking class, or shopping excursion, stop by Cafe 2 for a delicious meal or snack. The cafe features a menu that incorporates Stonewall Kitchen products into its dishes, so you’re guaranteed to taste some amazing flavors. Grab a cup of coffee and a pastry in the morning or enjoy a sandwich or salad for lunch. You can even pick up some takeout items to enjoy later on.
A visit to the Stonewall Kitchen Factory in York, Maine is a fantastic way to experience the delicious products and rich history of this iconic New England brand. With a factory tour, cooking classes, shopping, and dining, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So be sure to add it to your itinerary on your next trip to Maine!