Hi, April! The Latest News from Farm & Larder and Bella Luna Farms

As we greet the month of April here at the farm, spring seems to be in full swing! As we are busy both indoors during the drippy days, and then outdoors during those glorious sun breaks, there are lots of developments to share:

This month, we kick-off the first of our Classes on the Farm spring workshops, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome the expert instructors, and you, our guests, to the farm for one of these one-of-a-kind experiences. The full April roster is listed here below and our May calendar has just been posted; take a peek and reserve your spot today! (Hint, hint: Any of these classes would make for a lovely Mother’s Day gift!)

Elsewhere around the farm, in the orchard, we have just finished the last of the winter pruning as the orchard is beginning to wake up. Just in time, too, as a new resident is about to move in and join our budding fruit trees—a new apiary site is underway, with new honeybee hives arriving from RainyDay Bees later this month. In the creamery, we have been busy checking on the cheeses aging in the cave in between whipping up batches of fresh ricotta or silky crème fraîche.

We have also been busy dividing last summer’s dahlia tubers, getting them ready for planting , and have also just planted 120 peonies and over 1500 perennials as we expand our cut flower production-we are very excited to see last year’s perennials already popping up, and are hoping for an exceptional cut flower season ahead!

Spring is also starting in the vegetable garden, where we have been both pulling weeds and adding compost, planting onions and leek starts as well as hardy lettuces, kale and peas, with hundreds of seeds going into flats in the hoophouse for starts to be ready for planting later in the month. The herbs continue to grow in the walled garden, kissing the air with the savory scent of thyme, parsley and chives, and the Shiro plum tree that graces the east wall is about to burst into bloom⁠—hopefully the weather will cooperate for a good crop of juicy golden fruit this summer!

Here’s to a bountiful and beautiful spring!

CLASSES ON THE FARM

Epicurean Experiences, Curated Classes & One-of-a-Kind Workshops—All Enjoyed in Very Good Company
DETAILS & REGISTRATION

FRENCH SPRING SUPPER (April 14th):
Former Sitka & Spruce Chef Danny Conkling explores the beautiful bounty of spring through a classic French supper during this one-of-a-kind cooking class.

THE ART OF BUTTERMAKING (April 20th):
Back by popular demand, professional cheese and buttermaker Meghan McKenna teaches us how to make glorious cultured butter at home.

SOULFUL FLAVORS OF THE SOUTH (April 21st):
Chef Matt Lewis of Where Ya At Matt? Fame will guide us through an exploration of classic New Orleans recipes, including gumbo with a Northwest twist, and freshly-made beignets!

CREATE YOUR OWN BOTANICAL JEWELRY (April 27th):
Learn how to make beautiful botanical jewelry! Join expert gardener designer and garden coach Susan Papanikolas for this dreamy workshop and learn what plants work well for these stunning adornments.

What’s In The Box? April 4-10

Spring Delicacies
From ruby-red rhubarb and asparagus to the season’s first fiddleheads, spring produce abounds in this week’s delivery, both in the garden and foraged from the wild. This box takes full advantage of these new delights with such complementary provisions as crisp salad greens, Arborio rice, and both farm-fresh hen and duck eggs. Add to this a loaf of Italian Rustica bread, lemon poppyseed muffins, fragrant herbs and Meyer lemons, and let the flavors of spring delight everyone at the table.

Here’s what you’ll find in your box this week:

Spring Rhubarb

It’s rhubarb season! This week, enjoy the first of this ruby-red spring favorite, which boasts a wonderful sweet-tart flavor.

Locally-Foraged Fiddleheads

A true spring delicacy! These tightly-coiled tips of the Lady fern are only available for a short time during the spring months and boast a grassy, slightly-nutty flavor when sautéed—they are also a lovely addition to pastas, risottos, and more.

Arborio Rice

This round-grain rice comes from the Po River Valley region of Italy and is named for the town of Arborio located in the heart of the area. When cooked with our flavorful chicken stock and a splash of white wine, it becomes creamy and starchy and is a great accompaniment to just about any flavor combination, like this week’s fiddleheads.

Italian Rustica Bread

This freshly-baked loaf is made at a small bakery in Snohomish using a wild yeast starter, which creates an airy, chewy bread and a delightfully-crisp crust. This bread is wonderfully sliced and toasted for crostini—simply rub each piece with a cut clove of garlic for extra flavor.

Lemon Poppyseed Muffins

Freshly-baked muffins kissed with bright lemon and poppyseeds.

Yalumba The Y Series Pinot Grigio 2022

Light and dry, this Pinot Grigio from South Australia features aromas of fresh pear juice with white flowers, and then flavors of crisp apple, fresh pear and jasmine with cinnamon and baked apple on the mid-palate. These generous fruit flavors are complemented by a rich, creamy, lingering finish.

Farm Fresh Eggs

As they spend more time outdoors with the improving weather, our heritage breed laying hens are enjoying an extra helping of grain to supplement their diet, and continue to give us fresh eggs in beautiful shades of brown, beige and cream.

Duck Eggs

With near-transparent egg whites and color-rich oversize yolks, these local duck eggs are a chef’s dream, lending flavorful appeal to a variety of dishes.

Bella Cucina Preserved Lemon Cream

This lovely provision features finely-diced preserved lemons from the Bella Cucina kitchens folded into a tangy lemon cream along with whole eggs to create a soft, creamy texture. Spoon over pancakes or waffles, or fold into whipped cream to add a creamy brightness to your favorite dessert!

Farm & Larder Chicken Stock

Made from roasted Bella Luna chickens, this flavorful stock has been simmered slowly with fresh herbs, aromatic vegetables, and seasoned with a dash of sea salt and black pepper.

Seasonal Organic Greens

Gorgeous Bibb lettuce.

Seasonal Organic Produce

This week’s produce selection also includes asparagus, purple sprouting broccoli, carrots, leeks, and Cipollini onions, plus Cara Cara oranges and Meyer lemons.

Fresh Garden Herbs

Garlic, thyme and Italian parsley from the walled garden and hoophouse at Bella Luna Farms.

What’s In The Box? March 28-April 3

Spring Delights
Just in time for your Easter weekend gatherings, this week’s lineup sings of spring with bright and fresh ingredients. Starring fixings for a homey, flavorful meal comprised of locally-smoked ham hocks, heirloom dried beans, and corn muffins, this delivery also includes multigrain bread, farm-fresh eggs, our handcrafted chicken stock and an array of fresh produce from the garden—baby golden beets to fragrant garlic and French fingerling potatoes to collard greens. Enjoy!

Here’s what you’ll find in your box this week:

Jack Mountain Smoked Ham Hocks

Carefully trimmed, then brined with an in-house spice blend and rubbed with thyme and garlic, this beautiful ham hock from the Skagit Valley-based meat company Jack Mountain is also smoked all day over hazelnut shells. The result is a delicious, savory ham that will add a deep, rich, smoky flavor to your dinner table.

Heirloom Dried Marfax Beans

Cultivated by Boldly Grown Farm in Bow, Washington, these dried Marfax beans are mild in flavor, and buttery in texture, retaining their shape even with long, slow cooking.

Multigrain Bread & Corn Muffins

Both baked in nearby Snohomish by our favorite bakery, this week’s selection includes a healthy, freshly-baked loaf made with locally-milled Shepherd’s Grain flour and seven different whole grains, plus a hint of honey and toasted sunflower seeds, as well as light and fluffy corn muffins! (Just add honey!)

Evodia Garnacha 2020 Altovinum

This dark purple Spanish wine possesses inky aromas of black cherry, red licorice, red raspberry and ripe plum with a beautiful floral touch and baked spices. On the palate, it is very fresh and supple with rich berry fruit flavors, peppery overtones and a succulent finish.

Farm Fresh Eggs

As they spend more time outdoors with the improving weather, our heritage breed laying hens are enjoying an extra helping of grain to supplement their diet, and continue to give us fresh eggs in beautiful shades of brown, beige and cream.

Farm & Larder Chicken Stock

Made from roasted Bella Luna chickens, this flavorful stock has been simmered slowly with fresh herbs, aromatic vegetables, and seasoned with a dash of sea salt and black pepper.

Seasonal Fruit

Cara Cara oranges, Minneola tangelos and lemons.

Seasonal Organic Greens

Hearty collard greens to pair with this week’s smoky ham hocks and heirloom beans.

Seasonal Organic Produce

This week’s produce selection also includes sweet yellow onions, orange carrots, baby golden beets, French fingerling potatoes, leeks and Calcot spring onions.

Fresh Garden Herbs

Garlic, thyme, chives, Mojito mint and fresh bay leaves from the walled garden and hoophouse at Bella Luna Farms.

What’s In The Box? March 21-27

Good Morning
Put on a pot of locally-roasted coffee and perk up your taste buds with this week’s selection of spring-fresh brunch fare, which stars locally-smoked bacon rashers, freshly-baked cinnamon-raisin bread, F&L biscuit mix, and, of course, farm-fresh eggs from our heritage breed hens. The bright and fresh delivery also includes both fromage blanc and tangy buttermilk from our creamery, fragrant herbs, and seasonal citrus, plus such spring favorites as baby red beets, yellow Cipollini onions and fennel. Rise and shine, it’s breakfast time!

Here’s what you’ll find in your box this week:

Jack Mountain Smoked English-Style Bacon Rashers

Also known as back bacon, the rashers from this Skagit Valley-based meat company are hand cut from the loin with a portion of the belly still attached. Each belly cut is dry-cured the “old school” way, by hand, aged for a minimum of eight days, and are smoked all day over hazelnut shells. The resulting rashers crisp up very well, yet still have a big meaty chew.

F&L Biscuit Mix

Made from organic flour, sugar and butter, plus aluminum-free baking powder and a dash of sea salt, our savory housemade biscuit mix bakes up light and fluffy. Top hot-from-the-oven biscuits with crispy bacon rashers and fried eggs to craft some killer breakfast sammies!

Stone-Ground Mustard

Crafted in-house from mustard seeds, water, vinegar, salt and spices, this immensely-flavorful wholegrain mustard is wonderful served with this week’s corned beef and bevy of vegetables.

Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Baked just for us by our favorite local bakery, this fresh-baked cinnamon raisin loaf makes for a delicious base to French toast.

Island Time Coffee Ferry Line Blues Roast

Crafted specifically for the Northwest aesthetic, Island Time Coffee Company sources only the finest, farm-direct, sustainable coffee beans from Latin America and Indonesia. All of the Whidbey Island-based company’s coffee is small-batch roasted, ensuring the best possible freshness, and this particular medium-roasted blend boasts a broad range of tangy and aromatic flavors to ensure a full-bodied cup of coffee without any bitterness.

J. Mourat Collection Vin de France Rosé

Comprising vineyards spanning 120 hectares, Vignobles Mourat represents one of the largest viticultural plots dedicated to organic agriculture in the Loire Valley. Made from Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Cab Franc, this bright and thirst quenching Rosé is bursting with aromas of crushed cherry, watermelon and herb. It is fleshy on the palate with intense flavors of cherry and raspberry.

Farm Fresh Eggs

As they spend more time outdoors with the improving weather and blue skies this past week, our heritage breed laying hens are enjoying an extra helping of grain to supplement their diet, and continue to give us fresh eggs in beautiful shades of brown, beige and cream.

Bellsong Creamery Trio

Enjoy not one, not two, but three fresh dairy provisions from our in-house creamery, Bellsong, this week: Beautifully-thick, tangy, creamy buttermilk, fresh fromage blanc, and rich and silky crème fraîche.

Seasonal Fruit

Cara Cara oranges and sweet-tart Tango mandarins.

Seasonal Organic Greens

Bibb lettuce and mixed microgreens grown in our hoophouse.

Seasonal Organic Produce

This week’s produce selection also includes fennel, red and yellow Cipollini onions, purple sprouting broccoli, baby red beets and Austrian Crescent fingerling potatoes.

Fresh Garden Herbs

Fragrant garlic and thyme from the walled garden and hoophouse at Bella Luna Farms.

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