What’s In The Box? March 31-April 6
The Italian Spring
This week’s lineup combines a bevy of fresh spring produce—from bright, vibrant greens to golden beets—with the soulful flavors of Italy, also including soft, pillowy focaccia bread, smoky sun-dried tomato spread and a verdant, leaf-shaped pasta that is begging to star in pasta primavera for supper (see the enclosed recipe suggestions for that one!). Also including fun Italian-style pantry provisions such as salted capers, Piranske Soline Fior di Sale sea salt and soft amaretti cookies with chocolate, this box will transport you abroad, all without leaving your very own kitchen. Mangia!
Here’s what you’ll find in your box this week:
La Bella Organic Olive Leaf Pasta
Inspired by the famous Taggiasca olive trees of the Ligurian Coast, this leaf-shaped, durum wheat pasta is accented with spinach to give it its signature green color, and pack in extra flavor, too.
Focaccia Bread
This soft, chewy Italian-style loaf is baked just for us by our favorite local bakery. Kissed with fragrant fresh herbs, it is delicious served warm and dipped in olive oil.
Smoked Sun-Dried Tomato Spread
This smoky, savory condiment crafted from top-quality olive oil, herbs and flavorful sun-dried tomato is the perfect accompaniment to this week’s focaccia. Set it out as an appetizer, and it’ll disappear before dinner.
Côté Mas Rosé Aurore Sud de France
Aromatic with cherry, strawberry and floral aromas evolving toward soft candied fruit notes, this refreshing French Rosé is crafted from a combination of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah grapes. The palate is rich and smooth with ripe red fruits and a well-balanced acidity, making it a lovely aperitif or pairing for spring produce and salads.
Farm Fresh Eggs
Our small flock of heritage breed laying hens are on a not-quite-so-early-to-bed schedule with the lengthening daylight hours. As they spend a bit more time outdoors in their run, the “girls” are now also enjoying succulent popweed pulled from the gardens along with an extra helping of grain to supplement their diet, continuing to give us fresh eggs in beautiful shades of brown, beige and cream.
Piranske Soline Fior di Sale Sea Salt
These tiny pyramid-shaped crystals come from the famous European Piran salt pans, harvested using a special webbed spatula to remove them gently from the surface of the salt fields, where they form in a thin layer. A wonderful seasoning, this world-class sea salt enhances the natural flavors of fresh produce.
Marino Farms Salted Capers
Marino Farms is a producer of some of the most authentic organic seasonings and spices from southeastern Sicily, located in the province of Siracusa, and these exquisite capers are no exception. Brined in Trapani Sicilian sea salt, these Italian-grown, pickled flower buds also feature olive-like undertones; add to this week’s pasta for a salty, satisfying crunch!
Fresh Organic Greens
Enjoy a beautiful bevy of spring greens this week: Braising mix, fava shoots, escarole, salad mix and Salanova lettuce.
Seasonal Organic Fruit & Vegetables
This week’s produce selection includes baby golden beets and Cara Cara oranges.
Fresh Garden Herbs
Shallots, celery leaf and spring chives from the garden at Bella Luna Farms.
La Sassellese Soft Amaretti with Chocolate
These gluten-free cookies are made with armelline (apricot kernels), almonds, pure sugar, and egg whites, and then filled with bits of rich, dark chocolate. Soft and delicious, they are wonderful paired with espresso for dessert.
