Adventure Awaits!

We’ve got nothing against the classic s’more. Who could possibly begrudge that winning combo of melted chocolate and gooey mallow? However, there is a whole world of campfire treats waiting to be explored and we’ve gathered recipes for campfire desserts for adventurous campers.

Grilled Personal Peaches
Serves 4

Grilling fresh peaches is a great way to amp up their sweetness. While the prep on this dessert might be a bit more involved on the front end, each dessert is a single portion that requires no additional clean up or dishes. 

4 ripe peaches
¼ cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Pinch of salt
4 tablespoons of granola
Optional: Icecream (for our RVing friends)

1. Prepare a bed of coals under the grill for medium-high heat.
2. Using heavy duty foil, cut four, 12-inch square pieces of foil.
3. Cut butter into 1/2 inch pieces and toss in a bowl with the brown sugar and salt. Save yourself a mess at the campsite and do this step at home, adding into a ziplock bag to bring along. 
4. Wash peaches, cut in half, and remove the pits. Equally portion the butter/sugar mixture into the wells of four peach halves. 
5. Place two peach halves, cut side down onto each square of foil. Bring the corners of the foil up and crimp closed, sealing the foil packet.
6. Place the packets on the grill over the fire and cook for about 15 minutes, rotating the locations of the packets so that they cook evenly. (If the firepit at your campsite doesn’t have a grill, you can pull coals from the fire to create a bed of coals away from the main fire and put the foil packets directly on the coals. This is a less controlled method, but still creates a delicious treat.)
7. When peaches have cooked, use tongs to pull the foil packets from the fire and rest the peaches in their foil packets for a few minutes.
8. Open the foil pack carefully, as it will steam. Turn peaches over using a fork. Sprinkle each peach with granola and enjoy!

Campfire Peach Crisp
Serves 4-6

To keep it super simple, this recipe utilizes canned peaches and instant oatmeal. To create that crumble topping, you will use graham crackers, which nearly every camp pantry has on hand for classic s’more making. You can easily mix up the dry, topping ingredients in a ziplock bag before the trip, to simplify the prep campside.

2 – 15oz canned peaches in light syrup
6 – 8 graham crackers
3 – packets brown sugar instant oatmeal
⅓ cup butter, cut into small pieces
Optional: ⅓ chopped pecans
9×9 disposable, aluminum foil pan

1. Prepare a bed of coals under the grill for medium-high heat.
2. Break up graham crackers and add them to the aluminum pan. Sprinkle with instant oatmeal and pecans (if using).
3. Pour entire contents of canned peaches over the graham/oatmeal crumble and toss everything together with a spoon.
4. Scatter butter over the top of the crisp and cover the pan tightly with foil.
5. Place on the grill and cook for 15-25 minutes, rotating position for even cooking. Watch carefully for burning.
6. Remove the pan from the fire, peel back the foil carefully. Eat directly from the pan or dish into bowls if you fancy doing dishes later.

Broomstick Eclairs
Serves 4-6

Okay, you don’t have to use a broomstick, but this classic, campfire dessert does require some “specialty” equipment in the form of a 1 inch dowel. Dowels are easy enough to get from a hardware store. Use the dowel as is or follow this great DIY for roasting sticks. If you’re camping in a wooded area, you can also hunt for a branch to use, once you are at camp. We’ll cover those sticks with foil, so an old broomstick or a fallen branch will work just dandy.

1” diameter roasting stick/broomstick
Aluminum Foil
Butter or non-stick spray
1 package refrigerated crescent rolls
1 package of vanilla pudding (or chocolate if you fancy)
1 jar of chocolate frosting, chocolatey nut spread

1. Prepare your pudding ahead of the trip and store in an air-tight container, plastic ziplock, or empty ketchup bottle (these last two methods make for easy eclair filling at the campsite). Store in the refrigerator or cooler until ready to use.
2. Once your fire is ready for roasting, wrap the end of your roasting stick/dowel with foil and coat with butter or non-stick spray to keep the eclair from sticking.
3. Wrap a section of crescent dough around the stick, making sure to overlap as you go and completely close off the end.
4. Slowly roast the eclair over the fire, being sure to rotate for even roasting. Slow and steady is the way to go!
5. When the eclair is perfectly roasted, slide it carefully off the dowel. Fill with pudding, top with chocolate frosting, and enjoy!

Banana Boats

This is another classic that often gets forgotten in lieu of a traditional s’more, but we think it’s worth a revisit. While there is no denying this is solidly in the dessert category, the fresh fruit adds a dose of nutrition. Top with more fresh fruit like raspberries or sliced strawberries for an even healthier option.

Ingredients per Serving:

1 banana
12 mini marshmallows
⅛ cup mini chocolate chips
Optional: Peanut Butter, toffee bits, granola, fresh raspberries

1. Prepare a bed of coals under the grill for medium heat.
2. Cut tin foil into 12 inch squares, enough for each banana boat.
3. Leaving the peel on the bananas, cut a slit lengthwise, but not through the bottom portion of the peel.
4. Open up the split in the banana and stuff with marshmallows, chocolate chips, and peanut butter, if using.
5. Place on a sheet of foil and loosely fold over the top of the banana boat leaving a little bit of headroom, so the chocolate doesn’t just coat the foil. Make sure all ends of the foil are sealed.
6. Grill for 3-5 minutes, or until the marshmallows and chocolate make a delicious gooey mess.
7. Top with optional toppings: toffee bits, granola, fresh raspberries, crushed vanilla wafers… the possibilities are endless.

Fuel Your Adventure

If these campfire desserts for adventurous campers have you feeling inspired, you’ll enjoy our roundup of road trip snacks perfect for the drive and your hiking excursions. Now that you’ve got the all-important dessert and snacks covered, head on over to our Guide to Quality Meals in the Great Outdoors and you’ll be set for your next adventure!

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!

Have you been wondering what the holiday season will be like this year? Everyone has, which is why Tacoma Boys has created this guide to host the ultimate holiday bake off with family and friends – virtually, of course! Since you may not be able to connect in-person with some of your loved ones this year, Tacoma Boys thought a holiday bake off would be a great way to get into the holiday spirit while staying safe and healthy. Whether you choose to host your holiday bakeoff with just your small family at home or extend the invitation for others to join virtually, it’s sure to be a great time complete with delicious holiday treats!

How to Prepare for Your Virtual Holiday Bake Off

If you were to host a holiday bake off during non-pandemic times, you would typically have the people involved come to your home to participate. Since it’s our duty to stay home, creating a virtual version is the best (and kind of fun!) way to host a bake off. 

1. Send Out Online Invitations

Creating invitations online doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Simply decide on a date and time that works best for yourself and others involved and click send to get the info out! 

2. Decide What to Bake

Deciding on recipes for the holiday bake off may be the most difficult part of throwing this bake off together – there are so many good choices out there! Tacoma Boys suggests picking three different recipes for your participants to follow. This way everyone is making the exact same recipe and can enjoy them together at the end. If you’re not keen on baking, you can opt to host a charcuterie board competition or a virtual brunch-off! 

3. Set a Timer

Setting a timer may not be necessary, but it adds to the “bake off” aspect of the day! Just ensure it’s enough time to actually finish the recipes.

4. Pick a Winner, Together

Instead of having a taste test – because that’s not possible virtually – have everyone present their final products with a little background story! This can be a true story or completely made up, and adds a fun, unique component to the bake off.

Holiday Baking Essentials

Holiday baking has always been a great way to bring families together during the holidays, so don’t let hosting a bake off be stressful. Choose recipes that everyone will love and are moderately easy – after all, the bake off is supposed to be fun! Tacoma Boys has a large selection of baking essentials that will set you up for a successful bake off experience. 

Flour

When you head over to the baking section at Tacoma Boys, you’ll find the biggest selection of flours! From gluten free varieties to organic unbleached all-purpose, you are sure to find everything you’ll need for this bake off. The widest selection comes from the popular brand, Bob’s Red Mills, providing you with high quality ingredients no matter the recipe.

Sugar

Sugar is a crucial component of baking which means it’s smart to have a variety on hand! A couple favorite brands at Tacoma Boys are Wholesome and Woodstock – both are high quality sugars and offer brown sugar, white sugar, powdered sugar, coconut sugar, and more! If you’re looking to host a bake off on the lighter side, opt for Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener as a sugar-free alternative.

Chocolate

Every bake off needs chocolate chips. Afterall, it wouldn’t be right to host a bake off without chocolate! Choose from a wide range of chocolate chips to finish off all of your baking needs. Whether you’re looking for white, dark, or milk chocolate, Tacoma Boys carries classic brands such as Ghirardelli and Enjoy Life, as well as quality sugar-free options like Lily’s! 

Choose Your Christmas Treats

After you send out invitations, it’s time to decide what Christmas treats to make for the bake off! It’s important to plan this step ahead of time so you’re able to send out an ingredient list to all of the contestants. From cookies to Christmas candy, there are many great options that will make this bake off one-of-a-kind!

Recipe Options

• Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies from Baker By Nature

This recipe is a great way to take classic chocolate chip cookies up a notch. Head over to the baking section at Tacoma Boys and pick out your flour, sugar, and chocolate chips. After you have the baking essentials, pick up a container of Northwest Delights pecans to ensure a satisfying crunch to this cookie.

• Cranberry Orange Swirl Cookies from Beyond the Kitchen Coop

A cookie recipe with holiday’s favorite side: cranberry sauce – yes, please! Stock up on some Green Valley Lactose Free Butter, Vital Farms Eggs, tree ripened organic grown oranges, and Ocean Spray Organic Cranberries to make this recipe top notch.

• Peanut Butter Mallow Bars from Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen 

Everyone loves a great peanut butter option, and this recipe will satisfy any sweet tooth. Choose your favorite peanut butter from Tacoma Boy’s nut butter section and grab a bag of Dandies Marshmallows for the ultimate peanut butter bars! 

Don’t Forget to Have Fun!

Always remember these types of events are supposed to be fun! Swing by your local Tacoma Boys to grab all of  the ingredients on your baking list for a fun-filled baking day! If you’re feeling extra jolly, you can pick up your Christmas tree the same day. SHOP EARLY THIS SEASON – TREES ARE SELLING FAST! You can check out Tacoma Boys’ Christmas Trees here! 

It’s that time again! Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it’s time to plan out the most important part of the menu: Thanksgiving pie. Although the rest of the menu matters as well, your Thanksgiving pie decision is the grand finale when hosting! Whether you plan to whip up the pie crust and pie filling from scratch, or purchase a pre-made pie, this Tacoma Boys guide has everything you’ll need to get geared up for this year’s Thanksgiving pie.

Choosing the Right Crust for Thanksgiving Pie

Pie crust may be one of the most daunting aspects of baking a pie, especially if it’s your Thanksgiving pie. Depending on the recipe it can be incredibly easy to make, or sparingly difficult. Tacoma Boys loves to find recipes that require minimal ingredients and explains each step throughout the process. This easy pie crust recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen is a great example! Using a high quality all purpose flour like Bob’s Red Mills will help with creating an outstanding final product for the ultimate Thanksgiving pie. You can find Bob’s Red Mills and other flour options in Tacoma Boys’ wide assortment of baking essentials.

If you’re wanting to make a Thanksgiving pie this year but are looking to avoid the pie crust process, have no fear! Tacoma Boys has a variety of premade pie crusts and pie crust mixes to make your pie baking experience a lot easier.

Frozen Pie Crusts

• Wholly Wholesome Organic Traditional 9” Pie Shells
• Wholly Wholesome Gluten Free 9” Pie Shells

Gluten Free Pie Crust Mixes

• Kinnikinnick Graham Cracker Style Crumbs (for graham cracker crust)
• Glutino Perfect Pie Crust 

Thanksgiving Baking with Your Favorite Pie Fillings

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie may be among the most popular pies when it comes to Thanksgiving baking. What is it about pumpkin pie that embodies all of fall’s favorite flavors? This classic pumpkin pie recipe by Jo Cooks is a great recipe that is simple to follow and allows you to use a premade pie crust if desired! Most pumpkin pie recipes call for canned pumpkin, but if you’re looking to be a little more adventurous, you can make your own pumpkin puree using sugar pumpkins. You can find these pumpkins at your local Tacoma Boys. They’re smaller, less fibrous, and sweeter, making them perfect for baking. Follow the Pioneer Woman’s recipe for homemade pumpkin puree. It’s a lot easier than you’d think! 

Pecan Pie

Another Thanksgiving classic is pecan pie. It’s sweet, salty, and has a rich filling with a caramel-like flavor, and finished with pecans for added crunch. Pecan pie can be a hit or miss, but it is definitely worth the try when you can make it with quality ingredients. The Tacoma Boys’ baking section has a wide variety of ingredients to choose from depending on the recipe you use. However, for pecan pie we suggest using Northwest Delights pecans – they’re some of the best!

Apple Pie

Of course, apple pie is in the top three for Thanksgiving pies! It’s quite simple to make the filling and put together when using a premade pie crust. This recipe by Food Network is great for a classic apple pie. Tacoma Boys suggests using Granny Smith apples because their tart flavor profile balances out the sweetness of the filling, but you can find a wide assortment of fall’s favorite fruit throughout your local Tacoma Boys! If you’re short on time, check out the freezer section to spot the two-pound bag of Remlinger Farms Hand-Picked Granny Smith Apples that are pre-sliced – we’d say that’s a win!

Premade Pies

If you’re hosting for Thanksgiving, but baking a pie from scratch just isn’t your jam, Tacoma Boys has you covered. Simply take a stroll through the freezer section and select a premade pie that suits your holiday pie needs!

• Remlinger Farms Cosmic Crisp Apple Pie
• Cyrus O’leary’s
  • Pumpkin Pie
  • Lemon Meringue Pie
  • Pecan Pie
  • Apple Pie
  • Custard Pie

Favorite Thanksgiving Pie Toppings

Although the pie itself is the most important part, you can’t forget about a little whipped cream topping! Finishing your favorite Thanksgiving pie with a dollop of whipped cream is the ultimate cherry on top. You can find premade whipped cream in the dairy section at Tacoma Boys and choose an option such as Dairy Star whipped topping! If you want to take your pie topping to the next level, pick up Smith Brothers heavy cream and make your homemade whipped cream at home. We love making our homemade whipped cream with pure maple syrup for the ultimate fall flavor boost.

Homemade Maple Whipped Cream

Ingredients

• 1 pint heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and whip using a hand mixer until stiff peaks form. About 3-5 minutes.
2. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. 

All of Your Pie Needs Covered! 

Whether you’re looking for a quick Thanksgiving pie fix or a full-blown pie baking session, pop into your local Tacoma boys to find everything you’ll need. If pie isn’t your thing, there’s a wide selection of fall treats that are perfect for the holidays. If you have any questions, ask one of the Tacoma Boys’ helpers for advice and they’ll be sure to steer you in the right direction.

It’s that time of year. After a hot afternoon spent playing in the pool, tubing behind a boat, or just lying in the sun, you might find yourself hungry, thirsty, looking for something sweet, or all of the above. Lucky for you, we have a great selection of local and specialty summer treats to satisfy your craving!

Whether you’re in the mood for good ol’ fashioned, right-out-of-the carton ice cream or a novelty frozen treat on a stick, Tacoma Boys and H&L produce have it all. Because we care about local businesses and quality ingredients, we carry products from some of the best ice cream makers in the area. Most of these small businesses commit to sourcing ingredients locally and responsibly. And many of them are not just making ice cream, but also making a difference! We couldn’t be prouder to support a variety of excellent ice cream makers, and we rounded up a few of our favorites for you, right here on our blog!

Tacoma Boy’s Guide to Local Summer Treats

Pure Pints, Plain and Simple

For those moments when all you want is spoonful of sweet creamy frozen goodness, we’ve collected some of our favorite classic ice cream makers. 

Molly Moon’s Ice Cream

It all started with a Seattle woman who dreamed of bringing people together and making them happy with ice cream. Her dream came true in Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream. Committed to sustainability and to the well being of their employees, Molly Moon’s makes ice cream with 90% ingredients sourced in the PNW. Among many other goodwill efforts, Molly Moon’s gives at least 10% of profits to food banks, equity organizations, women and girl empowerment initiatives each year. So, grab a pint of Molly Moon’s Ice Cream and know your money is going toward a great cause!

Flavors to try: Scout Mint, Cookie Dough, Melted Chocolate, Salted Caramel.

ACME Ice Cream

Locally owned and operated, ACME has four scoop shops across Washington state. Their ice cream making process boasts “no air added,” leaving nothing but a thick, rich frozen summer treat. Based in Bellingham, Washington, ACME makes their ice cream with cream and berries from local farms. The simplicity and quality of their ingredients leads to happiness with every bite.

Flavors to try: Dark Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla, Mint Chocolate Chip, Butter Pecan.

Snow Monkey Ice Cream

Why can’t ice cream be healthy? It’s a question the founder of Snow Monkey Ice Cream sought to answer in her college kitchen. And so she created a summer treat that’s both delicious AND nutritious! Snow Monkey Ice Cream makes their ice cream with just 7 ingredients. As a result, it’s vegan and paleo approved, as well as dairy and nut free. They make their product with seeds, fruit, and superfoods, so this ice cream actually fuels your body! If that all isn’t upstanding enough, Snow Monkey proudly empowers female entrepreneurs and is owned and operated entirely by women. If you’re an athlete or just someone who wants healthy food for your body, you’ll love Snow Monkey ice cream!

Flavors to try: Matcha Green Tea, Passion Fruit, Chocolate.

Umpqua Ice Cream

If you’re from the PNW, you’ve likely already tried the mouthwatering summer treats produced by Umpqua Dairy. Made from milk received daily from Oregon farms, Umpqua ice cream has become a summer staple for countless Pacific Northwest families. Since their foundation in 1931, Umpqua has been committed to sustainability and food safety for all of their customers. 

Flavors to try: Espresso Madness, Maple Nut, Chocolate Chip Mint.

What A Novel Idea!

While it’s always nice to sit down at the table with a bowl of ice cream (or on the couch with a carton…you know who you are), sometimes what you need is an on-the-go summer treat..a dripping-down-from-the-stick-onto-your-hand kind of treat..or maybe an ice-cream-squishing-out-from-between-two-cookies kind of treat and we’ve got it all! We’ve rounded up some of our top picks for ice cream novelties here:

Goodpop Popsicle

Based in Austin, Texas, Goodpop believes in wholesome ingredients (organic when possible) and doing good in the world. Fair trade certified and non-gmo verified, Goodpop makes their popsicles with quality ingredients. In addition, they donate to a long list of charities and organizations doing their part to make the world a better place. Because they’re full of real, simple ingredients, you can feel great about feeding your kids (and yourself) Goodpop Popsicles on a hot summer afternoon!

Flavors to try: Strawberry, Chocolate, Cookies n Cream. 

Ruby Jewel Ice Cream Sandwiches

The only thing better than ice cream is ice cream squished between two cookies. At least, that’s what the founder of Ruby Jewel seemed to think when she set out on a mission to create “extraordinarily and distinctly original ice cream sandwiches.” Ruby Jewel sources their ingredients from farmers and food artisans in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, and operates out of Portland. So, you’ll be supporting a fantastic local business when you buy these amazing ice cream sandwiches!

Flavors to try: Dark Chocolate and Fresh Mint (think Girl Scout thin mints, but ice cream), Chocolate Chip and Vanilla Bean, Lemon and Honey Lavender, Double Chocolate and Peanut Butter (like peanut butter cups, but again, ice cream!)

Chuckanut Bay Mini Cheesecakes

Chuckanut Bay Mini Cheesecakes are 3” of heaven. The folks at Chackunat Bay make their cheesecakes with real, all natural ingredients, and have produced a portion size perfect for one. Locally owned and family operated, Chuckanut bay operates out of  Baine, Washington. Grab a few individual cheesecakes and make each of your guests feel special at your next summer get together. 

Flavors to try: Huckleberry, New York Cheesecake, Salted Caramel, Key Lime.

Island Ice Cream Co. Chocolate Dipped Ice Cream Bars

Whidbey Island Ice Cream Co operates out of–you guessed it!–Whidbey Island, Washington. In addition to their own scoop shop, you can find Whidbey Island Ice Cream at the Woodland Park Zoo, the Space Needle, and of course, Tacoma Boy’s and H&L Produce. Hand dipped in Guittard chocolate, you’ll find chocolaty goodness in every bite!

Flavors to try: Now This Is Chocolate, Chocolate Mint, Sea Salted Caramel (proceeds from this flavor help support the Seattle Aquarium), Skagit Triple Berry.

Keep Cool with Tacoma Boys 

However you choose to spend your summer, let us help you keep it cool with unique, quality ice cream and ice cream novelties from local small businesses. Swing by a Tacoma Boys or H&L Produce Location today and check out our freezer section all the best summer treats.

Looking for something sweet? From quality baked pastries to locally made ice cream, Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce has the perfect delicious dessert to top off your evening and satisfy your craving for something sweet. 

You’ve just finished a delicious meal, and conversation around the table is flowing. You don’t want the evening to end, but the main course is gone and plates are ready to be cleared. You know exactly what this moment calls for. Whether it’s cool and creamy or fresh from the oven filling the house with a heavenly aroma…it’s time for dessert! 

Whether you’re a “made-from-scratch” kitchen queen or a “support your local baker” host extraordinaire (or maybe somewhere in between), we at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce have all the sugary goods you need to top the evening off right with a delicious dessert. 

Three Ways Tacoma Boys Can Help Make Your Dessert Delicious

Made with Lovin’ Fresh From the Oven

Maybe you’re a purist when it comes to dessert. “Happiness is homemade,” they say, and they couldn’t be more right! There’s nothing as tasteful and thoughtful as a baked good made with love in your own kitchen. If you’re in this camp, have no fear. Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce have you covered with high quality ingredients that would make your mother proud. 

Apple Pie

For an American summer classic, try this recipe for homemade Apple Pie from Taste of Home! Save yourself a little time by skipping the tedious apple peeling and grab a bag of Remlinger Farms Frozen Granny Smith Apples. Sourced in Carnation, WA, these are homegrown Washington apples. (We also carry blueberries, pie cherries, rhubarb, peaches, and a berry medley from Remlington. So if apple pie doesn’t suit your fancy, you have plenty of options!) While you’re there, pick up a frozen pie crust, also in our frozen section. Is it still homemade if the crust is frozen? We think so. And we won’t tell. 

Chocolate Chip Cookies

If pie feels a bit ambitious, you can never go wrong with Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookies. If you’re interested in lowering the sugar content and still making this delicious dessert, try substituting Lily’s Semi-Sweet Baking Chips from our comprehensive baking aisle. We also carry an assortment of sugar replacements like Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener, Sweet Leaf Organic Stevia, and Swerve Sugar Replacement. While you’re there, check out Tacoma Boys Vanilla Extract. Give it a try and see if you don’t make the best chocolate chip cookies you’ve ever had!

Leave it to the Pros

Not much of a baker? No problem! There’s absolutely no shame in buying delicious desserts from the store, especially desserts made locally with high quality ingredients. Some things are best left to the professionals. 

Cyrus O’Leary’s Pies 

Cyrus O’Leary’s is a business based right here in Washington. What started as a restaurant in Spokane has now turned into a pie baking legacy that has lasted more than 30 years! With flavors like, Marionberry, Banana Cream, Strawberry Rhubarb, Coconut Cream and Chocolate Cream, there’s something for everyone. Find any and all of these flavors in our frozen section and make Cyrus O’Leary’s pie the highlight of your evening!

Olivia Superfree Cupcakes

Sick of always missing out on delicious desserts due to food allergies? Be free! Everything in the Olivia Superfree line is gluten free, dairy free, egg free, soy free, rice free, corn free, potato free, trans fat free, canola oil free, iodine free, nut free, vegan and coconut free. All the good taste with none of the bad stuff. Olivia Superfree is a family owned company that was started in Seattle by a woman who has many food allergies herself, and named the company after her daughter, who also has food allergies. Stop by Tacoma Boys or H&L Produce and pick up Olivia Superfree Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cupcakes or Dutch Apple Pie the next time you have your vegan best friend over for dinner, and enjoy a dessert nobody has to miss out on!

Homemade..ish 

Do you love the idea of homemade, but always seem to be short on time? Admire people who can spend hours planning a four course meal in advance, but also love spontaneous dinner guests? We have the perfect in-between options you can pick up and put together quick or keep in your pantry for just the right time.

Fisher Fair Scones

It all started at the Washington State Fair in Puyallup. The unlikeliest fair food amongst hot dogs and pretzels, but there they were–Fisher Fair Scones–hot, fresh, and full of jam. They became famous throughout the state and the country and for a great reason. If you haven’t tried them at the fair, August is coming soon! But lucky for you, you don’t have to wait. We carry Fisher Original Fair Scone & Shortbread Mix in our baking section all year long. These scones are traditionally served with raspberry jam, so come check out our vast selection of jams and preserves and see if you don’t find a few other flavors to try (Keep it local with Maury Island Marionberry Jam). Keep a box of Fisher Fair Scone Mix in your cupboard for the next time an afternoon hangout turns into a spur of the moment BBQ, and wow your guests with a scone treat that’s kind of homemade. 

Strawberry Shortcake

Another great, easy summer treat is strawberry shortcake! Cool and creamy, this is an option that’s so quick to throw together, but will have your guests raving all night.

Start with pound cake (you can go with traditional, but we love Magic Flavors Lemon & Poppy Seed Pound Cake). Top with fresh sliced strawberries from our produce section and top with whipped cream. Voila! A delicious dessert that tastes like summer. No baking skills or oven time required.

Looking for a Unique Treat?

Whether you’re an aspiring baker looking to amaze your guests with rad culinary skills, or you prefer to let your great taste and knowledge of local experts do the impressing, Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce have what you need. We carry a variety of local brands unique to our area, so you can feel great about supporting local businesses when you shop with us.  With a comprehensive baking section and vast array of specialty items, your after dinner treat will be one of a kind. Stop by one of our locations today, and let us help make tonight’s delicious dessert the best part of your day!

No state in American produces more blueberries than Washington State. And knowing when to find them, how to prepare them, and all the ways you can enjoy them is where we come in! So here’s to the blueberry, and the Washingtonians that love them. (more…)

A raspberry a day just simply isn’t enough raspberries! Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce love Washington raspberries, and we think you should love them too. (more…)

No summer dining experience is complete without a refreshing dessert or two to be shared. So here are some ideas for finishing off that summertime dinner party.
(more…)