LOCAL BREADS & BAKES
Frost on the ground is a welcome sight these days, as it likely means a clear sky, crisp sun day. As we head into the dog days of January, the woodstoves trail little rivulets of smoke into the valleys all day long. The fires (some literal) remain lit in the ovens of the bakers as well, and this week we are celebrating all things leavened and unleavened. Whether savory or sweet, this county is a who’s who of scratch bakers. Follow the trail of breadcrumbs through our newsletter to find your way to tasty baked delights!
RISE AND SHINE
We are fortunate to have a whole ecosystem of high quality baking companies in our county, and thought the time ripe to celebrate them once again for those who don’t know them all intimately. No survey of local bread would be complete without a tribute to Pane D’Amore, the longest standing company with the widest variety. They have their own metal rack at CCF, as well as a large share of our pastry case. The blueberry danishes and gluten free chocolate cookies are exquisite. Of course, as mentioned last week, we stock various bagels from Bob’s Bakery Bagels, and they are always a delight, and the toppings are always abundant.
Our two adored farm-based bakeries are White Lotus Farm and Chimacum Valley Grainery. White Lotus Farm specializes in a gluten-free buckwheat quinoa sourdough boule. They have sourced some of their flours from Chimacum Valley Grainery for many years, and are a true mom-and-pop shop (Hi Natalie and Niall!). Chimacum Valley Grainery started out as the grain farming project of Keith Kisler, and has evolved into a full bakery and brewery that churns out loaves, pasta, beer, pastries, flour, and more. With deep roots in the community through their tireless hours as founders of Finnriver and various community organizations, the Grainery is a blue-chip operation that has the bones to provide our community with the pinnacle of local foods for generations to come.
Last but not least, we are proud to stock Cearra’s Cinnamon Rolls, a delicious local sweet treat from homegrown talent. Cearra used to be a kitchen manager at our very own Corner Kitchen. She left her post to go all-in on her local small business. Having dialed in her cinnamon roll offerings, she added in several cookie options to diversify her sweet selections. A local mom with an entrepreneurial spirit, what’s not to love? Her whole family gets involved too, which any small business owner can relate to. All in all, it is an easy task to stock the “carbs” section when your town is full of so many wonderful bakers.
Sometimes it’s hard to keep track of which vendor and product lands when, so we compiled a list of delivery schedules for all local breads. Broad strokes, Sundays and Mondays are when inventory is lightest…
Pane d’Amore Bakery - Delivered Tuesday through Saturday in the early AM
Chimacum Grainery - Delivered Monday through Friday around 10AM
White Lotus Farm- Delivered Fridays around 10AM
(White Lotus is taking a break Jan 30th and has Maternity leave starting March! Stock up!)
Bob's Bakery Bagels - Delivered by Bicycle! Friday through Sunday around 9AM
Cearra's Cinnamon Rolls & Cookies - Delivered Wednesday and Friday
AVO-A-GO-GO
Small avocados have been a screaming deal all January and continue to delight. We have had a steady flow of little green buddies at the reasonable price of 4 for $5 dollars. The small size makes them easily consumable for one person so you don’t have to worry about saving avocado halves in the fridge. Grab a pile of Avo’s and a fresh baked local loaf - tis the season for avocado toast! And if you enjoy even more fats, like our GM Nicole, sprinkling some home fried bacon bits on there too!
SOUP ON LOOP
Need another suggestion on how to consume even more local bread? How ‘bout dunking it into some locally wrought soup? Need we remind you that we have the full armada of Soups by Crust available in our frozen section. Kelly of Crust Pies, Queen of Soup and Hand Pies, makes batches especially for CCF sourcing ingredients directly from our meat, produce, and bulk departments. Current offerings include Creamy Tomato, Shiitake, Bean, & Kale, Hungarian Mushroom Barley, Mulligatawny, Turkey Wild Rice, Tuscan Chicken, and African Peanut. Nothing takes the edge off a long day in the cold like chunks of local bread and spoonfuls of local soup!
TEMPEH ON YOUR WAY
If you’re looking for a hearty protein-filled salad that has delicious dressing and expertly prepared ingredients, then the Corner Kitchen Tempeh Salad is right in your wheelhouse. Shredded carrot, peanuts, and sliced cucumber complement brown rice and the marinated Black Bean Tempeh from Squirrel & Crow, to which you can liberally apply Tamari Peanut Ginger dressing as you see fit. This all takes place on a bed of salad mix. We are so grateful for the healthy, easy lunch options that the Corner Kitchen crew creates.
DOUBLE THE DEALS IN 2025
It’s that time again - the deals have switched! Come on in every two weeks to track the switch of what the DEALS offerings extravaganza has “in store” for you.
WE’RE HIRING!
We’ve got some rare long-term and seasonal opportunities to join our crew! Take a look, pass it along, or apply!
FRONT OF HOUSE CLERK
Come join the Corner crew as a Front of House clerk! Work with a close-knit team at the center of action. Responsibilities include cashiering, engaging in a friendly and genuine way with customers, light stocking, tidying, and other store duties. Retail experience in a lively setting is preferred. We’re looking for community-oriented folks who are passionate about local food systems and contributing to the friendliest customer service on the peninsula.
KITCHEN ASSISTANT
We’re looking for an experienced KITCHEN ASSISTANT to help prepare our expanding selection of breakfast offerings. This position will focus on preparing grab-and-go breakfast goodies, including biscuit sandwiches, quiches, breakfast burritos, scones, and other treats. Duties will include production, prep for the following day, assisting other team members, and cleanup. We are looking for folks who are passionate about fresh, local ingredients and preparing food for the community with love and attention.
SEASONAL NURSERY ASSISTANT
It’s hard to believe that spring is practically right around the corner. It’s already time to hire our cadre of Seasonal Nursery Assistants! Positions will start between late February and mid March, and will last through the summer growing season.
