Author: Content Specialist (Page 11)

Around this time of year, most people are looking for no cook recipes to beat the heat. When hot weather hits the Pacific Northwest in the summer, it can be challenging to find the motivation to cook. Many people do not have air conditioning, and cooking means slaving over a hot stove. But there are certainly several alternatives! You can easily prepare and eat a week’s worth of food with little or minimal cooking. All it takes is a little innovation, fresh ingredients, and preparation: Think fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and meat or other protein. 

No Cook Recipes

When you’re exhausted from the heat and busyness of everyday life, no cook recipes are life-savers. You don’t always have to use the stove, oven, or even grill when cooking— and when it’s as hot as this summer, you probably want to stay away from any extra heat. You can cool off and still feel satisfied with your meal easily with no cook recipes like these.

Sandwiches With Variety

Get creative with your usual meal! That means trying something new to you, like a bahn mi or pita wrap. Try to mix and match a variety of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and spreads like:

• Tacoma Boy’s own deli Smoked Turkey Breast
• New York Style Pastrami
• Green bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Microgreens or sprouts
• Avocado
• Tillamook Cream Cheese
• Mustard and Co. Ballpark Black Pepper Mustard

Fresh Cut Vegetables and Dip

Veggies and dip is a healthy and light no cook recipe that is easy to customize to your liking— You could try Simply Organic French Onion Dip Mix or Gnarly Garlic Dip with freshly cut cucumber, carrot, celery, and cherry tomatoes. Serve them with potato chips, too, for an extra salty edge.

Salads

Pasta salad is an especially great no cook recipe! But any type of salad, served cold, can be filling and delicious for a summer go-to dish. And while pasta salads do require a small amount of cooking via boiling water, the payoff is worth it! Pasta salad is generally served cold and can be loaded with vegetables, beans, meat, cheese, and more. Try Great Low Carb Bread Company Orzo as the pasta base. Or for a quick and easy option, Tacoma Boys offers a variety of premade and packaged pasta salad. For other salad ideas, try:

• Garden salad (loaded with vegetables)
• Fruit salad
• Taco salad
• Cucumber radish salad (with a creamy dressing)
• Caprese salad (with fresh heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, and balsamic vinegar)

Tacoma Boy’s Favorite Summer Recipes

Summer recipes are light, refreshing, and utilize the best seasonal produce. Tacoma Boys boasts a wide selection of local fruit and vegetables to choose from. And why not get creative and use the season as a chance to try different tasty recipes? These no cook summer recipes are just right for the weather. 

Zucchini Noodles

Also known as zoodles, zucchini noodles are spiralized zucchinis: Try tossing the zoodles with Napoleon Basil Pesto or Stonewall Kitchen Sundried Tomato Pesto and serve cold for a refreshing dish that is full of summer flavor.

Stuffed Avocados

These are the ultimate hack to a protein packed summer recipe! You could stuff avocado halves with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. Then drizzle it with Delallo Balsamic Glaze for a caprese-style stuffed avocado. Check out this post by Simple Veganista for more inspiration on how to stuff avocados.

Vegetable Spring Rolls With Peanut Sauce

Try Tacoma Boy’s recipe for spring rolls with chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and an abundance of assorted vegetables wrapped in Blue Dragon Spring Roll Wrappers. Serve them with Thai Fusions Peanut Sauce as a dip. Or, whip up a peanut sauce at home with the ratios in the recipe.

How to Stay Cool

It’s important to understand how to stay cool in the summer and year-round. Other than light and refreshing no cook recipes, there are several ways to make sure you’re staying safe in the summer. Mainly, be sure to keep hydrated! Remember to drink plenty of water when it’s hot out and throughout summer activities. Otherwise, get adventurous and head to the lake or beach: Relaxing and having fun in the water is an easy way to stay cool. Pack a cooler full of hydrating foods and tasty drinks to bring along on your summer adventures.

Opt for partially shaded areas if you head to a park or outdoor event, especially if you’re with young kids or older adults. For more tips on how to stay cool and safe in the summer, check out this guide by the CDC. Then, stop by Tacoma Boys for hydrating drinks and ingredients for summer no cook recipes! To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

While it’s fun and exciting to enjoy the summer weather, it’s important to consume hydrating foods along the way. This year’s summer in the Pacific Northwest is already a hot one! So while you’re spending time outdoors, there’s plenty of hydrating foods and things to do to stay cool. Start by planning ahead and always having water with you— grab a reusable water bottle if you don’t have one. The key to staying hydrated is of course drinking lots of water. But it’s also helpful to keep hydrated with snacks and food throughout the day.

Stay Stocked With Hydrating Foods

There are several ways to eat hydrating foods during the summer and everyday. Generally, any fruit is a great hydrating snack! And if you have these foods on hand, you can stay cool and enjoy the summer. In general, fruit is a great go-to hydrating food. Many fruits are mostly water and are cool and refreshing when you take a bite. For a guide on preparing snacks for warm weather activities, check out our blog all about it. And consider these foods to keep you cool this summer:

1. Fruits and vegetables like melons, strawberries, oranges, tomatoes and cucumbers. Almost any fruit you choose is likely to be full of water! And smoothies, like Columbia Gorge Organic Juices and Smoothies are an easy way to eat fruit.
2. Classic salads are a hydrating food because they’re full of lettuce and vegetables. They’re also light and refreshing on hot days! Try this Tossed Salad by Spend With Pennies with iceberg lettuce
3. Cottage cheese and yogurt: Munch on a cup of Smith Brothers Farms Cottage Cheese and chopped cucumbers.
4. Cold noodles: Think pasta salad, zucchini noodles, or cool sesame noodles. We like this recipe for Cold Sesame Noodle Salad by Life’s Ambrosia.
5. Some pasta sauces, like marinara sauce, are surprisingly hydrating! Throw together a batch of spaghetti with Victoria Marinara Sauce.

Cooling Down in Hot Weather

While it’s helpful to enjoy hydrating food, you may be looking for other cooling down tips and activities. If you want to get outdoors to enjoy the summer, go prepared! Pack those hydrating foods and snacks in addition to water and other drinks. You could even use a cooler with ice to keep things chilled while you’re at the beach, lake, or picnicking at the park. Cooling down includes using hats, umbrellas, and seeking shade often. Especially keep an eye on small children and older adults in the hot weather and encourage shade and hydration.

If you don’t have air conditioning (like many people here in the Pacific Northwest), there are other ways to stay cool indoors. If there’s a breeze, open those windows! Avoid using the stove or oven and instead opt for chilled foods. And definitely sip on water and tasty drinks.

Don’t Forget These Hydrating Drinks

Throughout the snacking, it’s always good to have a thirst-quenching beverage on hand. While water is an easy choice, it’s fun to mix it up with other hydrating drinks. Tacoma Boys offers a variety of beverages that you can easily grab and keep handy. They’re perfect for summer activities out and about in the sun!

Iced Tea and Kombucha

Try Joyroot Herbal Tea in Lemon Tulsi and Orange Hibiscus. Or make your own iced tea, like this Herbed Arnold Palmer! And kombucha is another version of tea —fermented tea. Búcha Grapefruit Sage Live Kombucha is available at Tacoma Boys in addition to several other varieties of kombucha.

Lemonade

Me & the Bees Lemonade with Mint and Calypso Lemonade are perfect summer drinks to refresh you. Lemonade does contain a good amount of sugar, however, so be sure to drink plenty of water too.

Sparkling Water

Sparkling water or seltzer is a simple alternative to water if you’d like a bit more pizazz. Local Seattle Soda Co., Original New York Seltzer, and Poppi sparkling waters are available in the refrigerated section.

Summer Heat Safety Tips

Every summer, it’s helpful to go over heat safety tips as a reminder to stay safe. Here in the Pacific Northwest, there’s just a few months of hot sun and warm weather. But it’s important to know heat safety tips as well as the signs of heat stroke. You can read up on the warning signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion here. To avoid heat sickness, be sure to:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Seek air conditioned spaces often.
• Avoid the direct sun.
• Wear loose fitting clothing.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine which may dehydrate you.
• Go slow if working outside.
• Never leave pets or children unattended in a car.

Whenever you’re ready to grab hydrating foods and drinks to keep you cool, swing by Tacoma Boys! With a selection of fresh fruit, drinks, and specialty foods, you’ll find everything you need for a relaxing summer. To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

Summer camping is an exciting tradition for many. It’s a chance to explore nature and wildlife, to relax, and to spend time with friends or family. Novice and experienced campers alike are bound to set out for trips to national parks and near lakes or rivers during the summer. And why not?! It’s a beautiful time of year to experience nature and sleep outdoors. While some people consider camping as strictly in-tents, RV camping and car camping is common, too. However you decide to go camping this summer, there’s a few things you can do to make it an easy and enjoyable experience.

Summer Camping Activities

While you may have a full itinerary of things to do while summer camping, it can also be a time to simply chill out. If you plan to get out of your campsite and explore, there will certainly be a lot to see and do! But you can make it a memorable camping experience with simple activities relaxing around the campfire. Some camping destinations are fit with several activities and things to do nearby —You might see a place to rent small boats like kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats. Or if your campground is a bit more basic, you’ll have to get creative with things to do. 

Water Activities 

Chances are you’re camping near a lake or other body of water. There are plenty of fun water sports and activities to participate in when summer camping. Check for those boat rental facilities or bring your own to take out on the water. Or, simply spending the day swimming and laying in the sun can be fun and relaxing —You could even challenge yourself and your friends to a night swim if it’s warm enough!

Activities On Land

Exploring the area around your campground is an easy activity to get started with. Extend it into a nature walk if you want to see different plants and wildlife in the area. Some camping destinations in the Pacific Northwest are near waterfalls: Hiking to a viewpoint or waterfall is a great activity for your camping trip! You can also try outdoor yoga or sports like volleyball and soccer if your group is the athletic type. 

Camping Tips

When it comes down to camping tips, it’s necessary to be prepared. Making a packing and grocery list can help you stay organized as you prepare for your trip. In general, think ahead of time about what you might need, what you want to do, and what you want to eat. For a list of camping tips and essentials, check out REI’s camping checklist here.

• Use the resources available to you: That means solar-powered lights or phone chargers. If you have a hammock, bring it and set it up between two trees on your campsite —Super relaxing! 
• Don’t forget the insect repellent and sunscreen: Check once, twice, and three times to make sure you have these packed. A nasty sunburn or several bug bites can really put a damper on your whole camping experience. While you’re at it, pack a first aid kit, too. 
• Be prepared for any weather: That means packing a raincoat and boots in addition to swimwear and sandals. You never know what might come in handy!
• Bring more water than you think you need: Summer camping also means hot weather conditions in many areas, so staying hydrated is an important part of summer camping. 
• Set up in the shade: Find a shaded spot under large trees or something similar that won’t expose your tent to direct sun throughout the day.

Camping Recipes 

While eating is a given on any camping trip, you can make cooking a fun adventurous experience with camping recipes. Get creative with your meals and try something new. Learning how to cook on a campfire while hanging out with friends or family can be a whole adventure on its own! In general, remember to pack a cooler and utilize your campfire. These camping recipes are just a couple ideas:

Meals

• Grilled hot dogs, burgers, and vegetables: Try Tacoma Boys own Smoked Philly Cheese Bratwurst, Chicago Beef Hot Dogs, and Applewood Bacon Cheddar Burgers. Fresh vegetables like zucchini, corn, and potatoes cook well over the fire, too.
• Shrimp boil foil packets by Damn Delicious are easy to prepare and require little active cooking time.
• One pot pasta means minimal cleanup —And just about everyone loves pasta! 

Snacks

• Nutrition and energy bars are always an easy camping snack. Tacoma Boys recipe for oatmeal protein balls will keep you full between meals during your camping adventure.
• For the trip to the campsite, stock up on snacks like Tacoma Boy’s dried fruit and trail mix.
• Tacoma Boys Tortilla Chips with Tacoma Boys Gourmet Salsa and Bean Dip.

Camping With Help From Tacoma Boys 

For more camping recipes inspiration, visit our blog all about quality meals in the great outdoors. Visit Tacoma Boys for all the essentials for your summer camping trip, including premium meat and speciality condiments. And to stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

Refreshingly sweet and tart, strawberries are delicious all year round. But there’s something special about strawberries in the summer. Juicy, sun-ripened, homegrown red berries picked right from the plant when they’re still warm… Nothing tastes more like summer! It’s no wonder they’re a summer favorite around here. Strawberries grow very well in gardens here in the Pacific Northwest— The gorgeous pink and white flowers are present throughout the spring and end up as ripe fruit by mid-summer. You can enjoy your own homegrown strawberries or those from local farmers as there is an abundance available every year.

Growing Strawberries

Strawberries are easy to grow and tasty to enjoy. In fact, wild varieties of strawberries are sometimes considered weeds: The prolific plant grows “runners” and additional strawberries out from the mother plant. This means wild strawberries grow far and haphazardly— You may find yourself trimming your own strawberry plants back at home.

Scarlet Belle strawberry plants at Tacoma Boys grow strong and produce pretty pink flowers that become the berries. The edible hanging basket berries are both aesthetically pleasing and deliciously fruitful. Scarlet Belle’s are known for their dual beauty and ease of care. They also go dormant in winter and come back when spring returns. When growing strawberries at home, there are just a few things to keep in mind:

Watch For Birds, Bunnies, and Other Critters

Sometimes right when the strawberries are ripe and ready, other animals will get to them first! Harvest early and often and consider something like bird netting.

Give the Plants Room to Grow

Remember, strawberry plants grow like weeds! You’ll need room for the leaves and flowers of the plant as well as its offspring. For those Scarlet Belle strawberries, avoid overcrowding the container. That means clipping off the runners and baby plants, too, which may instead allow for more nutrients to the fruit of the plant.

Compost and Fertilizer Can Be Beneficial

If you’re comfortable with using such additions, compost or fertilizer can help your strawberry plants grow even more fruit. Check out this guide for information on fertilizing strawberries.

Choose an Appropriate Spot for the Plants

Strawberries like a good amount of sun, so make sure they’re not directly under a porch or somewhere else overly shady. Put the plant somewhere you can see it often to enjoy its beauty!

Local Summer Fruit at Tacoma Boys

Local summer fruit like strawberries are tasty to eat all season long. Fresh fruit is such a good healthy snack and tasty to enjoy on its own. But there are plenty of different dishes and things to make with strawberries. Desserts are a sweet and simple go-to. For a savory summer fruit recipe, salads are delicious and fun to make. Try this Strawberry Peach Spinach Salad with Montchevre Goat Cheese and Annie’s Organic Dijon Mustard to highlight the local summer fruit. Whipped ricotta toast is another popular choice for savory strawberries: Try toasted Essential Baking Company Organic Sliced Fremont Sour White with whipped Organic Valley Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese and balsamic-marinated strawberries.

Aside from strawberries, other summer fruit in Washington includes:

• Berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries
• Peaches and nectarines.
• Bing and rainier cherries.
• Cantaloupe, honey dew melon, and watermelon.
• Rhubarb: Tacoma Boy’s recipe for Apple Rhubarb Crisp is seasonal and scrumptious.

Local Produce

Summer fruits like strawberries are just a fraction of the local produce available in the summer. The Pacific Northwest is rich with vegetables and herbs throughout the year, but summer is a great time for local produce. The ample soil, shining sun, and sprinkle of rain yields an abundance of vegetables. Summer season for produce means copious amounts of tomatoes, zucchini, different lettuces, and more. And bonus: Enjoying this produce from local farmers and markets means you’re shopping seasonally and locally. 

In addition to summer fruit, local produce is available at Tacoma Boys, including:

• Zucchini and summer squash
• Several varieties of tomatoes
• Peppers
• Beets
• Radishes
• Peas and beans
• Cabbage

And much more! Buying seasonal, local produce like strawberries is good for you, your community, and the environment. Local produce is in season, fresh, and supports your neighbors: Read more about shopping local and seasonal here. Delicious, sweet fruit and hearty vegetables are available year-round and especially in the summer. Summer is also a good time to head to u-pick farms for summer fruit like berries! Harvesting your own food is fun, rewarding, and connects you closer to the source of common sustenance. 

Shop for Strawberries at Tacoma Boys

Tacoma Boys stays stocked with a selection of strawberries and summer fruit— local and otherwise. That includes those stunning Scarlet Belle strawberry plants so you can get started on growing your own! Stop by to check them out or grab the necessities for your meals all summer long. To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

Grains are a large part of many diets and are present in meals all throughout the nation. We all know and generally consume grains, but what are they? The edible dry seeds are either considered cereals or legumes. You’re likely to consume grains in several foods you enjoy, like in crackers, pasta, tortillas, and more. You probably know about the likes of wheat and oats, which are used to make other foods. But have you ever prepared millet, buckwheat, or barley? There is a whole world of grains to explore and enjoy in your diet!

All About Grains

Grains are a part of many diets for their nutrients and health benefits. Protein and fiber are especially a couple big reasons to eat them. Whole grains specifically provide these nutrients, which help maintain digestion and keep you full. While it’s recommended to consume multiple servings daily, it’s not always easy to make that happen. Check out this guide by the USDA and Dietary Guidelines for Americans to better understand how much grains you should eat everyday.

Grains at Tacoma Boys

Tacoma Boys offers a wide selection of different grains in addition to all of the other vital ingredients for a healthy and complete meal. Next time you’re grocery shopping, consider picking up one of these to incorporate into your diet:

• RiceSelect CousCous 
• Ancient Harvest Traditional Quinoa
• Lundberg White Arborio Rice or Wild Rice
• Lotus Foods Basmati Rice
• Albers Enriched Hominy Quick Grits
• Bob’s Red Mill Whole Grain Rolled Oats

Bob’s Red Mill is an Oregon producer of grains, seeds, flours, and more: Tacoma Boys carries a wide variety of Bob’s Red Mill whole grains and other products to meet your needs. This includes Bob’s Red Mill Red Bulgur, Sorghum, Pearl Barley, Organic Farro, and much more.

What are Gluten Free Grains?

It’s not hard to enjoy gluten free grains because most whole grains are naturally without gluten. This means quinoa, brown rice, buckwheat, sorghum, oats, corn, and more are all okay to eat if you’re avoiding gluten. These grains are easy to cook and naturally gluten free. Wheat, including wheat berries, spelt, bulgur, and farro do contain gluten as they all come from the wheat species. While many people avoid gluten because of celiacs disease or other reasons, there are still many gluten free grains to enjoy! 

For example, try Pow! Red Lentil Linguine in this recipe for pasta primavera by the Modern Proper. Tacoma Boys also offers Annie’s Quinoa Rice Pasta & White Cheddar and Ancient Harvest Quinoa Supergrain gluten free mac and cheese mixes. These boxed mac and cheese mixes are produced with a gluten free pasta that’s used as an alternative to traditional pasta that is made with wheat, and therefore gluten. 

Whole Grain Recipes

You probably often prepare and eat whole grain recipes: They’re quick to make, easy to digest, and versatile as ever. From rice, to bread, to pasta, oats, and more, there are so many different ways to enjoy whole grains! And you’ve quite likely heard all the talk surrounding whole grains. They’re good for you because they’re full of nutrients, protein, and fiber. For a well-rounded diet, most people should consume whole grains alongside protein and plenty of fruits and vegetables. When making whole grain recipes, you’ll want to make sure you have these elements within the dish. It can be simple and easy when starting with your grain base and working from there! Read on for a few examples of delicious and filling whole grain recipes. 

• Oatmeal is simple to make and widely customizable. Try adding in a mix of dried cranberries, nuts, seeds, yogurt, fresh fruit, or Field Day Organics Peanut Butter. 
• Whip up a big batch of hearty soup fit with vegetables, beans like Farmer Direct Organic Split Green Peas, and whole grains like quinoa. Then, enjoy the prepared meal as lunch throughout the week. For a guide on all the ins and outs of making soup with Tacoma Boys, check out our blog here.
• For a quick and easy recipe, grab a pack of Seeds of Change Organic Quinoa & Brown Rice. Heat it up alongside some Eden Organic Black Beans, steamed vegetables, and Las Palmas Enchilada Sauce for a complete meal packed with flavor and protein.
• Pasta night can be made simple with Delallo Organic Whole Wheat Elbow Pasta, a large head of roasted broccoli, and Monte Bene Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce, or for a white sauce, Newman’s Own Alfredo.
• Dave’s Killer Bread is a prime base to any sandwich: Try this Greek Avocado Sandwich by Cookie and Kate for a filling summer lunch.

Swing By Tacoma Boys

Come over to Tacoma Boys to get your hands on some grains and to get cookin.’ Whether you’re looking for gluten free grains, whole grains, or more, Tacoma Boys is stocked with a large selection. This is in addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and seafood, and specialty food products to make your meals delicious. To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

Here in the Pacific Northwest, there is an abundance of summer fruit harvested all season long. As we move through June, July, and August, different fruits will be ready for harvest. Early fruits like cherries are ready now, while melons or nectarines take just a bit more time. Deliciously sweet and refreshing, summer fruit thrives in many parts of Washington. And it’s so easy to eat with little preparation and minimal or no cooking required!

Seasonal Summer Fruit

Many people look forward to summer fruit all year long! There’s something about the sun-ripened, juicy produce that’s just hard to resist. While Washington is famous for its autumn apples, there are several varieties of other fruits to enjoy. When shopping locally and eating seasonal, it’s great to have the option to enjoy fresh fruit. And there are so many ways to eat it! Think fruit salad, charcuterie boards, homemade breakfast buffets, and much more.

While vegetable gardens are a bit more common, growing summer fruit in the Pacific Northwest is fun for many gardeners. Some varieties of fruit, like melons, may be a bit trickier to take care of. Meanwhile, strawberries grow like weeds in some backyards! If you’re interested in growing fruit, this guide by Swanson’s Nursery may help you get started. By next season, your garden will be overflowing with sweet summer fruit!

Pacific Northwest Local Produce

Tacoma Boys boasts a wide selection of local produce throughout every season. But during the summer, you’ll find a variety of even more locally grown produce. Local, seasonal fruits and vegetables are fresh, ripe, and reliably tasty. And buying local produce supports your community and Pacific Northwest farmers! Local summer fruit here in the Pacific Northwest includes:

Berries 

Raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries all thrive when grown in Washington. Sometimes, you can find local boysenberries, marionberries, loganberries, and huckleberries. There are several different varieties of berries that grow here— You’ve probably even seen salmonberries if you’ve ever ventured for a hike through the woods in the Pacific Northwest!

Stone Fruit

Nectarines, peaches, and apricots are a late summer harvest. Plums and pluots are stone fruits that grow in the Pacific Northwest, too— You might even have a plum tree in your own backyard or neighborhood! And did you know that cherries are not berries, but stone fruits? Rainier and bing cherries are very popular early in Washington summers. 

Melons 

Melons have a short growing period later in the summer, like stone fruits. They need hot, dry weather to thrive, like that in Eastern Washington. This includes cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is different from most other Pacific Northwest fruits because it’s quite tart and not eaten raw. The stalky plant is usually cooked down with other fruits, like strawberries or raspberries. If you want to cook with local produce like rhubarb, try our recipe for Apple Rhubarb Crisp!

Easy Fruit Recipes 

When you don’t feel like cooking in the summer heat, easy fruit recipes are helpful to rely on. While you can certainly just cut the fruit and eat it raw, it’s fun to get creative! Fruit can be incorporated into sweet and savory dishes. It can also be grilled or otherwise cooked before enjoying. These easy fruit recipes can work for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dessert. During the summer, it’s both convenient and hydrating to snack on fresh fruit: This makes it easy and tasty to eat healthy and consume enough servings of fruits and vegetables.

Breakfast

Oatmeal bowl topped with fresh strawberries, raspberries, and apples. Or, Zoi Honey Greek Yogurt parfait with fresh fruit and granola.

Lunch

Try a peach or nectarine in this Summer Peach Salad by Ambitious Kitchen. Or, throw together some nectarine blueberry toasties on sourdough bread on top of President Brie Cheese and fresh basil.

Snack or Appetizer 

Bites of fresh fruit alongside just about any Boars Head Cheese is a great mini-charcuterie style snack! Or, grill up some fresh watermelon and serve it with fresh mint and Stella Crumbled Feta Cheese for something a little different.

Dessert

Making a dessert out of fresh fruit, like berries or peaches, is popular because of the fruit’s natural sweetness. A quick and easy fruit recipe for dessert can be as simple as grilled peaches topped with Acme Valley Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. You could also try a homemade berry sorbet, like this recipe by Clean Food Crush!
Now that you’re ready to start snacking on the Pacific Northwest’s best summer fruit, check out the produce section at Tacoma Boys! We have a wide variety and selection of ripe local fruit and all the specialty food ingredients to go along with it. Also visit the weekly specials page regularly to see what’s new and fresh now. And to stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

Hard apple cider is a cold and slightly sweet bubbly beverage: The alcoholic drink is growing in popularity and availability all over the state, country, and world! Washington-produced cider is especially popular because of our state’s prolific apple trees and orchards. As more people become cider fans, it’s even easier to find different kinds of cider to enjoy and places to enjoy it — Cideries are popping up more and more as destinations to produce and taste cider, similar to wineries or breweries. They may also be referred to as a cider house or taproom. Some cider houses serve several different craft ciders from different producers right on tap. “Flights” of cider at such places are a great way to taste a few different kinds to see what you like!

All About Hard Apple Cider

Crisp and refreshing hard apple cider is the perfect accompaniment to Washington summers. It’s a great way to enjoy the apples of the Pacific Northwest, where the growing regions are rich and the apple trees abundant. Some apple orchards are especially grown for cider-pressing apples. Like wineries with vineyards, some cideries have their own orchards for growing apples to press into juice for hard cider; Meanwhile, some cideries buy apples elsewhere to press them into cider. Since cider is simply fermented apple juice, it can be made anywhere! There can be as many hard apple cider varieties as there are varieties of apples: Some can also be a mix of many types of apples and other fruits or flavorings.

At Tacoma Boys, you’ll find a wide range of different varieties of dry, sweet, flavored cider, and more!

Dry Versus Sweet Cider

When shopping for hard apple cider, it’s common to see “dry,” “semi-sweet” or “semi-dry,” and “sweet,” labels. This refers to the amount of residual sugars and therefore sweetness remaining in the cider. The less residual sugar, the less sweet the cider will be. “Dry” ciders tend to be less sweet than a bite into a standard apple, whereas “sweet” ciders may taste a touch sweeter. Dry ciders may taste a bit like hopps and alcohol fermentation in general.

Flavored and Infused Cider

Several ciders are infused and made with other fruits or herbs for an added complex flavor and color. It’s common to see berries in ciders produced in Washington because both apples and berries grow so well here. Some examples of flavored or infused ciders you’ll find at Tacoma Boys include Locust Honey Pear, Schilling Grapefruit, One Tree Huckleberry, and Tieton Cranberry Cider. Some craft cider can be made with all pears and no apples! These are generally referred to as a “perry” and tend to be sweeter than a hard apple cider— But many pear ciders are made with a mix of both pears and apples.

Varietal Cider

Heirloom apples, imperial apples, honeycrisp apples, cosmic crisp apples… These are a few of the apple varieties that are used to make hard apple cider. A single varietal cider means it was made specially with only one type of apple— Unlike other ciders that are produced with a variety of pressed apples, single varietal ciders have a very distinct apple taste.

Pacific Northwest Cider

It’s easy to get your hands on Pacific Northwest cider locally and at Tacoma Boys. Craft cider is very popular in the United Kingdom and is known as the largest cider-producing country in Europe. But here in the Pacific Northwest, there’s a ton of darn good cider available to enjoy! While the taste depends on the cider’s tannins, acidity, and effervescence, most craft ciders have a similar overall apple taste.

If you’re not familiar hard apple cider, we recommend trying a Pacific Northwest cider like one of these brands available at Tacoma Boys:

• Incline Cider (Tacoma, Washington)
• Tieton Cider Works (Yakima, Washington)
• 2 Towns Ciderhouse (Corvallis, Oregon)
• Finnriver Cider (Chimacum, Washington)
• AVID Cider Co. (Bend, Oregon)
• Snowdrift Cider Co. (Wenatchee, Washington) 
• Dragon’s Head Cider (Vashon, Washington)
• Bauman’s Cider Company (Gervais, Oregon)

Easy Cider Cocktails to Make at Home 

While drinking cider on its own is great, it’s easy to make cider cocktails to sip on, too! Cider’s sparkly nature and deep flavor makes it a great base to cider drinks and cocktails. Cider should be enjoyed at a temperature similar to that of white wine. This means slightly warmer than the temperature of your refrigerator: It’s generally recommended to let the cider sit at room temperature for a few minutes before drinking. This best releases the cider’s aroma and apple flavor. Next, think of a fruit juice, herb, or other flavoring that would work well with your cider of choice. This recipe for a Hard Cider Moscow Mule by Joyful Healthy Eats is a great example of a tasty cider cocktail! It’s easy to enjoy a cool glass of cider or cider cocktail alongside your favorite summer meal, like a Grilled Corn & Zucchini Salad with Goat Cheese.

Or, try our recipe for Rosemary Rosé Grapefruit Cider Cocktails:

Ingredients – makes two

• One 12 oz can Two Towns Two Thorns Raspberry Rosé Cider
• 1 cup Santa Cruz Organics Grapefruit Juice
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish
• 1 grapefruit, sliced into wheels, for garnish 

Directions

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle together the grapefruit juice and fresh rosemary sprigs, bruising the leaves with the muddler to release the aroma.
2. Fill the cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Fill two serving glasses with ice.
3. Pour the grapefruit rosemary mixture into the two serving glasses (through the cocktail shaker strainer). Top each with half of the can of the raspberry rose cider.
4. Stir, garnish with extra rosemary and grapefruit wheels, and enjoy!

Come On In

When you’re ready to get your cider drinking started, come on in to Tacoma Boys to check it out! You’ll find a variety of craft cider next to the beer and wine. And to stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

Warm weather is rolling in, meaning it’s just about time to enjoy summer treats! Refreshing and cool, summer treats should be tasty and contrast the hot weather. It’s a time when many families enjoy ice cold lemonade, fruity popsicles, and towering cones of ice cream. Many kids and adults alike look forward to the season as a time to enjoy such fun summer treats: But this also means getting creative when the family is sick of plain old popsicles. If you’re not sure what treats you and your family will enjoy this summer season, consider some of the options Tacoma Boys has to offer — and get inspired to get active in the kitchen and whip up your favorite treats!

A Selection of Summer Treats

At Tacoma Boys, a selection of tasty summer treats means there’s something for everyone on a cool day. Think ice cream, popsicles, iced tea, fresh fruit, and much more. Keep cool this season with summer treats, like these favorites available at Tacoma Boys:

• Ice cream bars and popsicles: So Delicious Dairy Free Dipped Ice Cream Bars, Chloe’s Oatmilk Pops, Whidbey Island Ice Cream Company Ice Cream Bars, and more.
• Ice cream sandwiches: Ruby Jewel Ice Cream Sandwiches and Tofutti Dairy Free Cuties.
• Scoopable ice cream: Acme Valley Ice Cream, Snow Monkey Dairy Free Dessert, Umpqua Ice Cream, and more.
• Cool drinks: Paunchy Elephant Lemonade, Pressed Juicery Cold Pressed Juice, and more.
• Fresh fruit: Nature’s own refreshing summer treats come by way of seasonal fruit like melons, berries, stone fruit, and apples.

Refreshing Snacks for Summer Days

On hot summer days, sometimes tasty refreshing snacks are just what you need to keep cool and satisfied. Depending on what you’re up to for the day, you may opt for quick and easy or on-the-go snacks. There are so many different refreshing snacks for different activities! If you’re enjoying the warm weather in your own backyard, this is a good time to enjoy frozen goods that don’t travel well. This means ice cream sandwiches, sorbet and sherbet, popsicles, or whatever else needs to be stored in the freezer.

When you’re on the go, veer away from those frozen refreshing snacks: Rather, pack a sturdy water bottle (like a Hydroflask) with plenty of ice and lots of water. If you have a cooler, stock it full of cut fruit, cool drinks, and snacks like yogurt. These snacks can be enjoyed anywhere without too much mess or risk of melting. If you’re aiming to get out of the house, try a summer picnic! You can make your best refreshing snacks and summer recipes ahead of time. Then simply pack it up in a basket with other seasonal essentials and head to your favorite park or beach. For more tips on how to enjoy a spectacular picnic, check out our blog all about it.

Summer Recipes for Everyone

Tasty summer recipes generally avoid the hot oven and stove or opt for an outdoor grill instead. This is a good time to use summer seasonal produce, too: You can make several summer recipes for everyone by using fresh ingredients in a refreshing way. Frozen items and fruit may come to mind. Freshly made salads are a good option too! And there’s always time to enjoy sweet treats like cool cheesecake or moist cupcakes.

• Homemade Popsicles by Jessica Gavin: These are quick and easy to make and packed full of nutritious fruit! For a simple prep, use Remlinger Farms Frozen Fruit like peaches, raspberries, strawberries, or granny smith apples.
• Fruit salad: You don’t need a measured recipe for this one! Simply chop up your favorite summer fruit and toss it together in a bowl. Some may add honey or lemon juice as a ‘dressing’ for this salad, but it’s not necessary.
• Any other salad: Think pasta salad, Grilled Zucchini and Corn Salad, chef’s salad, or maybe a caesar. Salads are a great option for hot days because they usually don’t require much heat to prepare. They’re notably crunchy and refreshing!
• Homemade lemonade: Lemonade can easily be made at home. Rather than using granulated cane sugar, try this recipe for a refined sugar free lemonade with honey.
• Baked goods: Find Chuckanut Bay Mini Cheesecake, Divine Pie, and Better Bites Lil’ Mo Mini Cupcakes in the frozen section at Tacoma Boys. Prepare them as directed for a sweet treat with no prep.

Summer Treats at Tacoma Boys

Grab prepared treats or ingredients for your own summer recipes on your next trip to Tacoma Boys. An array of fresh produce along with specialty food items means wholesome complete meals and snacks in one quick stop. To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

Independence Day is a big holiday for many families here in the U.S. While it’s a time to celebrate America and its political freedom, it’s good for enjoying time with family and friends! Traditionally, an Independence Day celebration takes place in the warm outdoors with a picnic or barbecue. Grilling is common, as are parades and celebrations for kids. Other celebrations include red, white, and blue decorations, fireworks, and summertime activities. For some people, it can be considered the start of warming weather and the summer season.

Independence Day

Most people know that Independence Day is a celebration of America’s independence from Britain. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed and the 13 colonies were no longer under British rule. This year, America turns 245 years old! But Independence Day is also about celebrating America’s history and traditions on its own. Many people look forward to the chance to express their patriotism — and deck out head-to-toe in red, white, and blue! There’s much to do to have fun on the holiday. And this year’s 4th of July falls on a Sunday. This makes it a perfect chance to get together and celebrate: Whether that means a pool party, fireworks show, or backyard barbecue, there’s fun to be had for everyone.

4th of July Party

If you’re looking forward to throwing a 4th of July party, there’s a few things you can do to prepare for a successful celebration. Many people celebrate the holiday with food and cooking of some sort. To get prepared ahead of time, stop in to Tacoma Boys for just about anything you need for your 4th of July party. Grab a variety of beer, wine, and hard cider from Tacoma Boy’s vast selection for your guests. And among a stocked supply of fresh local produce and specialty food products are also floral decorations: That means all the red, white, and blue flowers you may need to decorate your picnic table, too!

Activities for Your Patriotic Party 

Aside from eating and drinking with your friends and family, there are many activities you can do to celebrate. If you’re planning an Independence Day barbecue, Tacoma Boys Tips for a Backyard Memorial Day Barbecue should still ring true! If you’d like, try these other activities alongside your backyard afternoon of cooking and eating:

• Sparklers for the kids and a fireworks show: While lighting off fireworks is traditionally fun and exciting, there may be restrictions against such. Look into what the rules are for your own community before setting off in the backyard — carefully!
• Yard games: These can be fun for kids and adults alike. Corn hole, horseshoes, and jumbo Jenga are popular choices for yard games.
• Homemade water park: If the weather is nice and hot where you live, why not break out the sprinklers and blow up a slip-n-slide?
• DIY decorations: This one comes before the party, but can be just as much fun. Get the kids involved with colored crafts and make your own red, white, and blue decorations. Check out this blog by Pure Wow for some ideas to get you started.

Patriotic Recipes

No 4th of July party is complete without patriotic recipes! Cooking for Independence Day can be lots of fun when you play with color. There is just so much to do with red, white, and blue! And there are a few different ways to prepare and present food for the holiday. Some ideas for patriotic recipes include:

• Blue cheese black pepper burgers: Find this prepared “blue” element of your meal in Tacoma Boy’s deli case.
• Shop seasonally for a fruit plate: Grab some fresh bing cherries, blueberries, and watermelon for the ultimate refreshing snack.
• A backyard buffet with different colored fruits, snacks, appetizers, and entrees: Take a peek at Tacoma Boys recipe page for some quick and easy recipe inspiration.
• Homemade pizza topped with Primal Kitchen Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce, Ferndale Farmstead Scamorza Mozzarella, and fresh garlic: A crowd-pleaser for sure.
• Moderate candy to end the night: Backroad Country Licorice is available in black, red, and bright blue!

But don’t forget a fourth of July cocktail! This recipe for Firecracker Berry Margarita Floats by Half Baked Harvest involves gorgeous tones of red, white, and blue. (These cocktails can also be made with lemon-lime soda instead of alcohol).

Celebrate With Tacoma Boys

Head out to Tacoma Boys for the freshest ingredients to complete your Independence Day celebration. You’ll also find picnic basics like World Centric Paper Plates, napkins, and utensils. And if you can’t find what you need, please feel free to ask one of our guides to point you in the right direction! To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

Since different colored fruits and vegetables provide a variety of nutrients, you should aim to eat the rainbow everyday! You should always aim to eat a variety of colorful produce that provide various nutrients for the whole family. Plus it can be fun to plan what different colored produce you will cook throughout the week! When you get creative with it, half of your plate can be a beautiful bright rainbow. These fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients and ready to boost your immune system.

Eat The Rainbow

Eat the rainbow by making sure you eat a variety of fruits and vegetables and in different colors. Think dark leafy greens, purple cabbage, blueberries, and an assortment of bell peppers. These different colored vegetables and fruits contain different vitamins and minerals. The colors also provide phytonutrients, which means extra antioxidants and immunity, too! Get the kids involved with the beautiful colors and they will be happy to eat the rainbow: One way is to give them a plate of colorful vegetables and have them build an edible rainbow. For more tips on how to get your kids to eat more vegetables, check out this blog by Crystal Karges.

When shopping to eat the rainbow, fresh or frozen produce is fine. The nutrients are there either way! Same goes for canned fruits or vegetables (just watch out for additives like sugary syrup or extra salt). Most of your grocery basket should be fruits and vegetables, so go for local, seasonal produce when you can. Learn more about how and why to eat local and seasonal on our blog here.

An Array of Colorful Produce

Step out of your comfort zone and try a variety of colorful produce to reap a variety of benefits! Enjoying multiple servings (5-10 servings daily is often recommended) of colorful produce every day is the foundation of healthy eating for many. They’re low in calories and can be cooked and eaten in so many different ways. The vitamins and minerals of multicolored produce are vast: Continue on to read about the nutritious benefits found in each color.

Red

Foods that are red in color are known for properties that may reduce cancer risk. They’re also associated with cardiovascular health and maintaining blood pressure. Look for red bell peppers, red berries, tomatoes, and beets.

Orange and Yellow

Eating carrots just might make you see better! Orange and yellow toned fruits and vegetables provide nutrients that support eye health. They’re also rich in vitamin C. Look for carrots, sweet potato, orange and yellow bell pepper, squash, oranges, and stone fruits like peaches and apricots.

Green

Greens are well known as being healthy and loaded with various nutrients. The phytonutrients in green produce support cell function and brain health. Look for broccoli, brussels sprouts, asparagus, avocado, kiwi, peas, and leafy greens like kale and spinach (rather than lighter colored greens like iceberg lettuce, which has much less nutritional value).

Blue and Purple

Antioxidants in dark blue and purple fruits and vegetables help prevent blood clots and build immunity. The acai berry comes to mind as one of these purple fruits that is rich in antioxidants: Also look for blueberries, blackberries, plums, eggplant, red cabbage, and more. Blue and purple produce also comes rich with nutrients that support heart health and reduce inflammation. 

White and Brown

White and brown fruits and vegetables might not look as exciting as other brightly colored produce. But they’re still full of wholesome nutrients and part of a well-rounded diet. Some of these nutrients are anti-inflammatory and overall important to human health. Look for onions, garlic, mushrooms, cauliflower, parsnips, and potatoes.

Colorful Meals are Delicious and Doable 

It’s easy to eat an abundance of colorful meals when you incorporate various fruits and vegetables into your diet. Even if you’re not used to eating colorful meals, it’s as simple as shopping for produce in every color. Nature makes it easy for us to get various nutrients in this way. Planning nutritious, colorful meals makes healthy eating enjoyable. Get creative with different colors and cooking methods! 

One way to ensure you’re eating the rainbow is to eat plenty of raw cut fruits and vegetables. Cut up a bunch of carrots, celery, cucumber, bell peppers, and cauliflower: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like Gnarly Garlic Dip or Tessemae’s Avocado Ranch and you’ve got every color of the rainbow covered! Same goes for snacking on raw fruits like apples, bananas, and berries. Keep it on hand for whenever you need a quick bite to eat. 

Try building a loaded salad with fresh spinach, red cabbage, cucumbers or other vegetables, Mezzetta Sun Dried Tomatoes, and your favorite Tacoma Boys salad dressing for a colorful, healthy meal. Salads are a quick route to eating the rainbow because you can customize it with whatever produce you have on hand. Same goes for a Simple Greek Pasta Salad: This recipe is loaded with colorful ingredients!

Shop the Rainbow at Tacoma Boys

Next time you’re looking for a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, stop on by Tacoma Boys. The specialty grocery store offers an assortment of fresh produce for nutritious meals. And an array of dressings, dips, seasonings, and ingredients available at Tacoma Boys ensures your meal will be tasty and complete. To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!