What’s In The Box? December 9-15

Very Merry
Pour yourself a glass of wine, invite over a few friends, and cuddle up on the couch to enjoy a festive sampling thanks to this week’s lineup of antipasti-ready bites—think housemade eggplant caponata spooned over crackly crostini, smoky-and spicy crepinette salami, Marcona almonds and imported Italian charcoal parchment crackers, plus wintery produce that ranges from Cara Cara oranges and Brussels sprouts to mixed radicchio and Robin’s Koginut squash. Get ready to mix and match to your heart’s content with this box, which also includes multigrain bread, farm-fresh eggs, and even a petite gingerbread house kit to make it a holly jolly evening indeed.

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

Smoking Goose Delaware Fireball

This crepinette salami from the renowned Smoking Goose Meatery is crafted from pork seasoned with red chiles and espelette pepper before being wrapped by hand in caul fat and cold-smoked for days in the brand’s gravity-fed smoker. Easy to slice, it makes an excellent addition to an antipasti board: Highlight the smoke and balance the heat with some dried fruits or preserves.

Nonna Pat’s Eggplant Caponata

Crafted in our farmhouse kitchen from hearty eggplant and peppers, green olives, briny capers and juicy golden raisins, Nonna’s traditional Sicilian relish is lovely on our homemade crostini.

Housemade Crostini

Crispy, crunchy and crackly: Our homemade crostini provides a delicious base for a variety of accompaniments!

Pane Carasau Sardinian Edible Charcoal Parchment Crackers

Tradition meets innovation in this contemporary riff on pane carasau imported from Italy. (Plus: The stunning color is sure to add a little extra something to your spread.)

Multigrain Bread

Crafted in nearby Snohomish by our favorite bakery, this healthy freshly-baked loaf is made with locally-milled Shepherd’s Grain flour and seven different whole grains, plus a hint of honey and toasted sunflower seeds.

Hedges Family Estates CMS Sauvignon Blanc 2020

This unique Washington wine combines the interesting aromatics and acidity of a Sauvignon Blanc with the inviting mouthfeel of a Chardonnay. Lively with the aromas of lemongrass, pineapple and shortbread, it also features a bright acidity with hints of green apple flavor.

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, beige and cream.

Marcona Almonds

Sweet and buttery, these imported Spanish almonds are great for snacking or tossing into salads for a little added crunch.

Beluga Black Caviar Lentils

These hearty, small ebony-hued lentils resemble caviar and boast a unique taste and texture. Versatile and indulgent, they are also quick-cooking with skins that almost melt away in the process; the end result is a firm, yet creamy, bean. (To cook, simmer the beans gently with salted water or stock, a bay leaf and a garlic clove until done, about 20-25 minutes. Check often as they can overcook quickly.)

Seasonal Fruit

Meyer lemons and Cara Cara oranges.

Fresh Organic Greens

Mixed radicchio, curly kale and micro pea shoots.

Seasonal Organic Vegetables

This week’s produce selection also includes Walla Walla sweet onions, Brussels sprouts, carrots, leeks and shallots. Also in your box: Robin’s Koginut squash, which is smooth and silky like Kabocha squash but also with the rich, sweet flavor of a Butternut.

Fresh Garden Herbs

Music garlic, Italian parsley and thyme from the walled garden at Bella Luna Farms.

Persephone Bakery Mini Gingerbread House Kits

This kit includes fresh-made gingerbread pieces to form the building blocks of your petite abode, as well as edible holiday decorations, crystal snow and a powdered sugar packet for piping your frosting glue.