Sun Ripened Recipes
No matter how you pronounce it, the word ‘tomato’ practically sings of summer, as well it should as the seasonal beauties are now at their best here in August. This week’s box pays homage to the ripe, juicy summer favorite with a selection of heirloom tomatoes, plus fresh bucatini pasta, sun-dried tomato-kissed Pomodoro bread, farm-fresh eggs, and smoky scamorza cheese all to help you enjoy their vine-ripened glory. A wealth of summer produce ranging from fennel and peppers to summer squash and cucumbers, plus ripe Tuscan melon and fresh-picked blueberries from Bow, Washington, finishes off this bright and beautiful lineup.
Here are a few recipe ideas for the week:
Fresh Bucatini Pasta with Heirloom Tomatoes & Basil
Using top-notch olive oil and an authentic Grana-style cheese are key to this dish’s success.
Tian Provencal
If you are looking for a new vegetarian centerpiece, this baked dish is both gorgeous and delicious.
Heirloom Tomato Salad with Corn & Roasted Sweet Onions
Roasted sweet onion adds a wonderful depth of flavor to this refreshing salad.
Cucumber Melon Salad with Feta
A true homage to summer, this salad from The Splendid Table is cool, crisp and juicy.
Pan-Fried Peppers with Lemon & Garlic
Seasoned with slivered garlic, this Bon Appetit recipe is a favorite for enjoying fresh peppers.
Pickled Blueberries
These tart-sweet berries are a wonderful finishing touch for salads and sandwiches (try them on grilled cheese sammie crafted with this week’s smoky scamorza).
Fresh Bucatini Pasta with Heirloom Tomatoes & Basil
Using top-notch olive oil and an authentic Grana-style cheese are key to this dish’s success.
Ingredients:
1 pound fresh bucatini pasta
1 pound (about 2-3) heirloom tomatoes, diced
¼ cup julienned basil leaves
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
2 tablespoons finely-chopped shallot
1 garlic clove, minced
Pinch red pepper flakes
Shaved Grana-style cheese, for garnish
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta to the water, stir gently and cook until al dente, 1½ to 2 minutes. Drain.
2. In a large bowl, toss together the tomatoes, 2 tablespoons olive oil, vinegar, red pepper flakes, shallot and garlic. Season to taste with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Place the drained pasta on top of the tomato mixture and toss to combine. Stir in the basil and season with additional salt if needed. Transfer to a large serving bowl, drizzle with additional olive oil and sprinkle with Grana-style cheese. Serve immediately.
Heirloom Tomato Salad with Basil-Pesto Vinaigrette and Fresh Mozzarella
A beautiful twist on the classic Caprese salad!
Ingredients:
2 pounds heirloom tomatoes, cored and cut into thick rounds
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into thick rounds
Toasted pine nuts and freshly-chopped basil leaves (optional)
For basil-pesto vinaigrette:
2 small garlic cloves, chopped
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
2 cups lightly packed basil
¼ cup shredded Grana-style cheese
3 tablespoons white balsamic or white wine vinegar
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. Combine vinaigrette ingredients in a food processor; process until smooth. Season to taste with sea salt and fresh ground pepper.
2. On a serving platter, arrange the tomato slices and mozzarella cheese rounds in an alternating pattern. Drizzle with the pesto vinaigrette and season with additional salt and pepper as desired. Garnish with additional toasted pine nuts and additional chopped basil as desired.
South by Northwest Recipes
From organic Andouille sausage and fresh okra to ripe yellow peaches, the soulful flavors of the South await this week, blending beautifully with Pacific Northwest produce like heirloom tomatoes, Hakurei turnips, mixed summer squash, baby beets, broccolini, and salt and pepper cucumbers. This comforting box also includes Pain au Levain bread, farm-fresh eggs and locally-grown Shiso apricots and Triple Crown blackberries to complement the most-classic, down-home spread. Enjoy!
Here are a few recipe ideas for the week:
Stewed Okra with Heirloom Tomatoes
This quick-cooked okra stew is the perfect combination of savory, tangy, and just a little bit spicy.
Butter-Braised Turnips with Greens
Simmered in rich chicken stock, this dish is finished with lemon juice and thyme for fresh appeal.
Marinated Cucumber Salad
Super simple and healthy, this salad is perfect for lunch or dinner.
Quick-Pickled Okra
A crisp, crunchy, puckery treat to stash in your fridge!
Grilled Peaches with Mascarpone, Pistachios & Balsamic Glaze
Peaches off the grill are a true summer delight—we particularly love this salty, sticky-sweet topping.
