Food (Page 3)

To celebrate Father’s Day this year, you might be looking to do something new and special. The holiday is coming right up on June 21st! If dad is a beer lover, he’d surely appreciate a cold brew along with some quality time with the family. But as more breweries pop up and craft beer particularly becomes more popular, there are so many to choose from! Try a sampling of his favorites and new beers with your Father’s Day lunch or dinner. Father’s Day is a great chance to sample some of Tacoma Boys’ vast selection of domestic and imported beers. Whether you’re celebrating your own father, spouse, or another dad in your life, have fun showing dad different beer pairings.

Father’s Day

As Father’s Day is right around the beginning of summer, many people celebrate with a big dinner or backyard barbecue. It’s a good time to relax with the family and cook dad’s favorite foods. Beer fits nicely into this as you can choose a beer to pair with your snacks and meals. It’s also so refreshing on a warm summer day! For tips on how to have a great memorable Father’s Day barbecue, check out our guide all about it here. If you’re not sure what kind of beer you and your family will enjoy, don’t fret: Plan your menu first and then grab a few different beers to sip alongside. Tacoma Boys’ wide variety of domestic and imported beers mean there’s something for everyone.

Beer & Food Pairings to Celebrate

When deciding beer and food pairings to serve on Father’s Day, there’s a couple things to keep in mind. Although any beer will quite likely taste great with any food, think of the contrasting and complementary flavors. A nice rich dark beer, for example, goes well with dark, rich foods. Meanwhile, light pilsners or blonde ales go well with simple light foods. If you don’t know where to start, check out these tasty beer and food pairings from Tacoma Boys.

Rainier Beer

A classic for dads of the Pacific Northwest: It really goes well with just about anything. The light hoppy beer is a standard at campgrounds, backyard barbecues, and everywhere in between. Pair it with homemade baked beans— We recommend using BBQ Pete’s Puyallup Fair BBQ Sauce in your baked beans!

New Belgium Fat Tire

This European amber ale is easy drinking yet flavorful thanks to hops and malty notes. Pair it with Columbia Charcuterie Tasting Board or make your own charcuterie board with Tacoma Boys’ specialty meats and cheeses. 

Sierra Nevada Summer Break

This hazy IPA is just right for the occasion: Kick off summer and celebrate dad with this beer with smooth malt flavor. Pair it with Tacoma Boys Asian Blend Snack Mix for an afternoon bite.

Odd Otter Atmospheric Haze India Pale Ale

A Tacoma brew, Odd Otter’s Atmospheric Haze is light in color with fruity notes and a medium body. Pair it with spicy grilled Hempler’s Hot Links Sausage and Tacoma Boys German Sauerkraut. 

Reuben’s Brews Pilsner

Reuben’s Czech-style pilsner is reliably light and refreshing. We recommend adding lemonade to this Seattle brew to make a shandy! Pair it with simple grilled chicken breast and Tacoma Boys Baked Potato Salad.

Beer Recipes for Dad

While drinking beer is surely enjoyable, you can make beer recipes using just about any kind of beer. The carbonation and flavors from the beer are helpful in the cooking and baking process. Notes of hops, yeast, and malt can come through nicely in the food! These beer recipes are easy to approach and oh-so tasty.

• Irish Beer Cheese Dip: This Irish beer cheese dip is best enjoyed with soft pretzels— and even more beer for drinking. Rich and creamy, it will go great alongside any brew.
• Beer battered anything: Beer battered fish, chicken, onion rings, and even pickles are a tasty classic! This recipe by Dinner Then Dessert is one example of crispy beer battered fish.
• Quick and Easy Beer Bread by A Southern Soul: For a fun Father’s Day bonding activity, spend the afternoon baking bread! Everyone will enjoy it and it can be stored for a few days after.
• Beer brats are a great option for summer cooking: Simply braise your favorite bratwurst in your favorite dark beer after pan frying the sausage. This yields ultimate flavor and juiciness!

Browse Tacoma Boys Selection of Beer

This Father’s Day, make it extra special with a sampling of different types of beer to try. Maybe you and dad will find a new favorite to enjoy together! Whatever you do, it’s all about taking time to appreciate the fathers in your life. Make the effort to show them how much they mean to you and other loved ones with simple gestures like these: They will be sure to feel the love! 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!

Eating naturally fermented foods has long been beneficial to one’s overall health, but your gut especially reaps the benefits. Fermentation is the result of sugars and starches in a food naturally broken down by bacteria and yeast. This changes the structure of the food and allows it to be preserved longer. What results is “good bacteria” that takes care of your stomach and helps with digestion. Fermented foods are fun to eat and popular for their distinctively acidic taste and health benefits.

Fermented Foods

Consuming fermented foods is beneficial because they contain live cultures that live in your gut and help support your immune system. One thing to note about fermentation is the difference between such and pickling. While some traditional pickles are naturally fermented, many are not. Therefore they’re not considered fermented foods (rather, they are simply cucumbers pickled in vinegar). For more information on the difference between the fermenting and pickling, check out this guide by WildBrine.

Yogurt and Kefir

One of the most popular fermented foods is yogurt because it is simply fermented milk! It’s known for containing probiotics that are helpful to your gut and digestion. If you’re unfamiliar with kefir, it’s a dairy product similar to yogurt. Kefir is a great addition to smoothies and granola! One of Tacoma Boys’ favorites is Grace Harbor Farms Plain Kefir. This drinkable yogurt is known for assisting digestion and even improving bone health, making it a great addition to your daily routine!

Kombucha

Kombucha has become quite popular in recent years, but do you know what this fermented tea actually is? Scoby, a colony of yeast and bacteria, is what makes the tea fermented. Depending on the brand and flavor, kombucha may taste slightly sweet and sometimes vinegary. But not in a bad way! Kombucha is flavored with herbs and fruits that are added during the fermentation process. If you’re a first-timer looking for a good option, Bellingham-based Kombucha Town Blueberry White Kombucha is one of the many kombucha brands offered at Tacoma Boys.

Kimchi

Kimchi is a traditional Korean blend of salted and fermented vegetables. Cabbage and radish typically makes up the base of kimchi, followed by many seasonings and spices! If you’re looking for a tasty way to get more probiotics and vegetables into your diet, kimchi is the perfect option! Try Britt’s Kimchi made by local Britt’s Fermented Foods.

Sauerkraut 

Sauerkraut is familiar to many for its presence on various sausages and its crunchy, sour bite. This comes from the fermentation process when the sugars in the cabbage break down into lactic acid. Flavoring and seasonings like garlic, ginger, peppers, and other vegetables are often present. OlyKraut and WildBrine Sauerkraut are available in many flavors at Tacoma Boys.

Sourdough

This may come as a surprise to many, but sourdough is actually a fermented food! This means it contains those good bacterias that help support your gut. Naturally occurring yeast and lactic acid bacteria make up a sourdough starter. While making bread, the starter ferments the sugars in the dough. This is what yields such a nice sour taste, such as in Seattle Sourdough Baking Company Bread.

What are the Benefits of Probiotics?

Fermented foods contain live cultures called probiotics, which live in your body, too! What’s amazing about probiotics is that they’re constantly fighting the “bad bacteria.” And to top it off, this all leads back to your overall health and taking good care of your body and immune system. There are different strains of probiotics that are beneficial for different reasons. Some fermented foods contain dozens of different helpful probiotics that contribute to the “good bacteria.” Moreover, for people who prefer to take supplements over fermented foods, there are options like this spore probiotic that contains many unique bacillus spores providing broad-spectrum support for the gut and thus helping to maintain a healthy bacterial ecosystem.

Realizing that fermented foods contain several live microorganisms may gross some people out. But there’s no need to worry! You have hundreds of millions of live bacteria living in your gut right now. Probiotic microbes simply add to the good bacteria in your gut that fight disease and infection. Many people even take probiotic supplements to improve their gut health. For more information about probiotics, check out this webpage by the Cleveland Clinic. 

Cooking With Fermented Foods

Cooking with fermented foods can be as simple as snacking on kimchi or yogurt! But there are a few things you can do to make cooking with fermented foods part of your everyday diet. When you add fermented foods to your diet, you’re making an effort to maintain your gut health and immune system. You can simply use the fermented foods as you would with its non fermented counterpart: 

• Throw kimchi (cabbage and radish) in a stir fry or pile some sauerkraut (cabbage) high on your sandwich.
• Try kombucha (sweet tea) as an afternoon refreshment.
• Swap plain white bread with sourdough on your next homemade sandwich.
• Toss some kefir (cultured milk) into a smoothie.
• Build a charcuterie board with raw cheese, kimchi, sourdough bread, and salami. 

The options are endless! Get creative with cooking with fermented foods to make it a regular part of your diet. 

Shop Local at Tacoma Boys

Tacoma Boys selection of speciality foods and ingredients makes it easy to find the fermented foods you love. Just stop on by to browse a wide array of sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurts, and more! And to stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

Even if you love enjoying the wonderful wines of Washington, you may not be familiar with pairing local wine with food. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are lucky enough to have access to a variety of amazing wineries in prime grape-growing regions. Many people across the state are wine enthusiasts and appreciate shopping locally for their favorite wines. Whether you prefer red, white, rosé, or love to try it all, Tacoma Boys offers a variety of local favorites for every palette and sipping occasion— In addition to varieties from regions all over the world!

Pairing Local Wine

You can go about pairing local wine in many different ways. One straightforward way is simply pairing locally produced wine with locally grown food and cuisines. Many wine aficionados pair food and wine based on traditional pairings, like dark red wines with dark foods (think steak, dark chocolate, berries, rich tomato sauce). Science even dictates these traditional pairings: The pair should either complement or contrast each other. The acidity, sweetness, fat, and even the weight of both the wine and food come into play when pairing wine comes down to a science.

That being said, when pairing local wine, what really matters is that you and your guests enjoy the pairing! It’s easy to find a solid pairing since there are so many different local wines to choose from. In fact, Washington state produces the second most wine in the country, after California. There will almost certainly always be a new local wine to try.

How to Pair Wine and Food

If you’re not sure how to pair wine and food, don’t fret! You can certainly eat whatever you want while drinking whatever you want. And generally speaking, any wine will taste great with any food. There are some common guidelines for flavor pairings, though: White wine goes with seafood and lighter fare, like salad and nutty cheese. Red wine pairs well with red meat and spicy, robust, and smoky flavors.

Wine and cheese is one of the most classic pairings of wine and food because the fat in cheese balances so well with the acidic tannins in wine. Learning how to pair wine and food can start there with wine and cheese: The duo is always customizable and doesn’t require cooking skills or a long time spent in the kitchen. To experiment even more with wine pairing with food, build a charcuterie board with a variety of meats, cheeses, crackers, nuts, and more. For example, try a red blend with Boar’s Head Sharp Wisconsin Cheddar, California Premium Jalapeño Jack Sliced Cheese, Columbus Calabrese Salame, and Stacy’s Parmesan Garlic and Herb Pita Chips.

Pacific Northwest Wines 

Across the region, Pacific Northwest wines are known for the grape-growing valleys in which they are produced. Many people recognize the Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley, Willamette Valley, and others as prime wine producing regions for certain varieties. For example, Willamette Valley tends to be known for its pinot noir while the Columbia Valley may be known for cabernet sauvignon grapes. Tacoma Boys offers a variety of Pacific Northwest wines from these valleys and more: The following red, white, and rosé wines from the Pacific Northwest are just a small portion of our selection!

Red Wines

Waters Winery 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington)

• With deep tannins, this blend is a cross between cabernet franc and sauvignon blanc.
• Pair it with Mezzetta Calabrian Chili Spicy Marinara over spaghetti pasta, sprinkled with fresh herbs.

Latta Latta Red 2016 Columbia Valley (Washington)

• This red blend is mostly grenache with some syrah and tastes reminiscent of ripe berries.
• Pair it with roasted seasonal vegetables and fingerling potatoes seasoned with Tacoma Boys Lemon Pepper Seasoning.

Cougar Crest 2012 Estate Grown Merlot (Walla Walla Valley, Washington)

• A simple merlot with balanced acid.
• Pair it with Cougar Gold Smokey Cheddar.

Rosé Wines

14 Hands Brut Rosé Columbia Valley (Washington)

• Widely recognizable in the region, 14 Hands has a variety of white, rosé, and red wines. This sparkling rosé is dry but still sweet with a fruity finish.
• Pair it with Laurel Roasted Oregon Hazelnuts with Sea Salt.

Kerloo Cellars 2020 Lonesome Springs Ranch Rosé (Yakima Valley, Washington)

• A sweeter blend that’s perfect for sunny days in the spring.
• Pair it with Ford Farm Truffler English Cheddar.

Two Mountain 2019 Rosé (Yakima Valley, Washington)

• A dry, tart rosé with hints of florals and fruit.
• Pair it with Simply Grilled Salmon.

White Wines 

Blue Mountain Vineyard 2016 Grenache Blanc (Walla Walla Valley, Washington)

• Light-bodied and balanced acidity, this grenache blanc hints at citrus and tropical fruit.
• Pair it with Tacoma Boys Mexican Street Corn Breaded Shrimp.

Maysara Autees 2019 Pinot Blanc (Willamette Valley, Oregon)

• Pinot blanc tastes of ripe white grapes with balanced minerals and acidity. 
• Pair it with Tiberino Italian One-Pot Risotto “Venezia” Asparagus and Leek. 

Finn Hill Par Excellence 2018 Semillon Chardonnay (Columbia Valley, Washington)

• A solid chardonnay blend with semillon hints at tangy, floral finishes.
• Pair it with Grilled Zucchini and Corn Salad with Goat Cheese. 

Check Out Tacoma Boys Vast Wine Selection 

Stop in to Tacoma Boys for a wide variety of local, domestic, and imported wines and specialty foods to pair it with. Browse the selection and challenge yourself to try something new! 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.

The Pacific Northwest is ripe with produce all year round, but there’s something special to be said about spring produce. Think of all the bright fruits, earthy herbs, and hearty vegetables. Plus, the anticipation of more sweet fruits coming in the summertime. It’s easy and delicious to make simple healthy meals and snacks using fresh spring produce. And it’s a good idea to think about shopping locally and seasonally year round!

The Best Spring Produce

Spring produce in the Pacific Northwest includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and legumes (like peas). Apricots, rhubarb, asparagus, and mixed greens are well on their way. Green peas, radishes, and watercress are also growing and ready for a spring produce harvest. The variety makes it that much easier to get creative when you cook all year long. 

This spring produce can be used in so many different ways and perfectly seasoned with tasty herbs. Chives, oregano, and thyme grow strong in the spring. Mint, rosemary, and sage are solid herbs that keep on growing all year round. Look forward to nectarines, berries, squash, and tomatoes coming next in the summertime!

Pacific Northwest Produce Tastes Delicious

This is a time of year when many home gardeners will start to spend more time growing and harvesting more Pacific Northwest produce. Spring gardening is a hobby that pays off in a tasty way. If you’re interested in growing your own spring produce, try starting with herbs! It’s a small and simple way to reap the benefits of gardening in the Pacific Northwest: Take a peek at Tacoma Boys guide to herb gardening here. 

How to Cook With Pacific Northwest Produce

Now that you’ve got your Pacific Northwest produce in hand, you may be wondering what to do with it all. When cooking at any time of year, think about how to use what’s in season: Take advantage of the freshness of the Pacific Northwest produce. Here are a few ways to cook with Pacific Northwest spring produce:

• Make a salad using mixed greens, sliced radishes, watercress, and tomatoes. Top it off with your favorite Terrapin Ridge Farms Salad Dressing and Fresh Gourmet Garden Herb Croutons for a refreshing appetizer. 
• Sauté vegetables in a stir fry with legumes and Westbrae Natural Organic Mellow Miso in a flavorful sauce. Stop by the Tacoma Boys deli counter for an already prepared cheese stuffed chicken breast and you’re on your way to a satisfying dinner in almost no time!
• Get grilling with those vegetables and herbs. The weather is warming and it’s the perfect time to have an outdoor barbecue dinner! Throw some asparagus on a hot grill next to one of Tacoma Boys Angus Tri-Tip Steaks. Then leave a sprig of rosemary on the grill for a minute to bring out some smoky flavors and make it into an herb butter for the steak.
• Cook a soup with fresh herbs to season and legumes and vegetables at the base. Though we love soup to warm in the winter, it’s delicious and nutritious any time of the year!

However you decide to enjoy your favorite Pacific Northwest produce, Tacoma Boys has everything you need to get cooking. Try your favorite go-to meals with a swap for spring produce this week! And even if you’re not one to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, you’ll surely appreciate the freshness of it all. 

Shop Local for Spring Produce

You may have heard that it’s important to shop local. But why? First, it stimulates and supports your local economy! This means your neighbors and your friends’ businesses. When you shop local, you support local farms and help them keep the crops coming for next season. There’s something new and tasty to look forward to every few months!

It’s also sustainable to shop local and eat what’s in season near you: Products don’t have to travel long distances over time to get to you. And when local seasonal produce doesn’t have to sit around for a long time, it’s fresh and bright in color when you get it.

When you shop local and enjoy food products that are in season and nearby, you’ll consume a variety of nutrients. The Pacific Northwest is ripe with so many different kinds of fruits and vegetables! Produce is constantly being harvested from farms across the state and nearby regions. What are you looking forward to cooking next? Get creative!

Shop Seasonal at Tacoma Boys

Although enjoying local spring produce is a good idea, Tacoma Boys is able to provide fresh produce from all seasons. Whatever fresh fruit or vegetable you have in mind, just come on by and ask if you don’t see it. We’re happy to help! 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!

Few food pairs are as timeless and versatile as oil and vinegar. There are several types of oils and vinegars harvested and produced in the world: Different varieties of each are useful in a wide range of cooking methods and recipes in every cuisine. Mixing the two is a popular way to make use of both versatile, tasty, and often healthful ingredients.

Why Pair Oil and Vinegar

The combination of oil and vinegar has long been used in many cuisines for several dishes. Acidic vinegar balances and contrasts with fatty oil in a base for salad dressings, marinades, and more. Whether you’re looking at popular olive oil, nutty coconut oil, pungent sesame oil, or neutral avocado oil, there’s a way to make use of it alongside trusty vinegar. For example, olive oil and balsamic vinegar are a classic pair — and always available at Tacoma Boys in many varieties! To fully taste the classic combination, dip pieces of bread into a shallow bowl full of Stonewall Kitchen Aged Balsamic Vinegar, Napa Valley Natural Organic Extra Virgin Basil-Infused Olive Oil, and herbs. This recipe for Bread Dipping Oil is a good guide with step-by-step instructions on how to assemble such a dip.

Once you notice how useful and common the combination of oil and vinegar is, you will start to see it in everything! Some of the best salad dressings, sauces, dips, spreads, soups, and marinades rely on these two ingredients.

Health Benefits of Oil and Vinegar 

Aside from adding flavor and texture to a meal, consuming certain oils and vinegars can provide nutrients and health benefits. Like most any food, the health benefits vary between different types – And moderation is always key. Avocado oil and olive oil are common favorites in the world of oils: Although they contain fats, these fats are monounsaturated. That means they’re the good, healthy fats that regulate cholesterol and give you everyday energy. 

Vinegar certainly provides health benefits because it is a fermented food. Alongside fermented friends like yogurt, pickles, and sauerkraut, these foods contain probiotics that help maintain digestion and an overall healthy gut. Fermented foods also support your immune system. Apple cider vinegar is one variety that is hailed for its health benefits: Some people drink Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar straight from the bottle to reap its immune-boosting rewards!

For an example, olive oil mixed with balsamic vinegar can:

• Provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
• Lower unhealthy cholesterol levels
• Reduce diabetes risk
• Improve blood flow and reduce hypertension

Cooking with Oil and Vinegar 

When cooking with oil and vinegar, it’s important to account for the taste of both and the smoke point of oils. Heating oils with a low smoke point, like olive oil, can result in burned oil and a smoky kitchen. Rather, try opting for “high heat” oils that won’t burn in your skillet. Avocado oil is growing in popularity for its use in high heat cooking. Same goes for refined coconut oil (which is flavorless).

Olive oil, while not ideal for cooking at a high temperature, should have a pleasant taste. Same goes for some other oils like sesame oil. This is why they’re often used as a flavor agent in dressing and dips: In fact, consuming olive oil raw is the most nutritious way to do it! Next time you go to sauté some onions or whip up a salad dressing, keep this in mind. Cooking with oil and vinegar utilizes fat and acid. These are two of some of the main tenets of good cooking that will help you achieve a balanced-tasting meal! Adding a dash of vinegar to soups, stews, sauces, and salads are as easy way to balance things out with a little acidity.

Vinaigrettes

If you add oil and vinegar to the same container, you’ll notice they don’t easily mix. However, you can emulsify oil and vinegar with some firm whisking and a bit of patience.This is the definition of a vinaigrette!

• Aside from tasting delicious on a salad, a vinaigrette can make up the base of a marinade for meat and vegetables. 
• The oil in a vinaigrette will coat the meat to allow seasonings to stick while the vinegar will tenderize the meat. Both add great flavor.
• Add seasonings and other ingredients to bring out the best taste in your meal! Herbs, garlic, onion, salt, black pepper, and spreads like dijon mustard are common additions to vinaigrettes. 
• Give it a shot using this Basic Vinaigrette Recipe with a couple variations. 

Grilled Caprese Chicken

One of our favorite ways to enjoy balsamic vinegar is on this tasty Grilled Caprese Chicken dish. After grilling the chicken with avocado oil, a good drizzle of balsamic vinegar will pull those flavors together perfectly. 

Stop By For Supplies!

Tacoma Boys stock of speciality products ensures you’ll find just the right oil and vinegar for your cooking needs. This includes Delallo vinegars, Napoleon olive oils and vinegars, Spectrum Sunflower and Coconut Oil, Roland truffle oils, and much more. If you ever have a question or need help finding your favorite, don’t ever hesitate to ask! 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!

Reusing your vegetable scraps is just one way to make an effort to be more environmentally conscious. By making use of those vegetable scraps in other cooking, you can reduce food waste and maybe even save a little money while you’re at it. One main way to use vegetable scraps is to make a broth or stock out of it. Read on further to learn more about how to help reduce food waste by using those leftover vegetable scraps.

A home herb garden is a beautiful way to add aroma and flavor to your kitchen. It’s easy for any beginner or advanced gardener to get started growing a variety of herbs. Herb gardens are simply a group of live herbs growing in a container of soil. Usually, an herb garden is grown indoors so the freshest seasonings are right at your fingertips. Then you can grab some garnish for a ‘Gram-worthy plating or whip up homemade sauces quickly! 

Herb Gardens

An indoor herb garden is easy to care for because you can keep a close eye on it. It requires just a small amount of maintenance for a big, tasty payoff. Use whatever herbs you want! Common herbs to start your herb garden include basil, rosemary, oregano, thyme, parsley, dill, and sage. These are used often to cook dishes in cuisines all over the world.

Herb gardens are a great way to save money and waste less, too. Purchasing packs of herbs in plastic packaging is a thing of the past! You can simply pick them fresh from your herb garden whenever you need a little extra something for your meal. A pretty kitchen and tasty food has never been so simple.

Starting an Herb Garden

Starting an herb garden is one of the easiest ways to add extra pizazz to your meals. It’s as easy as picking a sunny spot (like the kitchen windowsill) and selecting your favorite herbs. Avoid invasive herbs like mint, which grows abundantly like a weed. Pre-made kits make starting an herb garden quick, but it’s easy to put your own together with fresh starts or cuttings of plants. You can use herbs already planted in soil and just transplant them to your container of choice. Tacoma Boys offers a wide range of potting soil for your fresh herbs to grow in a raised bed or container.

If you’d rather take it outside or take things on the go, Tacoma Boys’ various ceramic pots are a beautiful option. Our guide on planting herbs in ceramic pots offers some great tips on choosing just the right pot.

How To Care For Herb Gardens

One reason starting an herb garden is so simple is because of the low maintenance required. It’s quite easy to care for your herb garden and doesn’t require extra materials. Some people may opt for plant food or fertilizer, but it’s not necessary. 

• Water the herbs once or twice a week, depending on what herbs are planted. To see if your herbs are thirsty, touch the first inch or so of the soil of the plant. If it feels dry, go ahead and gently water the roots.
• Harvest the herbs regularly as you cook and eat. Frequent harvesting is good! It encourages further growth of the plant. Go ahead and dry or freeze the fresh herbs if you won’t use them immediately. 
• Sun is important for your herb garden. Some herbs like more or less sunlight, but most will do well with an average of a few hours per day.
• Prune flowers when they pop up. It’s not necessary, but some herbs such as oregano and thyme will sprout flower blooms in the spring and summer. To keep your plant bushy and encourage growth of leaves (the part you harvest), snip the buds.

Cooking with Fresh Herbs

Cooking with fresh herbs is an easy way to elevate many dishes. It’s also super rewarding to reap the benefits of your gardening skills (fork, meet mouth)! Some meals and dishes can be based entirely on an herb, or simply use it as an extra ingredient or garnish. 

Breakfast

Persian Herb Frittata by The Kitchn makes great use of fresh dill and other herbs. Just start with Smith Brothers Farms Premium Eggs.

Lunch

Pesto pasta is made with fresh basil or parsley, lemon, pine nuts, and quality olive oil and grated parmesan cheese. Our favorite ingredients for a pasta pesto include Tacoma Boys Olio Dorato Lemon Garlic Olive Oil and Delallo Organic Farfalle Pasta.

Dinner

Strip Steak with Chimichurri Sauce by Jessica Gavin with Rosemary Roasted Potatoes by Rachel Cooks. Fresh oregano, cilantro, and parsley come into play in the chimichurri while rosemary perfectly seasons Baby Red Potatoes. We like Prime Grade Top Sirloin for this meal. 

Snack

Pull-Apart Sour Cream and Chive Rolls by Bon Appetit. Cooking with fresh herbs makes these buttery tolls tasty enough to enjoy as a snack any time of the day. Bob’s Red Mill Bread Flour makes them soft and flaky.

Cocktail

Basil alongside mint or lime is one of the tastiest ways to use fresh herbs in a drink. This recipe uses fresh basil alongside cocktail basics like simple syrup and club soda. 

Basil Mojito 

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 10 fresh basil leaves
• Juice of two limes (2 ounces)
• 1 ounce simple syrup
• 4 ounces white rum
• Club soda to top
• 2 lime wedges and basil leaves to garnish

Directions

1. Lightly muddle the basil and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add the lime juice and white rum and shake with ice for 30 seconds.
3. Strain into two glasses and fill with club soda to preference.
4. Garnish with lime wedges and basil leaves and enjoy!

Get Creative In the Kitchen

Swing by your local Tacoma Boys to get prepped for those fresh and flavorful meals made with your herb garden. No matter what you have planned for the menu, fresh herbs are almost always a thoughtful addition. 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!

It can be a common misconception that dairy products are bad for you – but when it comes to fresh and local dairy, these products pack a punch when we’re talking about nutrients. From bone health to immune health, fresh and local dairy contains various vitamins and minerals that aid in overall good health. There are countless ways to incorporate some of Tacoma Boys’ favorite fresh and local dairy products into yours and your family’s lifestyle. 

The Benefits of Fresh and Local Dairy

Including fresh and local dairy products on your shopping list is a great way to add a good source of calcium and protein to daily meals. Local and organic dairy has proven to be more nutritious than traditional dairy products sold on the market. Choosing to buy local and organic dairy is a healthier option so you’re able to avoid any unwanted chemicals, added hormones, or unnecessary pesticides.

It’s important to note that dairy may not be for everyone. If you or someone you know has an allergy or an intolerance to dairy, Tacoma Boys carries a great selection of non-dairy milks and creamers that are bound to give you the same satisfaction! This is a great alternative for dairy-lovers who are unable to consume dairy because they are unable to digest the lactose found in dairy products. These non-dairy products also work great for those who choose not to include dairy in their diets due to other external factors. 

Tacoma Boys’ Favorite Local Dairy Products

Smith Brothers Farms

Smith Brothers Farms has been around since 1920 and has provided 100 years of fresh and local dairy to the Pacific Northwest. They are family owned and operated and provide truly some of the best dairy products around. 

Our Favorite Smith Brothers Products

• Organic Whole & 2% Milk
• Chocolate Reduced Fat Milk – yum
• Half & Half
• Heavy Whipping Cream
• Eggnog
• Cultured Buttermilk
• Cottage Cheese
• Sour Cream

Grace Harbor Farms

Grace Harbor Farms is another family owned and operated farm since 1999. All of the products are made without gums and artificial flavors, and come from organic-style farming where the animals have pasture access. This allows for healthier animals resulting in healthier dairy products!

Tacoma Boys’ Favorite Grace Harbor Farms Products

• Plain Kefir
• Vanilla Kefir

Kefir is a fermented drink that contains high levels of probiotics. These probiotics are beneficial to gut health which in return helps with a healthy immune system. Kefir contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antibacterial properties. Additionally, as with many dairy products, kefir can aid in overall bone health, making it a great product for kids as they grow!

Cooking With Dairy

Consuming a meal with nutrient-dense local dairy is a great way to start your day! From homemade pancakes to overnight oats followed by a soup lunch and pasta dinner, dairy is here and ready for it all!

Breakfast

• Customizable Overnight Oats by If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen
• Soft & Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes by Recipesby Carina 
• Caramelized Onion Frittata by The Modern Proper

Lunch & Dinner

• Creamy Potato Soup by Spend With Pennies
• Lemon Chicken Scallopini by Cafe Delites
• Creamy Vodka Tomato Sauce Pasta by Julia’s Album

Dessert – Because we all need a treat sometimes!

• The Best Homemade Whipped Cream by Joy Food Sunshine
• Death by Chocolate Ice Cream by Delish
• Homemade Cheesecake with SourCream Topping by Classy Clutter

Tacoma Boys’ Iced Vanilla Mocha

Ingredients

• 2 shots espresso – cooled
• 6 oz Smith Brothers Chocolate Milk
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• Ice
• Homemade whipped cream – optional

Directions

1. Fill your serving glass up with ice.
2. In a separate cup, quickly whisk together the chocolate milk and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the cooled espresso into your serving glass over ice, and follow with the chocolate milk mixture.
4. Give it a good stir and garnish with whipped cream if desired.

Tacoma Boys’ Blueberry Kefir Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild frozen blueberries
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 cup plain or vanilla kefir
• 1/4 cup pure pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup water or coconut water

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients into a high speed blender.
2. Blend until completely smooth.
3. Serve & enjoy!

Swing On In!

Swing by your local Tacoma Boys to check out the dairy selection to whip up one of these delicious meals or treats. If you have any questions, please reach out to one of our helpers and we will guide you in the right direction!

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! 

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!