PUMPKIN SPICE PIE BY THE SLICE
Hello Chimacum Corner Community!
Of all annuals, perhaps winter squash are the most imperialistic. Imagine, from one pumpkin seed, a vine that can travel ten to twelve feet in one direction! They are audacious, emboldened primadonnas. And their craft; so loud, so expressive. Reds and oranges, deep greens and “hubbard” blues. There is a point every year when you can no longer distinguish the individual beds of a squash patch, when the vines stitch together a sea of bright green. They toil in obscurity, raising a host of gourds beneath the waves of green. Some put all of their seeds in one basket, and rear some behemoth offspring. It is an annual tradition at CCF to obtain a giant pumpkin and have a “guess-the-weight” gift card contest. This year’s pumpkin has a name, and he is “Big Pumper,” in honor of this historic Mariner’s run we are witness to. There’s “Fall Classics” happening all over the Corner at the moment, candies, pies, pumpkins, and cases of apples! Read along to see what’s hanging off the vine these days at the greatest show in rural natural merchandising.
Get Pumped!
The Corner Nursery has been pumping pumpkin iron for several weeks now, and we are excited to welcome the addition of our Giant Pumpkin, who this year has been named “BIG PUMPER,” in honor of that bodacious switch-hittin’ catcher we all revere. Be sure to enter your poundage-guess into our annual “guess the weight” contest for the big guy. Our chief suppliers of ornamental pumpkins this year have been Space Twins Provisions, with their mini orange and black pumpkins (as well as large jacks), and of course, Dharma Ridge Farm, dropping macro loads of jacks, warties, and novelties. If you’re too swamped to visit a patch, buying a local pumpkin from the Corner is a great way to still support the local farms growing specialty crops for this very specific moment in the harvest calendar.
Winter Deluxury
Our pumpkin bacchanalia is not limited to the ornamentals in the Nursery, folks. The Produce Porch has a whole host of gourds to back up the “Big Pumper” out front. Chief among them is Midori Farm’s Winter Luxury Pie Pumpkin. Look for it’s unique “netted” skin that is textured and has the feel of a fine grit sandpaper. It is the consensus local favorite for pie making. Not to be outdone, Red Dog Farm has their classic Sugar Pie Pumpkins, which have the dual value of looking like little jack o lanterns on your counter before you cook them. For soups, Red Dog’s Red Kuri is a perennial fan favorite. These are just the pumpkin-y types, there’s a whole horde of gourds out there for you to decorate your kitchen with, check’em out and ask our friendly front of house any queries you might have!
KEEPIN’ THE CASES FLOWIN’
APPLES - 20# cases - prices vary
$30 DOLLAR CASES - Jonagold, Red Rubens, Ruby Jonathan, FUJI!
$35 DOLLAR CASES - Snow Sweet, Akane, Cortland, Macoun, Ida Red
$40 DOLLAR CASES - Honeycrisp
TOP SHELF CASES (inquire for pricing) - Sweetie, Sweet Maia, Mountain Rose, Ludacrisp, Crimson Crisp
ITALIAN PLUMS - 5# cases - $12 & 14# cases - $32
Pumpkin Spice by the Slice
Just in time for autumnal cozy season, our Pie Queen Hanni has rolled out the first batch of Winter Luxury Pumpkin Pies! Made by hand in the Corner Kitchen, this is a time-tested recipe that is sure to satisfy that yearning for fall treats. Comprised of solely organic ingredients, and using hyperlocally sourced pumpkins, it is truly a “Food From Here” card-carrying member. Pick up a slice or a whole round on your next stop!
Better Get Some Nog
Despite our quest for answers, we have seen a momentary, mysterious, across-the-board dwindling of supply on organic milks, half and half, heavy cream, and more. Our dairy buyer has attempted to source product from multiple vendors, with limited success. As this is a staple food, it is of the utmost importance to us to see a return of dairy to the shelves. If you have more questions, Bruce and Harvey, our grocery managers, are here to give you the lowdown and what to expect moving forward. But have no fear when it comes to NOG! The time is now for sipping, topping, and blending with this seasonal specialty. We’ve got a hearty supply of the OG Egg Nog and Pumpkin Spice version from Grace Harbor Farms, in Custer, WA.
Unreal Deals
Get those trick-or-treat bags out of storage, it’s time to load them up! Our INFRA deal for the latter half of October is a Halloween spooktacular: bags of Unreal Chocolates in multiple varieties are all two dollars off! One staff fave from the Unreal line is the Dark Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat Bar. Think Snickers but better! Who doesn’t love nougat? Friendly reminder that deal items tend to sell faster than other items, so if you see it, stock up on it!
Apple Tasting With Luke Tonnemaker
Friendly neighborhood reminder: Sunday, October 26th
from 11am to 2pm!
Luke Tonnemaker and family, of Tonnemaker Hill Farm in Royal City, WA will be here on Sunday, October 26th to host their annual apple tasting in the nursery greenhouse! Luke is a living treasure trove of fruit knowledge, works like a dog, and is just an all-around sweetheart. Get the full run-down on all of Luke’s faves. And enjoy the final day of the Chimacum Farmers Market season as well!
