Author: Content Specialist (Page 15)

Are you team Thanksgiving sides or team turkey? Many would argue that the turkey is the star of the show when it comes to the holiday’s famous menu, but Thanksgiving sides are most definitely in the running. If you’re planning on hosting this year for a small group or immediate family, getting your Thanksgiving sides lined up beforehand is of the utmost importance! Luckily, your local Tacoma Boys has everything you need to get yourself set up to make the ultimate Thanksgiving sides this year.

Classic Thanksgiving Sides

Over the years, Thanksgiving sides have evolved immensely. Each year people get more creative and go above and beyond to impress guests. This year Tacoma Boys is focusing on the classic Thanksgiving sides that please no matter what! From potatoes to cranberry sauce, you’re sure to be stuffed.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are arguably the most important side for Thanksgiving. They are a soft buttery vessel for rich and creamy turkey gravy and pair perfectly with a bite of stuffing. Tacoma Boys has every potato you can think of to make your perfect Thanksgiving mashed potatoes!

Yukon Gold Buttery Rich Potatoes

Yukon Gold potatoes have a slight yellow flesh and yellow-white skin. When cooked, they are slightly sweet and incredibly creamy; making them an amazing candidate for mashed potatoes.

• The Best Homemade Mashed Potatoes by Belly Full

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are the most common potato found in kitchens all around. They’re incredibly versatile due to their mild flavor profile and commonly have a white interior with brown skin.

• Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes by The Salty Marshmallow

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes are typically small or medium in size and have red skin and white flesh. When cooked, red potatoes have a smooth and creamy texture which is perfect for mashed potatoes.

• Red Skin Mashed Potatoes by Cooking for My Soul

If making homemade potatoes is not on your agenda, check out Edward & Sons Organic Mashed Potatoes at your local Tacoma Boys. They come in a box, are ready to eat within five minutes, and are available in homestyle or roasted garlic flavor!

Stuffing

Stuffing – you either love it or you don’t. Regardless, it seems to be a side that is always on the table at Thanksgiving no matter what. There are countless recipes for homemade stuffing, but grabbing a premade box is just as good! You can find boxed stuffing in Tacoma Boys’ bread section.

Favorites for this year are:

• Olivia’s Cornbread Dressing
• Aleia’s Plain Gluten Free Stuffing
• Aleia’s Savory Gluten Free Stuffing

If you’re making yours homemade, grab a loaf of Boulart Baguettes to take your recipe up a notch!

Stuffing Options

• Cranberry Stuffing by Will Cook for Smiles
• Easy Stuffing Recipe by Spend With Pennies

Green Bean Casserole

What is it about casserole that is so warm and comforting?! Green bean casserole is no exception which is why this classic is a Thanksgiving favorite! At Tacoma Boys, you can find Pacific Foods Organic Cream of Mushroom Condensed Soup and Health Valley Cream of Mushroom Soup to use as the base of the casserole. Using canned green beans works well, however, using fresh green beans will take your casserole up a notch or two!

• Homemade Green Bean Casserole by Modern Honey
• The Best Green Bean Casserole with Bacon & Cheese by Fantabulosity
• Vegan & Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole by The Foodie Eats

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce adds just the right amount of sweetness to your Thanksgiving plate without it being too overpowering. Making cranberry sauce from scratch may seem daunting, but it can be a fairly simple process. Opting for homemade versus canned will impress any guests at your table this year! Grab a bag of Ocean Spray’s Organic Cranberries in the freezer section of Tacoma Boys to whip up your own.

• Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce by Cooking Classy
• 3 Ingredient Cranberry Sauce by The Pinning Mama
• Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce by Modern Honey

Prepping for Thanksgiving

When you’re hosting for a big holiday like Thanksgiving, the prepping aspect can be a bit overwhelming. Where should you start when it comes to Thanksgiving sides, turkey, or even the pies?! Fortunately, there are a multitude of ways you can prep beforehand to make the day-of process easier on yourself. When prepping for Thanksgiving sides, it’s important to delegate tasks or even ask others to bring certain dishes. Afterall, you want to be able to enjoy the day, too! You can read Tacoma Boys Thanksgiving Preparation and Success for more ideas on how you can maximize the success of your own Thanksgiving day.

Thanksgiving Food with Tacoma Boys

Although Thanksgiving sides play a crucial role in this holiday, choosing the turkey, dessert, and beverages play a role in planning all of the Thanksgiving food. If you can’t decide on a pie or what beverage to serve, you can check out Tacoma Boys’ Guide to Thanksgiving Pies and What Creates an Amazing Thanksgiving for added tips and tricks!

Hop on into your local Tacoma Boys to gather all of your ingredients for your favorite Thanksgiving sides. A quick tip from the pros: don’t wait until the last minute to stock up on all your Thanksgiving food essentials! If you’re in need of any assistance, the Tacoma Boys’ team is available to guide you through your Thanksgiving shopping!

Now that the fall season is officially here, that means Tacoma Boys’ favorite fall beer and beverage options hit the shelves. That’s right, we’re talking pumpkin beer, spiced pear margaritas, wine, cider, and so much more to round up the ultimate fall beer and beverage lineup. If beer and cocktails isn’t your jam, have no fear! Tacoma Boys has everything you need to whip up fall inspired mocktails that are perfect for the whole family. 

The Ultimate Fall Beer and Beverage Lineup

Beer

First up on the ultimate fall beer and beverage lineup is… drumroll please… pumpkin beer! Why? Because it’s that time of year! The first pumpkin beer dates back to 1985 at Buffalo Bill’s Brewery located in Hayward, California. Little did they know they would create a beer so good it leaves avid beer drinkers patiently waiting for fall each year. Tacoma Boys is team pumpkin which is why you can find multiple versions of pumpkin beer on the shelves this time of year. If you’re not a fan of pumpkin we still have you covered. Check out our Oktoberfest beer picks for this month!

Elysian Brewing Company – Pumpkin Ale

Elysian has created their classic pumpkin ale with pumpkin puree, pumpkin juice, and fall’s favorite spices: ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. The result is, in their words, “a very drinkable pumpkin ale” that is sure to please.

Elysian Brewing Company – Pumpkin Stout

To take their pumpkin brewing to the next level, Elysian created a pumpkin stout with pumpkin puree, roasted pumpkin seeds, and chocolate, resulting in a rich and smooth stout.

Wine

Tarantas Sparkling White Wine

This sparkling wine is organic, affordable, and embodies flavors from fall’s favorite fruits – apples and pears! This sparkling white comes from Spain, is dry, effervescent, with hints of citrus, cream, green apple, and pear. Can you say YUM?! Try using this sparkling wine in one of the Homemade Food Junkie’s four fall mimosa recipes for the ultimate fall brunch cocktail. 

La Playa Estate Series Red Blend

This organic wine is made in the Colchagua Valley and embodies hints of cherries, coffee beans, nuts, and mint. This deep wine is a great option for a fall inspired sangria recipe that is sure to impress. We recommend this fall inspired sangria recipe by Kitchen Swagger. The recipe uses apples, oranges, pure maple syrup, and cinnamon sticks. If you want to take it up a notch you can substitute Tacoma Boys’ very own Apple Cinnamon Syrup in place of the maple syrup for the ultimate cherry on top!

Cider

Seattle Cider Co. – Pumpkin Spice Hard Cider

Seattle Cider Co. has created a semi-sweet cider that embodies one of fall’s favorite flavors – pumpkin. This cider is made with a wide variety of apples: Fuji, Granny Smith, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Gala. The result is a cider with notes of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg and a hint of pumpkin. 

Fall Inspired Cocktails

If you’re looking to spruce up your cocktail game for fall parties, Tacoma Boys has your back. We’ve taken some of our favorite products and whipped up recipes that will blow your holiday guests away. 

Product: Stonewall Kitchen Apple Cider Jam

Cocktail: Apple Cider Whiskey Sour

Never considered using jam in a cocktail before? Tacoma Boys is here to tell you that you have been missing out. This is a game changer, friends!

Ingredients – makes 2 cocktails

• 5 oz whiskey
• 1.5 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tbsp Stonewall Kitchen Apple Cider Jam
• 2 egg whites – optional
• Ice

Directions

1. In a cocktail shaker, add the whiskey, lemon juice, jam, and optional egg whites. Place the lid on and dry shake for 10-20 seconds.
2. Add a handful of ice to the shaker and shake for another 5-10 seconds until chilled. 
3. Strain and pour into your serving glass and enjoy!

Product: Tacoma Boys Toasted Pecan Syrup

Cocktail: Toasted Pecan Old Fashioned

Ingredients – makes 1 cocktail

• 3 oz rye whiskey
• 2 tsp Tacoma Boys Toasted Pecan Syrup
• 2 dashes pecan bitters
• 1 large ice cube
• Orange peel to garnish

Directions

1. In your serving glass combine the whiskey, toasted pecan syrup, and bitters.
2. Add your large ice cube, stir, garnish, and enjoy!

Product: Looza Pear Juice

Cocktail: Spiced Pear Margarita

Ingredients – makes 2 cocktails

• 4 oz tequila
• 4 oz Looza Pear Juice
• 1 oz triple sec or pure orange juice
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1 lime or lemon – juiced

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until completely chilled. 
2. Strain and pour into a serving glass filled with ice. Garnish as desired. 

Seasonal Beverages for the Whole Family

Juice – R.W. Knudsen

Tacoma Boys carries a wide variety of R.W. Knudsen juices! Some of our favorites for fall include: pear, apple ginger, and classic apple. These juices are great for mocktails or to simply have by themselves. Regardless, they do not disappoint!

Ginger Beer – Reed’s Craft Ginger Beer

Ginger beer is a great non-alcoholic beverage that is wonderful on its own or great in many mocktail recipes. Below is the perfect seasonal mocktail recipe that makes enough for the entire family. 

Pumpkin Spice Moscow Mule Mocktail

Ingredients – makes 5 mocktails

• 3 bottles Reed’s Craft Ginger Beer
• 6 oz lime juice
• 6 oz pumpkin spice syrup

Directions

1. Mix everything up in a pitcher. 
2. Divide into 5 servings and enjoy!

Drinks for All!

Whether you’re a beer drinker, cocktail mixer, or mocktail fan, Tacoma Boys has everything you need to make the ultimate fall beverages! Swing by and ask one of the associates to help you find a product that suits all of your fall beverage needs!

What exactly does local seasonal eating mean? Local seasonal eating involves consuming produce that is ready for harvest in its correct season depending on where you live. For fall, that means all of your favorite local fall produce is ready for harvest during the fall season! This is why you see an influx of apples, pumpkins, turnips, pears, and more at your local Tacoma Boys when the fall season approaches in the Pacific Northwest.

Although it may be exciting to get your pumpkins and go on a fall baking rampage, there are numerous other benefits that come with eating and shopping locally and in-season. Some of which you may not know! From personal health benefits to local farming support, local seasonal eating is Tacoma Boys’ way to go. 

Local Seasonal Eating & Its Benefits

It’s Good For Your Health

When you’re eating locally, this typically means you’re loading up on local fresh fruits and vegetables that have recently been harvested. It also means you are getting a wide variety of whole foods in your diet throughout the year. Different fruits and vegetables have individual nutrient dense compounds that help build your immune system and fight off free radicals. This can be antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phyotchemicals that can help prevent and protect from various diseases and sometimes even cancer. For example, you can read here the multiple health benefits that come with eating fall favorite pumpkin!

The Produce Tastes Better

Choosing to eat local, in-season produce means you are getting freshly picked fruits and vegetables. The result of freshly harvested goods is that the produce tastes amazing! Local produce should also have a brighter and more vibrant appearance as opposed to produce sitting on store shelves for long time periods. Produce that is grown out-of-season is typically harvested early, transported, and ripened artificially in a hot house. After this, it is sent to large chain stores to be sold.

What sets Tacoma Boys apart is the fact that we are able carry fresh produce that may not be in-season in the PNW. How is this possible? Out-of-season produce is often flown in and has only been off the vine for less than 24 hours. This allows Tacoma Boys to provide fresh produce from all seasons year-round without any artificial ripening or unnecessary, prolonged transportation.

Supports Local Farms 

When you purchase food that is grown locally, it helps support local farmers maintain their land and continue to grow produce for you! An amazing benefit that comes along with this is that local farmers can tell you how and where the food was grown. This allows you to have more knowledge about where your food is coming from and how it was brought up – providing peace of mind overall. 

In Season Local Fall Produce

Some local fall produce that Tacoma Boys looks forward to seeing every year in the PNW:

Fruits

• Pears
• Apples
• Grapes
• Quince
• Persimmons
• Pomegranates

Squash

• Pumpkin
• Acorn squash
• Butternut squash
• Zucchini

Other Vegetables

• Eggplant
• Fennel
• Beets
• Brussels sprouts
• Peppers
• Carrots
• Turnips
• Sweet potatoes
• Potatoes

Herbs

• Rosemary
• Parsley
• Thyme 
• Sage

Cooking in Season with Tacoma Boys

Breakfast

There are numerous breakfast dishes that allow you to use fresh PNW fall fruits and vegetables. From sourdough fig toast to baked eggs, below are a few of Tacoma Boys’ favorite ways to use all of fall’s favorites. 

Pumpkin French Toast Casserole by Inspired by Charm

French toast, pumpkin, and a casserole?! It doesn’t get much better than that! This is a great dish to prepare ahead of time and bake the next morning. 

Sausage Apple Breakfast Casserole by Live Love & Good Food

What is it about sausage and apples that makes such a great pair? Lucky for you, Tacoma Boys has a large selection of sausage and fall’s favorite fruit (apples) to choose from to make all of your breakfast dreams come true. 

Lunch & Dinner

Gingered Butternut Squash Soup

This recipe was created by one of Tacoma Boys’ customers – Faye of Tacoma – and embodies everything there is to love about fall! The soup is warm, cozy, and requires minimal ingredients. Be sure to add this to your list this season!

Brie, Fig, & Apple Grilled Cheese by Two Peas & Their Pod

Didn’t think it was possible to make a fall-inspired grilled cheese? Think again! This recipe features the popular cheese, brie, as well as fig jam. Tacoma Boys’ very own Strawberry Fig Preserves would be the perfect addition to this recipe!

Butternut Squash Chili by Spend With Pennies

This is the ultimate recipe for living in the Pacific Northwest! A good hearty bowl of chili loaded with butternut squash. The best part? It’s done in the slow cooker – saving you cook and clean up time. That’s a win-win! You can scout all of your squash recipe needs at your loacal Tacoma Boys.

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken by Delish

Oh yeah, you read that right – Apple Cider Glazed Chicken. Mind completely blown. This recipe is warm and comforting, using a couple fall favorites – sweet potato and apple cider. It’s a pretty simple recipe that is sure to please the entire family – kids, too!

What’s not to love about fall? The leaves change colors, the weather cools down, and best of all, you get to indulge in your favorite fall treats. Tacoma Boys is a big fan of seasonal sweets which is why we have put together this guide to our favorite fall treats! Indulging in treats that have all of fall’s favorite flavors and seasonal produce is a favorite pastime. From apples to pears, caramel, figs, and of course, pumpkin spice and everything nice.

Tacoma Boys’ Favorite Fall Treats

Lucky for you, Tacoma Boys carries a wide variety of fall treats. These include: baked goods, candy, yogurt, syrups, popcorn, and more. The array of favorite fall treats will last you the entire season and are perfect for holiday parties, family movie nights, hosting and more.

Baked Goods for the Fall Win

There’s just something about baking during a new season that brings so much warmth into the household. Whether it’s the glorious smell while a pie is baking, the smile on kids’ faces when they see their favorite seasonal sweets, or simply the joy that comes from pouring love into baked goods. It’s one of Tacoma Boys’ favorite seasonal activities! Baked goods have a way of bringing family and friends together which is something you can’t beat.

Cyrus O’Leary’s Pumpkin Pie

If you’re looking for a great pumpkin pie but don’t have the time to whip one up from scratch, Cyrus O’Leary’s is a great option. These pies have won 168 first place awards at the National Pie Championships! They can be found in Tacoma Boys’ freezer section so you can easily store in your freezer at home until ready to eat. The best part? All you have to do is allow the pie to thaw in the fridge for 24 hours, slice, and serve! We suggest topping it with some fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, we recommend this pumpkin pie recipe by the Modern Honey. 

Flax 4 Life Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Nothing beats the combination of apples and cinnamon, and these muffins are no exception! Flax 4 Life muffins are great for those with a gluten allergy or dairy allergy. In addition to being gluten free and dairy free, these muffins are high in fiber, omega 3’s, and pack the ultimate flavor punch. They are a great grab n go breakfast option along with freshly brewed coffee. They also make the perfect snack for you or your kid’s lunches. Did we mention they taste amazing?! 

Chuckanut Bay Salted Caramel Cheesecake – Tacoma Boys Style

Salted caramel is one of our favorite fall flavors. Although it can be considered a year-round flavor, Tacoma Boys is a big fan of pairing it with cinnamon, pumpkin, apples, and more. These mini cheesecakes are found in the freezer section and can be easily thawed. If you’re feeling adventurous, we suggest topping these bad boys with freshly caramelized fruit. Below is a simple recipe to give this cheesecake the ultimate fall flare. 

Spiced Caramelized Apples

Ingredients – to top one mini cheesecake 

• 1/2 apple – thinly sliced – see our fall apple guide here
• 1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1/2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg

Directions

1. Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add the maple syrup, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Once melted, lower the heat to medium low and add your apples. 
3. Allow to cook for 10 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes until apples are softened. 
4. Allow to cool if desired and pour over Chuckanut Bay Salted Caramel Mini Cheesecake.

Seasonal Sweets for the Soul

Although baked goods may be hard to beat, Tacoma Boys is stocked with additional seasonal sweets that are oh so good for the soul. 

Fall Family Fun

Concord Fresh Success Caramel Apple Wrap

Who doesn’t love a good caramel apple?! These caramel apple wraps are a great way to get kids involved in making their own treats. The package comes with five wraps and is easy to assemble – and eat! 

Pamela’s Baking & Pancake Mix 

Tacoma Boys carries a large variety of pancake mixes, but this one is a favorite! It’s gluten free, but you wouldn’t be able to tell. Making pancakes is another fantastic family activity. Tacoma Boys’ fall pancake tip – top them with Tacoma Boys Apple Cinnamon Syrup – you won’t regret it!

For the Fall Munchies

Everyone gets the munchies every now and then which means you should be stocked with your favorite fall treats! Tacoma Boys top fall snacks are: Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Cinnamon Granola, Seneca Caramel Apple Chips, Tacoma Boys Golden Caramel Corn Nuggets, and of course, Ellenos Pumpkin Real Greek Yogurt.

As fall quite literally ‘falls’ upon us, it’s the perfect time to get geared up for the holidays. If you love to host, Tacoma Boys has an easy guide to help you build the perfect fall charcuterie board that is sure to impress guests. Are you familiar with charcuterie? If not, have no fear! According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the French word charcuterie translates to cold cuts, or cured meat in English. These meats are typically served on a wooden board and are accompanied by various cheeses and grazing foods.

What’s great about this appetizer is that it is completely customizable for any occasion. In this case, we’d say the new season deserves the perfect fall charcuterie board in its honor, wouldn’t you agree?! A charcuterie board may be the easiest and most impressive appetizer you can set out at a party. Depending on the way you arrange it, the visual of the board can be quite stunning – some might even say, “Instagram worthy”. 

How to Start Building Your Fall Charcuterie Board

Firstly, when building an appetizer board, there’s a wide variety of ingredients you can choose from to create the ultimate fall charcuterie board. Secondly, pairing in-season produce with complimentary cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal toppers like fruit jam and spreads will keep your guests coming back for more. It’s important to play around with different textures and ensure there is a good combination of savory and sweet. Lucky for you, Tacoma Boys has everything you need – including great deals – to help you build the perfect fall charcuterie board!

Choose Your Meat 

There is an amazing selection of cured meats and cold cuts to choose from at Tacoma Boys. We love the salty flavor profile the meats bring to the boards and how versatile they can be when it comes to pairing them with other foods. We suggest choosing 2-3 different charcuterie meats for your board. A few different cured meats we are loving for a fall charcuterie board are:

Elevation Artisan Meats

We love these charcuterie meats because they are made with so much creativity and incredible flavors. We suggest the black pepper salami made with peppercorns and red wine, or the salami made with sea salt and black summer truffles. We must warn you though, you should be careful to not eat it all before placing it on your board! 

Brooklyn Cured

Brooklyn Cured is a small batch charcuterie brand that packs a punch when it comes to flavor. The smoked beef salami is a New York City deli style meat that was created with inspiration from New York delis and their history. Their bresaola is another great option for a fall charcuterie board as its air dried beef, similar to prosciutto, but made with beef as opposed to pork. Adding a unique cured meat made with beef will really elevate your appetizer.

Columbus Craft Meats

We carry a wide selection of Columbus Craft Meats! Some of our favorites to add to a charcuterie board are prosciutto, genoa salami, and the peppered salami. The peppered salami brings a subtle amount of heat and is great when paired with nuts, dried fruit, and fig jam!

Select Your Cheese

In our opinion, cheese is in the top three most important ingredients for a fall charcuterie board. Tacoma Boys carries a very large selection so you have plenty choices to choose from to ensure a perfect board. Some of our favorite choices are: Apple Farms Smoked Gouda, Beecher’s Flagship Handmade Cheese, Hoffman’s Vermont Cheddar, and. Henri Hutin Brie Couronne, and Montchevre Blueberry Vanilla Goat Cheese. We recommend always having at least one soft cheese such as brie or goat cheese. 

Pick Your Crackers

Finishing off our top 3 ingredients for a charcuterie board is crackers, bread, breadsticks, and more. Having this component for people to use as a base for their cured meats, cheese, and fruits. As a result, it adds great texture. Right now we are loving: I Grissini Del Vecchio Palone Crispy Breadsticks with olive oil and Tacoma Boys French Baguette Chips. If you’re looking for a gluten free option, Simple Mills has a fantastic line of grain free crackers.

Finish with Fall Produce and Local Favorites

Sweet

After you’ve decided on your cured meat, cheese, and crackers, it’s time to build your board! It’s important to finish it with fresh fall produce and your favorite local ingredients. We recommend using fall’s favorite fruit: apples, figs, organic locally grown concord grapes, and freshly sliced Bartlett pears. For fruit jams and spreads, Tacoma Boys’ Strawberry Fig Preserves, Divina Kalamata Fig Spread, and Stonewall Kitchen Fig & Ginger Jam will provide the perfect amount of sweetness for your board.

Salty

Adding a few salty, acidic components will bring this fall board to the next level. We love kalamata olives, green olives, and picked vegetables. These foods help balance out the rest of the board.

To assemble:

1. Place your cheeses on various spots on the board as well as your jam/preserves. You can pour your jam into small serving bowls or simply place the jar straight onto the board.
2. Fold your cured meats however you like, or simply spread them out around the board’s empty spaces and around the cheese. 
3. Follow with your cracker/breadstick choices by placing them around the board similar to the meat. 
4. Finish your board by filling in the leftover gaps with sliced fruit, dried fruit, and nuts.
5. Garnish your board with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Place cheese knives and serving utensils around the board.
6. For those with kids, omit the cheese knives and simply replace the blocks of cheese with pre-sliced cheese. Having everything pre-sliced such as the cured meats, cheese, and fruit makes this an easy appetizer for all!
7. Note: remember that charcuterie boards are rustic and don’t need to be perfect!

Just Like That, An Easy Fall Appetizer

You really cannot go wrong with choosing a charcuterie board as an appetizer when hosting. They’re versatile, creative, fun to assemble, and simply easy! Although these boards are great for hosting, they’re also perfect for a date night, a picnic, a movie night with your girls, and don’t forget the most important part – they pair great with all kinds of wine – enjoy!

There’s nothing better than a warming home-cooked meal enjoyed with family.

If you’re in a rut with your recipes and you need some inspiration for the next family dinner, we’re here to help. From scrummy pasta to warming soup, we’ve got you covered.

Here are some delicious home & family recipes that you can make using fresh ingredients from Tacoma Boys.

Baked Chicken With Spinach Stuffing

This baked chicken with spinach stuffing recipe won the grand prize at the 2006 Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest, so you know the whole family will love it.

While the dish includes healthy ingredients like spinach, there are a few unconventional ingredients included that give it its kick. These include maple-flavored syrup, peach preserves, and Worcestershire sauce.

When you take a bite, you’ll soon be reminded that an old-fashioned chicken dish is still a winner for dinner.

View recipe

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

This easy to make creamy tomato basil soup is one of our favorite healthy family dinners. Rich, creamy, and delicious, this homemade tomato soup is so much more flavorsome than your average soup from a tin.

With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can whip up a yummy dinner that the kids will love in just under 30 minutes.

Make it in bulk so you can throw it in your freezer for a rainy day. After all, we know it’s difficult to find the time to cook fresh meals from scratch every day, especially if you have kids to entertain.

View recipe

Twice-Baked Potatoes

If you’re looking for healthy dinner ideas for kids, you can’t go wrong with comforting twice-baked potatoes. They’re super easy to make and go great served with vegetables and soup.

Top them with creamy mashed potatoes, sour cream, cheese, green onions, and any other topping you like. To make them healthier, we suggest using beans as one of the toppings.

For an extra treat and to take the taste to the next level, include crispy, crumbled bacon too. While they take a little extra work to create, trust us, it’s worth it.

View recipe

Scarpetta’s Spaghetti With Fresh Tomato Sauce and Garlic Basil Oil

When it comes to a family dinner, you can’t go wrong with classic spaghetti tossed in tomato sauce.

At NYC’s famous Scarpetta restaurant, this tasty spaghetti dish is served over 100 times a day and it’s sure to go down a treat with the whole family.

This recipe uses fresh and ripe tomatoes, high-quality extra virgin olive oil, and a handful of fresh basil leaves to make it extra yummy. Why not see if you can replicate the original dish?

View recipe

Delicious Home & Family Recipes to Cook

These home & family recipes are not only delicious but are packed full of healthy and fresh ingredients.

Ready to shop for some high-quality and delicious produce to create yummy family meals?

Here at Tacoma Boys, we’re open 24/7 with plenty of fresh and delicious food ready to buy in-store. Shop with us and you’ll find everything you need to create warming family home recipes —frozen chicken breast is just $10 for a 5lb bag.

Check out our weekly specials and offers here.

Stuck at home and trying your best to keep social distancing? Don’t worry, you don’t need to stick to canned vegetables and frozen foods.  Avoiding a daily trip to the grocery store doesn’t mean you can’t eat great foods still!  Preparing for extended time at home doesn’t mean you have to deny yourself fresh, delicious, and healthy foods.

There are plenty of high-quality foods you can stock up on that will last for weeks. Here’s our advice on how to choose some of the best quality items for stocking up.

Fruit and Vegetables

While it’s a good idea to stock up on some frozen fruit and vegetables, there are lots of fresh grocery staples that will last too!  Save the essentials for your once a week trip, and grab some items that chill or freeze well and can be enjoyed at any time!

For example, apples are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. The good news? They’ll be ready to eat for about three weeks when fresh and kept in the fridge.  And baking them into an apple crisp or apple pie just sounds amazing right?

While bananas don’t last particularly long, this fruit is great for freezing. Buy a bunch, slice them up, and freeze the pieces. They’ll make a delicious smoothie whizzed up or a tasty treat dipped in chocolate.

Citrus fruits like oranges, limes and lemons are bursting with vitamin C and help keep your immune system whirring. Plus, they can last in the fridge for up to two weeks. Use the zest and the juice to help improve the flavor of a selection of marinades and recipes.

When it comes to choosing vegetables, a bag of unpeeled carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes and onions can be eaten for at least two weeks when kept in the fridge. As we all know, carrots are great for our skin and health. Just a one-cup serving offers nearly four grams of fiber.

Meat and Fish

Sure, meat and fish can go off easily. But don’t miss it off the food shopping list, as many items freeze well. These include chicken breast, ground beef, ground turkey, and many types of fish.  Our meat depatment is stocked full of great options that can be easily frozen for delicious meals next week or the following!

Our meat can be defrosted and used as the centerpiece of a meal, or they can be whizzed into soups and chilis to bulk them up for great tastes with yummy veggies.

Cheese

You can breathe a sigh of relief as there are lots of types of cheeses that can last in the fridge for weeks.

Both block and shredded cheeses will last around two weeks if you seal the packages efficiently after using them. Softer cheese such as gouda and brie will last you around two weeks and harder cheeses like cheddar and pecorino can last up to a month.

And the great thing about cheese is that you can use it on so many different things.  Cheese and wine pairings are fun any time of the week!

Stocking up for an Extended Home Stay

Remember, some perishable foods last a lot longer than others. Before you choose items like eggs, bread, and butter, have a peek at the packages’ expiration date to ensure you’re not cutting it too close.  And know that if you’ve forgotten something, we’re open 24/7 with low traffic numbers in store in the late evenings and mornings.

Keep this list handy when you’re stocking up for an extended homestay and you can still enjoy high-quality foods.

Ready to stock up on some high-quality and delicious produce? Here at Tacoma Boys we’re open 24/7 with plenty of fresh food ready to buy in-store.

Come and do your essential shopping with us and you’ll find everything you need for stocking up—frozen chicken breast is just $10 for a 5lb bag.

Check out our weekly specials and offers here.

Americans are spending $47 billion a year on food that is labeled organic.

Organic foods have been described as having more nutrients and less toxic chemicals and pesticide residue than non-organic options. They also have a lower overall risk of bacterial contamination.

GMOs are genetically modified organisms. These are plants, animals, or other microorganisms whose genetic makeup has been genetically modified in a lab through engineering.

Does organic mean non GMO? Can you be certain that your organic foods have not been subject to this type of engineering?

Let’s take a look.

The Organic Advantage

Organic foods are produced, prepared, and processed without the use of any chemicals. Chemical pesticides, preservatives, and fertilizers cannot be used while they are being grown.

Those foods labeled “organic” at the grocery store must have at least 95% organic ingredients. “Natural” is not regulated by the USDA and does not mean the same thing as “organic.”

Organic foods typically cost more than their non-organic counterparts. This is due largely to more expensive farming practices.

The benefits, however, make the cost worth it to many individuals and families.

When it comes to meat and milk, for example, organic products tend to have 50% more omega-3 fatty acids than conventionally produced products. Omega-3’s are excellent for reducing your risk of heart disease and fighting anxiety. They can also help reduce symptoms of ADHD in children.

Organic milk also has less saturated fat than their non-organic counterparts.

Organic veggies may have more antioxidants. These protect against free radicals, which play a role in heart disease, cancer, and other health problems.

The mineral and sugar content in organic foods can also make them tastier because the crops are given more time to mature.

Does Organic Mean Non GMO?

The short answer to the question is yes. The use of genetic engineering, or genetically modified products, is prohibited in organic products.

A farmer is not allowed to plant GMO seeds if the food is going to be labeled organic. An organic cow can’t eat GMO corn and organic prepared food can’t be packaged with any GMO ingredients.  Farmers can use other labels like: Made with organic ingredients

Organic farmers may plant their seeds early or late to avoid cross-pollination with GMO crops that are growing at the same time. Any planned equipment must be thoroughly cleaned to avoid unintended exposure to GMOs.

Eating Without GMOs

Eating GMO-free also has a host of health benefits. Genetically modified foods get injected with chemicals to make them last longer, meaning that the food is not always as fresh as it looks. They are also richer in certain vitamins and minerals, including fatty acids.

Foods made with GMOs can create bacteria-resistant strains that can lower your body’s immunity to illnesses. But overall, no conclusive evidence has shown that eating GMO-free will make you less susceptible to getting sick.

But I think we can agree that GMO-free foods are fresh and better for the environment. GMO’s chemicals can cause soil erosion and increase pollution. Non-GMO eating is more friendly to your surroundings.

Clean Eating

Does organic mean non GMO? Yes, it always does. And by eating organic, you will be doing your family and the earth a favor.

For more information on healthy eating, find more great articles to read on our blog here.

According to recent data, 3.1 million people across the US follow a gluten-free diet.

Gluten-free eating is a great way reduce processed wheat products and to encourage kids to eat lots of fruits and veggies.

You may be wondering how you can get your kids to consider some gluten free options and how to add a gluten-free diet to your family’s meal planning each week without complaint.

Here are some awesome kid-friendly gluten-free recipes you’ve got to try!

1. Broccoli-Crust Pizza

Gluten-free broccoli-crust pizza is a win-win for kids and parents. You can quickly purchase cauliflower crusts in our frozen gluten free case, but this at home recipe is well worth a try!  Youngsters will love the cheesy texture, marinara sauce, and even the broccoli.

Parents will love the fact that their kids are actually eating broccoli, which is a great source of vitamins K and C. It protects kids’ immune systems and helps build strong, healthy bones.

Your kids will be more likely to eat green, leafy veggies in the future if they start to enjoy them now. And they can be delicious if prepared well!  It will help keep their teeth and bones strong throughout adulthood.

The kids will love spreading the sauce and sprinkling the cheese… and cooking together will make your kids more eager to snack on their creation.

2. Ranch Chicken Tacos

Ranch chicken tacos are super-easy to prepare with a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, some wax paper, and a warmed skillet pan.  And gluten free tortillas are as easy as choosing corn! Chicken is an excellent lean source of protein for kids, keeping their energy up without packing on the carbs. It is also a great source of selenium, phosphorous, and vitamin B6.

The recipe also includes superfoods like olives, tomatoes, and avocados. It is a super way to introduce your littles to avocado, which has lots of good fats and vitamins like C, E, and K.

Olives are packed with antioxidants and excellent for heart health. And tomatoes are packed with vitamin C, potassium, and folate. Kids will learn to love their taste with a little savory ranch to sweeten the deal.

3. Berry Slush

Nothing gets kids more excited about summer than an icy treat. Get them in the kitchen to help create a Gluten Free Dairy Free Banana Berry Fruity Slush.

Berries are loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients like Vitamin C. Bananas are a great way to replace the creaminess of dairy and boost kids’ moods. They are also an excellent source of potassium.

Get kids in the kitchen to mix the ingredients before you blend for some extra bonding time.  They will love the fun color of this berry slush.  And kids love straws… so don’t forget to grab colorful, reusable straws to boot!

4. Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing says just-got-home-from-school like a batch of freshly-baked, yummy chocolate chip cookies. This recipe uses almond flour to keep cookies fresh and delicious, or use one of our other nut free and gluten free flours for kids who have sensitivity to nuts.

Milk is gluten-free and a great source of the vitamins and minerals that help kids’ bones grow strong and boosts their immune systems. So, pour some glasses for kids to dunk for a cozy treat on a cool afternoon.  We have great local dairies that provide us with nutritious and wholesome dairy products every day!

Kid Friendly Gluten Free Recipes

The best kid friendly gluten free recipes are delicious and nutritious. They will get your kids trying healthy food and asking for more in a jiffy. Cooking together is the perfect way to bond with your child and get them eating healthy for a lifetime.

For more nutritious ideas, read our blog today.