local PROVISIONS
PJ’s Fine Foods
It all started with a family joke that turned into something deliciously real. Jared Friedman recalls that his mom, Pat Kellogg, had been whipping up her legendary party dip for years, and friends and family just couldn’t get enough of it. Jared caught the bug early, too, crafting his own Crazy Uncle Red’s Celebrated Hot Pepper Jelly that drew the same rave reviews. In 2023, the mother-son duo decided to launch PJ’s Fine Foods. What began with dips and jellies has grown into a full lineup of small-batch goodies: more jellies, spreads, hot sauces, ketchups, and mustards.
Jared has brought a real love for fermentation into the mix, which shines in several standouts. With the duo’s Uncommon Ketchup, they let tomatoes ferment for a few days, boosting lactic acid to mellow the sharpness and build rich umami flavor into the sweet, zesty, and deeply satisfying condiment, all without any artificial or added sugars. Then there’s Smooth Jazz, their Louisiana-style hot sauce. They ferment mild peppers over several weeks until they hit that perfect low pH of 3.5, creating layers of deep, savory flavor. Jared’s especially proud that it’s caught on not just around the Northeast but right in Louisiana too—proof they’re doing something right.
One of their original creations is the Sunstreek garlic spread—fermented chilies, garlic, and sunflower seeds blended into something creamy, tangy, savory, and a little funky all at once. Spread it on toast or serve it alongside a cheese board. Jared’s discovered it works magic as a mayo swap in deviled eggs, a quick base for puttanesca sauce, or wherever you want an extra punch. Everything’s vegan, natural, and made with care. Grab a jar (or a few) from local shops around Southeastern MA or on their website and play around in your own kitchen. You might just stumble onto your next favorite flavor trick.
PJ’s Fine Foods
114 Cove Street
New Bedford, MA 02744
(508) 509-9891
CrazyUncleReds.com
