What’s In The Box? July 21-27

Midsummer Splendor
As summer produce continues to ripen apace—from the grape tomatoes and slicing cucumbers in the gardens to the donut peaches and juicy plums in the orchards—this week’s box puts the seasonal bounty to delicious use in a farm-fresh menu starring a beautiful orzo pasta baked in smoky pork stock, plus locally-crafted halloumi cheese and sweet red pepper kabobs to toss on the grill. Freshly-made apricot jam, sun-dried tomato pomodoro loaf and a light Yakima Valley Sauvignon Blanc also help to anchor this midsummer meal.

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

Orzo Pasta

A fantastic pasta for cool summer salads thanks to its rice-like shape, this week’s orzo also pairs beautifully with smoked pork stock for a savory baked dish to serve alongside halloumi cheese kabobs—see recipes for details.

Smoked Pork Stock

Rich and hearty, this lovely stock adds an immense depth of flavor to soups, risottos and more.

Mixed Greek Olives

These plump olives add a salty and satisfying finishing touch to salads.

Pomodoro Loaf

Flecked with flavorful sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, plus a kiss of sea salt, this savory loaf is baked just for us at a small bakery in Snohomish.

Airfield Estates Sauvignon Blanc

Light-bodied, dry and refreshing, this wine from Yakima Valley’s Airfield Estates entices with flavors of zesty lemon-lime. Well balanced with a bright acidity, it possesses a clean, crisp finish that pairs perfectly with salads.

Ring of Trees Farm Halloumi Cheese

Made to traditional standards from whole sheep’s milk at Ring of Trees’ micro-dairy in Bellingham, this salty, unripened brined cheese is perfect for frying or grilling, maintaining its robust texture and savory flavor against the heat—see this week’s recipes for serving ideas.

Farm Fresh Eggs

Our small flock of heritage breed laying hens gives us fresh eggs in beautiful shades of brown and green. The “girls” are enjoying the long summer afternoons and accompanying warm evenings, chasing bugs and eating tasty green weeds we pull from the garden.

Apricot Jam

Our organic jam is crafted from gorgeous, bright orange Harglow apricots. This particular variety boasts an exceptional flavor and texture, making it ideal for cooking and preserving—enjoy!

Fresh Fruit

Lemons and Donut peaches from Tonnemaker Family Orchard, plus Santa Rosa and Shiro plums—be patient for a few days with the latter and wait to eat until soft!

Seasonal Organic Vegetables

This week’s produce selection also includes red grape tomatoes, fennel, baby Chioggia beets, white spring onions, sprouting broccoli, sugar snap peas, slicing cucumbers, sweet red peppers and Cherriette red radishes.

Seasonal Organic Greens

A beautiful selection of escarole, plus Little Gem and baby red Romaine lettuces.

Fresh Garden Herbs

Flat-leaf parsley, rosemary, shallots, sage, thyme and dill.