Fall (Page 3)

As summer winds down and the weather begins to cool, it’s time to start thinking about getting back to school. This time of year is a good chance to start fresh with new school supplies, clothes, and of course school lunches. Specifically, this school year means many kids are getting back into the classroom for the first time in several months! If you’re used to sending your child to school with a packed lunch, you may be a bit out of practice. Get ready to get the kids back to school by preparing for simple, healthy lunches throughout the week.

Time to Get Back to School

In general, getting back to school can be a busy time. It can be fun to involve the kids in the process of getting ready for school. From supplies, to transportation, to preparing food, there’s a lot to do! But kid friendly school lunches don’t have to be time consuming or overwhelming.

Start by stocking up on their favorite small bites for snack time. Think fruit, nuts, seeds, granola bars, crackers, cheese, and whatever else they consistently love to snack on. Then, try to take a little bit of time to plan school friendly lunches for the week. It may take some adjusting to get used to the extra meals that need to be made ahead of time. Just keep in mind what food you have and what else you’d like to cook before you go grocery shopping.

10 Ideas for School Lunches

Depending on what your child’s school is like, you can prepare hot or cold school lunches. For a cold lunch, pack a lunch box charcuterie-style with fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, crackers, meat, and nuts. Many families make things convenient by using leftovers from dinner the night before as school lunch for the kids. This is easy when you’re already cooking kid friendly food for other meals. Otherwise, try these ideas for school lunches for the kids:

1. Pasta

In addition to Tacoma Boys’ pre-packaged pasta salad, you can find a variety of pasta noodles and sauces. Try Primal Kitchen Roasted Garlic Marinara Sauce for a classic sauce. Or, Dave’s Gourmet Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce for something a bit different.

2. Soups

If your child is able to reheat soup at school, this is a great option for a filling lunch. Make your own soup with seasonal vegetables, Eden Organic Beans, and Better Than Bouillon Vegetable Broth. Or, grab a prepared soup mix like Rill Food’s Lentil & Potato Soup.

3. Lunchbox

Make a lunch-box style school lunch with whatever odds and ends you have on hand. Try a combination of protein, vegetables, and grains in the lunch box, like Tillamook Sharp Cheddar Cheese, baby carrots, and Quinn Whole Grain Sea Salt Pretzel Twists.

4. Sandwich Pinwheels

Mix and match your kid’s favorite sliced meat and cheese: Like deli turkey and California Premium Provolone Slices in a tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and Primal Foods Mayonnaise. Roll it up and cut into individual pinwheels.

5. Mini Egg Frittata Bites

Customize a dozen egg bites with vegetables, meat, cheese, and seasonings in a mini muffin tray. These can be eaten cold or heated up in the microwave.

6. Tuna Pita Pockets

Whip up a batch of tuna salad with Wild Selections Albacore Tuna. Then, stuff it inside of a pita pocket. Top it off with chopped cucumber, tomato, and lettuce.

7. Peanut Butter Banana Roll Ups

Use your favorite nut or seed butter (like SunButter) and a sprinkle of Spice Hunters Cinnamon in a tortilla for a super kid friendly school lunch.

8. Burritos

Anything wrapped in a large tortilla is easy to pack and usually tasty! Make a few burritos your way with your choice of beans, meat, vegetables, and cheese.

9. Grilled Chicken and Vegetables

While it’s still just warm enough to grill outside, prepare a few grilled chicken breasts. Grill some vegetables too, and pack it for lunch. Most kids like the subtle flavor of chicken— Grab their favorite vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, and potatoes.

10. Fried Rice

Any fried rice is super easy to make with the vegetables and meat you already have. Steam a batch of rice, then fry up your veggies and meat. Mix it all together and season with soy sauce and a few drops of sesame oil. This dish can be reheated or enjoyed cold.

Kid Friendly Food

Kid friendly food doesn’t have to be complicated nor overly simplistic. Everyone needs snacks and a solid lunch! But kid friendly food is simply food that kids would like to eat. Keep introducing them to new foods and ask them what they like to eat. To start, here are a few ideas for kid friendly food and snacks that are easy to take to school:

• Blue Diamond Nut Thins with Sabra Classic Hummus.
• Hippeas Organic Chickpeas Snacks.
• Northwest Delights offers a variety of tasty snacks, like Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites, Veggie Crisps, and Honey Oat Cranberry Crunch.
• Homemade trail mix with your choice of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and add-ins like chocolate chips and pretzels.
• Munk Pack Protein Cookies.
• Oatmeal Protein Balls.

At the end of the day, the important thing is making sure your children are happy and healthy. Sometimes, it can be as simple as asking your kid what they want to eat! Otherwise, just aim to keep things tasty and enjoyable for the whole family.

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Although the good times of sitting on patios for Sunday brunch are limited these days, that shouldn’t stop you from hosting the ultimate fall brunch at home! Every season is brunch season, right?! Brunch seems to be an activity everyone looks forward to. Whether it’s sippin’ on the bottomless mimosas or bloody mary’s in addition to the amazing food, it’s a great opportunity to bring people and families together. That’s why Tacoma Boys has put together this guide for how to host the perfect fall brunch! 

Fall Brunch Beverages

There are many different fall brunch beverages that help make a good brunch lineup. Cocktails, mocktails, coffee, and juices are some of the most popular choices when it comes to brunch. Lucky for you, Tacoma Boys has everything you need to fulfill all of your fall brunch beverage needs!

Mimosas

Mimosas are arguably one of the most popular brunch beverages, and putting a fall spin on the classic orange juice/champagne combo will take your fall brunch to the next level. Head to the juice section of your local Tacoma Boys and choose a fall flavor that suits your taste. Tacoma Boys recommends any of the following R.W. Knudsen juices:

• Apple Ginger
• 100% Apple
• Pear

After choosing your juice, it’s time to pick out the bubbles. Tacoma Boys carries a large selection of sparkling wines and champagne. Some of the current favorites include:

• Riojana Argentina Sparkling Wine 
• Tarantas Cava Brut
• Vega Medien Cava Brut
• Tarantas Sparkling White Wine
• Saracco Moscato D’Asti

If you’re looking to take the fall theme up a notch, throw in a cinnamon stick, fresh apple slices, and fresh cranberries to garnish your mimosa when serving. To make these mimosas family-friendly, simply top the juice with non alcoholic sparkling apple cider instead of champagne. If you’re not a mimosa fan, check out these fall-inspired beverages for more ideas!

Coffee

If you’re hosting your fall brunch before noon, you most likely will need to have some sort of caffeine option depending on your guests! Tacoma Boys suggests keeping the coffee simple and offering 2-3 fall-inspired creamer and sweetener options if desired. If you’re looking for iced coffee options, Califia Cold Brew Concentrate is highly recommended. You can read more here about our coffee selections, but some of the current favorites include:

• Ranch Roast 
• Cutters Point 
• Poverty Bay Coffee Co.
• Umbria 
• Raven’s Brew 

Fall Creamer Options

• Nutpods Peppermint Mocha – dairy-free
• Califia Pecan Caramel Creamer – dairy-free
• Organic Valley Eggnog
• Smith Brothers Plain Half & Half

Fall Sweetener Options

• Runamok Maple Cinnamon Vanilla Infused Maple Syrup
• Coombs Family Farms Organic Maple Syrup
• Wholesome Organic Dark Brown Sugar
• Wholesome Organic Pure Cane Sugar

The Best Brunch Food for Hosting

There are numerous options when it comes to brunch foods. However, when you’re hosting it’s best to keep it simple so you can enjoy the brunch yourself and not have to worry about being in the kitchen the entire time. Choose an egg dish, protein, and something sweet. This way you are able to have a range of foods while keeping it simple!

Egg Dishes

Being that eggs are one of the most common brunch foods, it only makes sense to have some sort of egg dish in the lineup. Head on over to the refrigerator section where the eggs are and choose between options like Stiebrs Farms Organic Free Range Brown Eggs or Vital Farms Pasture-Raised Eggs. If you want to keep it extra simple we recommend scrambling the eggs with some Green Valley Lactose-Free Grass-Fed Butter and a little sea salt. Other egg dish options include:

• Apple, Sweet Potato, and Sausage Breakfast Casserole by Raising Generation Nourished
• Eggs Benedict Breakfast Bake by Foodtastic Mom
• Fluffy & Delicious Scrambled Eggs by Savory Experiments

Protein Options

Everyone loves a good side of bacon or breakfast sausage! Check out the deli section at your local Tacoma Boys and choose between the thick-cut bacon options: Hickory Smoked, Applewood Smoked, and Cherrywood Smoked. You can also find Jolly Posh Foods Back Bacon and Tender Belly Uncured Breakfast Sausage in the freezer section. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, there are many meat-free options you can find in the freezer section as well!

Sweet Options

Offering a sweet food option at brunch is a must. Whether that’s pancakes, french toast, or cinnamon rolls, there are many different ways to offer something sweet when hosting brunch at home. From quick box mixes to frozen waffles, to homemade recipes, Tacoma Boys has your sweet brunch needs covered.

Quick Mixes

• Stonewall Kitchen Traditional Crepe Mix
• Birch Benders Pumpkin Spice Pancake Mix – gluten free
• Annie’s Pancake & Waffle Mix
• Pamela’s Pancake & Baking Mix – gluten free

Freezer Section

• Van’s Gluten Free Original Waffles
• Katz Gluten Free French Toast
• Kodiak Cakes Protein Packed Power Waffles

Fall Sweet Brunch Ideas

• Pumpkin French Toast Casserole by Just So Tasty
• Apple Pie Crepes by Tidy Mom
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes by Sally’s Baking Addiction

Hosting Brunch with Tacoma Boys

Whether you’re hosting brunch for a small group or just for your family at home, Tacoma Boys has all the food and drink you need to create the perfect fall brunch. Hosting doesn’t have to be a big glamorous event! Keep it simple so you’re able to spend quality time with loved ones! Pop on over to your local Tacoma Boys and take a stroll through the store to find all of your fall brunch needs. If you need guidance on any choices, don’t hesitate to ask one of the Tacoma Boys helpers for advice and direction! 

Happy brunching! 

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.

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!