Recipes (Page 5)

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

Summer Camping Activities

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

Water Activities 

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

Activities On Land

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

Camping Tips

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

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

Camping Recipes 

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

Meals

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

Snacks

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

Camping With Help From Tacoma Boys 

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

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

All About Grains

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

Grains at Tacoma Boys

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

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

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

What are Gluten Free Grains?

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

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

Whole Grain Recipes

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

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

Swing By Tacoma Boys

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

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

Seasonal Summer Fruit

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

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

Pacific Northwest Local Produce

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

Berries 

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

Stone Fruit

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

Melons 

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

Rhubarb

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

Easy Fruit Recipes 

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

Breakfast

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

Lunch

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

Snack or Appetizer 

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

Dessert

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

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

All About Hard Apple Cider

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

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

Dry Versus Sweet Cider

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

Flavored and Infused Cider

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

Varietal Cider

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

Pacific Northwest Cider

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

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

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

Easy Cider Cocktails to Make at Home 

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

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

Ingredients – makes two

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

Directions

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

Come On In

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

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

A Selection of Summer Treats

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

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

Refreshing Snacks for Summer Days

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

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

Summer Recipes for Everyone

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

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

Summer Treats at Tacoma Boys

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

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

Independence Day

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

4th of July Party

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

Activities for Your Patriotic Party 

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

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

Patriotic Recipes

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

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

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

Celebrate With Tacoma Boys

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

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

Eat The Rainbow

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

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

An Array of Colorful Produce

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

Red

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

Orange and Yellow

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

Green

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

Blue and Purple

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

White and Brown

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

Colorful Meals are Delicious and Doable 

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

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

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

Shop the Rainbow at Tacoma Boys

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

Hosting a Memorial Day barbecue in the backyard is a classic tradition for many in the U.S. It tends to mark the beginning of the summer and grilling season. Memorial Day is for remembering and honoring the Americans all throughout history who have lost their lives while serving the country. While respecting Memorial Day and those who have served, it’s often a day spent grilling good food, spending time with good company, and enjoying the warming weather!

Memorial Day Barbecue in the Backyard

It’s time to get ready for a meal at home with the family for a Memorial Day barbecue! This year, Memorial Day is May 31st, a perfect lead into June and the start of summer. The long weekend is often celebrated with camping, cookouts, and summer-centric foods cooked on the grill. Kick off grilling season by preparing your favorites and setting up the backyard for a fun and easy Memorial Day celebration. If you’re looking forward to a backyard barbecue this year, Tacoma Boys has just a few tips to make it an extra enjoyable experience! If you’re wanting an outdoor grill to put in your backyard, head here for some help when choosing outdoor kitchen appliances so that you can get started experiencing the joys of cooking in the open air.

Tips & Tricks

• Clean up your backyard ahead of time. Make it easy to set up by cleaning and preparing the area ahead of time. If you’ve got a lot of clutter in the backyard, consider getting a storage shed from Backyard Storage or elsewhere to store all of that and clear up the space. Oh, and it’s probably time to break out the lawn mower for the first trim of the season!
• Set up the grill. Ensure your grill is ready to kick off the summer season by checking your levels of propane or charcoal. Clean the grill and round up your tools (spatula, tongs, grill fork, oven mitts, etc.). For grilling pellets, try BBQR’s Delight Hickory Pellet Grill Fuel.
• Stock up on supplies. Tacoma Boys is your one-stop shop for all the food you need for a Memorial Day barbecue. Specifically, a huge selection of several condiments means you can add extra flavor and customize the meal! Try Stonewall Kitchen Roasted Garlic Aioli or Sweet Honey Mustard on your burger or with grilled potatoes. If you’re looking for other options for your diet, try Chosen Foods Vegan or Keto Mayo to start. If you like pickled foods, Tacoma Boys offers a variety of options like Pickled Garden Medley, Peppered Pickles, Pickled Okra, German Sauerkraut, and much more.
• Set up yard games and decor. If you have outdoor or Memorial Day-themed decorations, now’s the time to put them up! And yard games are a fun activity to pass the time while the food is cooking and to even sneak in some exercise.

Memorial Day Activities

When you dust off the grill and start planning your Memorial Day activities, there are a few things to keep in mind. Memorial Day is a great time to enjoy a backyard barbecue. But it’s also a time to participate in other activities to observe the holiday while still having fun kicking off the summer season. This Memorial Day, take some time out of your day with the family to commemorate the holiday and honor those who have lost their lives.

Observe National Moment Of Remembrance

The National Moment of Remembrance is when Americans take a moment at 3:00pm local time to remember those who have died in military service. It’s a simple minute of silence uniting the nation and honoring Memorial Day.

Crafts for Kids

With a day off work and school for many families, you may be looking for Memorial Day activities to do with your kids. Take a moment to teach the kids what Memorial Day is all about while crafting. Think red, white, and blue construction paper or meaningful poppies. Any time is a good time to get creative with the kids!

Outdoor Activities

Remember those yard games? To celebrate the start of summer, get active, and just have fun bonding with your family, grab some games. This could be horseshoes, cornhole, croquet, or even potato sack races! There are a variety of different creative yard games to choose from now.

Community Events

Many towns host parades, monuments, and events to celebrate Memorial Day and honor those who have served. Check in on your local community centers and city hall to see how your neighborhood is marking Memorial Day.

Barbecue Recipes

To get ready for an extraordinary backyard barbecue, plan a few barbecue recipes for Memorial Day. This could include classic cookout foods like grilled burgers and hot dogs, potato salad, chips and salsa, and fresh summer fruit. Grab some of Tacoma Boys pre-made burger patties like jalapeño pepper jack Kobe burgers or applewood bacon cheddar burgers. You could also try some of these barbecue recipes for Memorial Day:

• Grilled chicken or fish slathered with one of Tacoma Boys many barbecue and grilling sauces. Try Peach Chipotle Sauce, Smoky Maple Glaze, Horseradish Barbecue Sauce, Citrus Grilling Sauce, and much more.
• Seasonal grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, Walla Walla onions, and sweet corn.
• Greek Pasta Salad with feta cheese, cucumber, olives, chickpeas, and a balsamic dressing.
• Summer salad with radish, mixed greens, and parmesan cheese. Start with this recipe by Cooking Light.
• Grilled red potatoes: Simply slice into rounds, grease with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Cook on a hot grill for 10 minutes, until charred on both sides and fork tender. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like ketchup, mustard, and barbecue sauce.

Prep for Memorial Day at Tacoma Boys

Stop at Tacoma Boys for everything you need for a delicious Memorial Day weekend barbecue! 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!

One delicious way to enjoy the change of the season comes by way of bright and light spring cocktails. Fresh fruit, blooming florals, and earthy herbs are the backbone of good craft cocktails! That’s why spring is a great time to use those fresh seasonal ingredients for beverages. What sounds more relaxing than a sunny spring afternoon with a tasty and refreshing cocktail in hand!? These drinks reflect a change in season and spring produce. It’s easy to get creative with the foods and flavors available in the Pacific Northwest, like jam, elderberries, and local honey! These cocktails are super quick to mix up and a welcome addition to any brunch or al fresco dining experience. 

Quick & Easy Spring Cocktails

There are so many occasions to enjoy spring cocktails. Equipped with basic recipes and quality ingredients, you can be prepared to mix up fun and refreshing cocktails on a whim! Try these spring cocktails for a Sunday brunch, an afternoon of leisure on the back deck, or a dinner party with close friends or family. 

If you’re not one to mix up your own cocktail, Tacoma Boys offers a wide selection of pre-mixed cocktails and other libations. Along with beer and wine, you can also find hard cider, seltzers, kombucha, and more: 

• Rancho la Gloria Margarita Wine Cocktail in strawberry and traditional lime
• Hoxie Dry Wine Spritzer in peach blossom rose and grapefruit elderflower
• Stonewall Kitchen Sriracha Bloody Mary Mixer
• Jose Cuervo Strawberry Margarita Mix
• Stirrings Simple Mojito Mix

Tacoma Boy’s Favorite Spring Cocktail Recipes

These spring cocktail recipes take into account the new season with extra outdoor time and seasonal Washington ingredients. Using a mix of common barside staples and fresh fruit and herbs, you can perfect a number of spring cocktails. And thanks to Tacoma Boys selection of speciality food products, deluxe ingredients like rose water and pure fruit juices are easy to acquire.

Rosemary Gin and Jam Fizz

• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 2 oz gin
• Fresh lemon juice – about 1 oz
• 1 tbsp Nature’s Hollow Strawberry Jam \
• Sparkling water to top

Add the gin and rosemary to a cocktail shaker and muddle well (check out some tips for good muddling here!). Add the lemon juice, strawberry jam, and ice. Shake well, for about one minute, then strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water and garnish with another spring of rosemary and a strawberry, if desired.

Make it a mocktail: Nix the gin and muddle the rosemary with the lemon juice instead. Shake with the strawberry jam and a dash of water and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with extra sparkling water.

Lemon Ginger White Tea

• 1 oz white rum
• 2 oz Bigelow White Tea, brewed and chilled
• ½ oz Volcano Lemon Ginger Burst Juice
• ½ oz Spring Valley Honey

Combine and shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a serving glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel. 

Make it a mocktail: Simply forgo the white rum and enjoy!

Blended Basil Berry Margarita 

• ½ cup frozen Remlinger Farms Handpicked Berry Medley
• 5 basil leaves
• 2 oz tequila
• ½ oz triple sec
• 1 oz lime juice
• 2 tsp Wholesome Organic Raw Blue Agave

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a serving glass and garnish with fresh or frozen berries and basil leaves on top.

Make it a mocktail: Instead of tequila and triple sec, add a splash of orange juice to the blender.

Grapefruit Rose Cocktail

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 ½ oz R.W. Knudsen Organic Grapefruit Juice
• ½ oz Cortas Rose Water
• ½ oz simple syrup
• 2 dashes bitters 

Combine and shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a grapefruit wheel.

Make it a mocktail: Instead of vodka, bump up the rose water to 1 ounce and the grapefruit juice to 2 ounces. Combine in a cocktail shaker and strain. Top with sparkling water.

Washington’s Elderberry Apple Whiskey

• 2 oz whiskey
• 2 oz pure apple juice 
• 1 oz sour apple liqueur (schnapps)
• ½ oz Sylling’s Elderberry Syrup

Combine and shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a serving glass. If desired, garnish with an apple slice or wheel.

Make it a mocktail: Swap out the whiskey for a dash of extra apple juice. Instead of sour apple liqueur, use ½ oz sour apple flavored syrup.

Cocktails Made With Seasonal Produce

Living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, it’s not complicated to use local and seasonal produce to make your food and drink. You can craft delicious cocktails made with seasonal produce that will taste as fresh as the ingredients you use! It’s a good way to stay centered with nature and make use of readily available resources. And at Tacoma Boys, you’re sure to find the freshest local, seasonal produce.

For an overview on what’s coming into season in the Pacific Northwest and the benefits of eating seasonally, check out this guide by Simplicity Nutrition. Along with plenty of greens, several varieties of fruit and herbs are in season in the spring. For other food products, look to shop locally. Tacoma Boys offers a wide selection of locally made honeys, syrups, beverages, and more.

Swing on by!

Stop by to get the supplies you need to start celebrating spring with delicious cocktails! If you’re looking for a specialty product, just ask and one of our guides will be happy to help. 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!

As we move further into the warm season, the opportunity for spring activities is finally here! For many people, this means getting active and venturing outdoors for exercise and fresh air. Whether that means hiking, biking, long walks, or simply a relaxing day at the lake, many are ready to enjoy the nice weather and seasonal activities regularly. But getting out of the house and springing into action means preparing and taking food along to keep you going.

Spring Activities for the Family

Some families and kids love to get really involved in spring activities with sports and more. It’s a great time to get kids outside and encourage healthy habits (like exercising and spending time in nature). Many families participate in such spring activities because it’s important to stay active and generally move your body in your free time! That’s why hobbies like biking, long walks, and sports like softball and soccer are so common in the springtime. But if you have an active family, you’re likely constantly looking for new ways to keep the energy up with healthy food as nourishment.

• When hiking, biking, kayaking, etc.: Go for finger foods and easy-to-eat snacks. This means cut vegetables, energy bars, nuts and seeds, and anything else that doesn’t require a fork or spoon. You can continue the activity without having to stop for a snack break or to sit down to eat.

• When picnicking, boating, watching sports, etc.: You could get a bit more creative with sit-down foods like salads, sandwiches and wraps, or something that requires two hands for dipping (like fruit and nut butter). Meal-prep ahead of time so you’re ready to go when you’re in the mood for more relaxed spring activities.

Snacks for Active Kids

It can be hard to come up with snacks for active kids at the last minute. It seems like they’re always hungry! But by keeping stocked on some staples, you can be sure to have food ready to go when you’re on the move or getting ready for those spring activities. Snacks for active kids and families should usually include fresh fruit or vegetables, fiber, and protein: Grabbing two or three ingredients in lunchbox-style snacking is quick and doable for many families. Some examples of this style of snacking include:

• Pear and Boar’s Head Gouda Cheese
• Apples and SunButter Sunflower Seed Butter
• Carrots, crackers, and Nomad Food Co. Hummus
• Berries and Ellenos Greek Yogurt
• Cucumbers, sliced turkey, and Northwest Delights Raw Almonds 
• Celery, Wonderful Pistachios, and Nancy’s Probiotic Cream Cheese
• Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps and Wholly Guacamole

Anything can be a snack if you keep moderation in check! It’s easy to start with whatever your kids enjoy and get more creative and healthy from there. For more ideas, browse Tacoma Boys blog all about healthy spring snacks.

Family Friendly Recipes for Any Time

When everyone is involved in the activity, you’ll need to have family friendly recipes that everyone will enjoy. This means making sure it’s something that everyone likes to eat that’s also nutritious and full of protein and fiber to keep you going throughout a busy day.  Plan family friendly recipes for when the whole family is out participating in spring activities as well as the end of an active day.

• Three Bean Salad by Little Spice Jar: Throw the salad in a jar for a super easy way to meal prep ahead of time and take things on the go!
• Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken and Veggies by Gimme Delicious: Sheet pan dinners are popular because they are so easy to prepare and clean up. You can even cook everything ahead of time and throw the whole thing back in the oven when it’s time to chow down.
• Classic Italian Sub: This easy-to-make sandwich is a sure-fire way to please the kids and feel full and satisfied.
• Breakfast burritos: Make a batch of burritos with different fillings like eggs, potatoes, vegetables, and sausage. Fill them up and freeze for quick and easy reheating in the morning!
• Homemade trail mix: Tacoma Boys has everything you need for a homemade trail mix made your way, like nuts, seeds, dried fruit, chocolate chips, and more. Try a blend of almonds, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, and freeze dried strawberries for something new for the family to munch on.

Prepare For Spring Activities with Tacoma Boys

Whatever you and your family feel like doing to get active this spring, there are a variety of ways to stay nourished and healthy through food. It’s all about preparing ahead of time and having fun in the kitchen! For more inspiration and ideas, check out Tacoma Boys recipes and then stop on by to see what’s in store for you. 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!