Deep Dive: Enhance Any Meal or Snack with Herbert’s Wine Jelly!

Herbert’s Wine Jelly, owned by Carolyn Herbert, is a specialty food manufacturer that creates unique meal enhancements and provides jobs and independence to those struggling with mental health issues and rebuilding after recent incarceration.

Carolyn Herbert has always had a passion for helping others. Her career included 37 years working in public school special education programs. Upon retirement, it was important for Carolyn to continue helping those in need as adults. She turned to those who previously had issues coping with mental health issues and were incarcerated.

While still incarcerated, five people were identified, and so it began! Each person came up with a product and from the inside, they developed it through their imaginations. They came home to an envelope of the profits of their product and a job.

These are currently the five employees of Herbert’s. They learn all of the steps and departments of the business for cross-training and leadership roles. Herbert’s Wine Jelly now has five food products, an additional focus on notecards copied from Prison Art, supporting the families still incarcerated. The focus is on gift items as well as personalized labels. All items are non-alcoholic. Ultimately, Carolyn’s plan is to give the company to those employed to allow them to carry on an established business.

From the cookbook put together by the employees and friends, Herbert’s Unique Recipes, focuses on easy ways to change a normal meal to an extraordinary event. A few ideas for incorporating the wine jellies are below! 

Menu:

Salad with warm Pear Pinot Grigio or Raspberry Rose’ as a salad dressing.

Baked chicken in the oven or on the grill.  Use warmed Orange Pineapple Chardonnay and brush on the chicken several times to create a golden glaze.

Fresh Green beans can be cooked as usual, but just before serving, mix Bacon Seasoning/Dip Mix. Toss and serve.

Mashed or baked potatoes are improved greatly with a shake of Beer infused Salt and/or Bourbon Pepper.  

A summer drink with cocoa mix, ice and a blender!

An apple pie without the top crust, but covered with Apricot Jelly prior to cooking. 

More recipes can be found at herbertswinejelly.com.