What’s In The Box? December 14-20

Winter Comforts
Along with its busy days and festive nights, December marks the arrival of winter, which has been especially evident this past week with our super-chilly (and icy!) weather. Come in from the cold this week to a classic, cozy lineup highlighted by rustic Italian bread, earthy Chanterelle mushrooms and locally-crafted grape cider, as well as our own seafood-kissed cioppino. Accompanied by a new crop of winter produce that includes purple carrots, pomegranates, petite fennel and more, this box will do wonders to ward off the continuing chill.

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

Cioppino

Our version of the classic San Francisco stew, this soul-soothing soup is handmade in our farmhouse kitchen with onions, peppers and garlic, plus a bevy of fresh seafood including shrimp, clams, mussels and cod, all simmered together in an incredibly flavorful tomato base.

Italian Rustica Bread

Baked just for us at a small bakery in Snohomish, this airy, rustic loaf makes for great oven-crisp crostini—just brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and rub with a fresh-cut clove of garlic before toasting.

Saget La Petite Perriere Pinot Noir 2015

This lovely Pinot Noir from the Loire Valley in France boasts an intense aromatic richness, making it a perfect choice to a chilly winter’s night. Starting with aromas of black fruits such as blackberry and blueberry and finishing with a crisp cherry-driven finish, this well-balanced wine is sure to be a hit.

Sauk Farm Grape Cider

Crafted from hand-pressed Madeleine Angevine grapes grown on Sauk Farm in Concrete, Washington, this refreshing grape cider is delicious served crisp and cold all on its own, or mixed into your next cocktail.

Farm Fresh Eggs

Our small flock of heritage breed laying hens are on an early-to-bed, later-to-rise schedule with the shorter daylight hours. As they spend more time snug in their coop, the “girls” are enjoying an extra helping of grain to supplement their diet, continuing to give us fresh eggs in beautiful shades of brown, blue and green.

Chanterelle Mushrooms

With a firm texture and light, delicate flavor, local Chanterelle mushrooms shine in a variety of dishes, lending earthy appeal to winter dishes like pastas, risottos and soups. Or, try tossing them in with your favorite roasted vegetable!

Fresh Fruit

Beautiful pomegranates, plus citrusy Cara Cara oranges and lemons.

Seasonal Organic Greens

Peppery arugula greens.

Seasonal Organic Vegetables

This week’s produce selection includes Hakurei turnips, purple carrots, Lacinato kale, sweet dumpling winter squash and Russian Banana fingerling potatoes.

Fresh Garden Herbs

Fresh Italian parsley, rosemary, thyme, garlic and shallots from the walled garden and greenhouse at Bella Luna Farms.