Like a box of chocolates.

A farm box is like a box of chocolates...in that you never know what you're going to get (but that's the best part!).

Arguably, a produce box is far more healthful than a box of chocolates, and I'll argue that it's equally delicious. I recently bought a LivingSocial deal for a company called Arganica, serving the Greater D.C./Mid-Atlantic area. $72 got me three months' membership, two produce boxes, and $25 toward anything else I wanted. I bought this deal back in the winter and have been dying for the summer months to try it out. (I know winter produce can be very good too, but I fantasized about the summer farmers markets I love so much.)

My first box arrived last weekend. I woke up every hour between 5am and 9am, as their Sunday delivery window is 4-9am. I called my front desk twice in anticipation, particularly anxious about a pint of black raspberry ice cream I knew would be in the crate. The box arrived -- at last! -- around 11am, and I wasn't disappointed:

(Zucchini and summer squash, a giant red onion, white peaches, red plums, beets, artichokes, heirloom tomatoes, raw milk cheddar cheese)

(Local beer "variety" pack)

(Tomatoes, it's time for your close-up! And some sage)

(Black raspberry ice cream and apple cider doughnuts)

(Also pictured in the first photo: a big bunch of leafy kale and a head of buttery red lettuce)

It all came packaged up in a charming white crate. The trick to farm boxes is that you have to use the contents pretty fast. I found the produce wilted a little sooner than I'm used to, but I'll know better for next time. Recipes to come...but here's a sneak preview:

• Sharp cheddar mac and cheese
• Veggie ribbons with noodles
• Tomato-artichoke chicken
• Roasted beet and goat cheese salad
• Prêt-à-manger: apple cider donuts, black raspberry ice cream (served alongside a lemon cake with raspberry curd and vanilla buttercream...stay tuned)