By Dave Schroeder

A Paxton food company is gaining recognition in national competitions. Rafter 7S is located on a cattle ranch and operated by the Seifer family. Sherri Seifer explains that she started selling jellies several years ago at farmer's markets and craft shows. They were a hit and people suggested she get them into stores. She assists her husband with their ranching operations but, about four years ago she was also looking for some work that she could do around their ranching and children's activities. It was then that she decided to set-up a commercial kitchen.

The Seifers uses wild fruits from the area and locally grown peppers for their jellies, glazes and syrup that they make. Last fall, two of their products placed in a national competition by Chile Pepper Magazine. More recently, the Holiday Habanero Glaze, has been recognized as a finalist in an artisanal food competition sponsored by the Gallo Family Vineyards. Pastabilities Unlimited in Firth is the only other Nebraska finalist in the competition.

Seifer describes the pepper jelly as having a spicy sweet taste that some people spread over crackers with cream cheese. The pepper glazes can be used on meats much in the same way that one uses barbecue sauce. An example is using pepper glaze over little cocktail franks in place of barbecue. She also says pouring the pepper glaze over ice cream or cheesecake makes for an unusual but, tasty dessert.

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