Holiday (Page 4)

While turkey has traditionally been the holiday’s center stage, a vegan Thanksgiving can be just as delicious (if not more!). There is still an entire world of flavor to enjoy without meat, dairy, and other animal products. And plant based foods are becoming more and more popular. That means there are so many new products and ideas to help make your vegan Thanksgiving hearty and tasty! Read on for some vegan inspiration and recipe ideas for the holidays.

Vegan Thanksgiving

Creating a vegan Thanksgiving meal doesn’t have to be complicated or overloaded with vegetables. The idea that vegans eat a lot of vegetables isn’t wrong, but can sometimes be misunderstood: Your vegan Thanksgiving spread doesn’t have to be all salads and roasted squash! In fact, most Thanksgiving staples like bread stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and even gravy can easily be vegan. This can be a fun chance to get creative and experiment with new ideas for your holiday meal.

As far as vegan Thanksgiving entrees go, there’s a lot of things to cook for center stage! Tacoma Boys’ recipe for Mini Vegetarian Pot Pies can easily be made vegan (and even gluten free with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Flour and Schar Gluten Free Puff Pastry Dough). Or, try these vegan mains for Thanksgiving:

• Lentil Shepherd’s Pie by Rainbow Plant Life.
• Vegan Stuffed Pumpkin by Vancouver with Love.
• Caramelized Shiitake Mushroom Risotto by Minimalist Baker.

Holiday Side Dishes

Your spread of vegan holiday side dishes can be full of a variety of different delicious flavors and textures. It can also be nice and nutritious as you’re bound to cook up some vegetables! If you’re interested in holiday side dishes that are vegan, you can simply make some swaps with your favorite foods. Tacoma Boys has long offered a variety of vegan staples and alternative food products: This includes nut milks and dairy free butter, sour cream, cheese, and more. If you’re still not sure what to cook this year, consider some of these vegan holiday side dishes.

1. Vegan sausage stuffing: Simply swap out classic stuffing ingredients with animal products for vegan alternatives. Try Earth Balance Dairy Free Butter, Better Than Bouillon No Chicken Broth Base, and even Field Roast Italian Garlic & Fennel Plant Based Sausages. 

2. Mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy: Opt again for vegan butter as well as Almond Breeze Almond Milk and Forager Organic Dairy Free Sour Cream for your creamy mashed potatoes. Then, whip up this recipe for onion mushroom gravy that is just as savory as turkey gravy. You can also go for instant mashed potatoes with Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes to make things just a bit more quick and easy.

3. Vegan green bean casserole: There are several recipes for vegan green bean casserole all across the web! You can use cashew cream and alternative milks for the same creamy consistency. Also try it with a sprinkle of Seed Ranch Cheddar Cravings Vegan Cheese or Bob’s Red Mill Nutritional Yeast for an added cheesy flavor.

4. Jalapeno cornbread muffins: Slightly spicy and crumbly, jalapeno cornbread muffins are easy to make, too. Try this recipe for a vegan version with fresh jalapenos or for a quick version, with Bob’s Red Mill Cornbread & Muffin Mix.

5. Autumn harvest salad: Place sliced apples, chopped pecans, and Follow Your Heart Dairy Free Feta Crumbles on a bed of spring mix. To add even more depth to the salad, throw in some roasted butternut squash! Then finish with a drizzle of Fody Maple Dijon Dressing for a filling side salad.

Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

In addition to those top five vegan thanksgiving recipes, there are so many others to try! Eating plant-based may encourage some people to broaden their scope of what they cook and eat. Different seasonings, aromatics, nuts and seeds, and of course fruit and vegetables can come together into a tasty meal so nicely. To round out your menu of vegan Thanksgiving recipes, you could also try some of these vegan favorites at Tacoma Boys:

• Karine and Jeff Mushroom Soup or Green Lentil and Carrot Soup
• Immaculate Organic Flaky Biscuits
• Deliciou Plant Based Beef
• Coconut Cloud Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa with Soyatoo Soy Whip
• Wholly Wholesome Organic Traditional Pie Dough
• Key Lime or Chocolate Hazelnut Divine Pie

Shop at Tacoma Boys for Vegan Staples

Here at Tacoma Boys, you’ll always find a variety of vegan products and specialty food items. Check out our favorite vegan staples here and then come on by to shop for your favorites! Tacoma Boys has all the food and drink you need for any type of Thanksgiving or holiday celebration in general. 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!

Now that fall has begun, it’s time to get ready for Halloween and trick or treating. While the kids have to wait until later in the month, it’s not too early to get stocked with candy! Tacoma Boys’ candy aisle is full of treats and goodies for any time of the year. But for the spooky holiday, you’ll find a variety of Halloween-themed candy, too. Large bags of assorted candy are great for handing out to trick-or-treaters. Meanwhile, chocolate bars and loose candy like Brach Candy Corn are great for kids and adults alike.

Trick or Treating

For kids, the tradition of trick or treating is all about candy! It’s also a fun time to show off costumes and hang out with friends. But you don’t have to spend a fortune or buy mass amounts of candy. Halloween simply involves getting prepared with candy for trick-or-treaters and fun treats for your own kids, too! 

As far as trick or treating goes, things might be a bit different this year. If you know of community events or celebrations, check in to note other Halloween activities. And then make sure you’re set with enough candy for a whole night of trick or treating!

For the parents or if you’re hosting a party, this is also a great time to enjoy your favorite fall beverages — Tacoma Boys’ guide on the seasonal beverages includes pumpkin beer and apple cocktails.

Halloween Candy Available at Tacoma Boys

While getting set with Halloween candy, there are many choices to consider. Tacoma Boys offers an assortment of bagged mini candy perfect for trick or treating. This is in addition to a year-round stock of specialty candy, including chocolate in many varieties. Check out the chocolate, gummies, hard candy, and more when you shop for Halloween candy!

If you’re looking for traditional Halloween candy for the kids, try these classics from Tacoma Boys:

• Tootsie Pops
• Bags of Trolli Gummies
• Marshmallow Peeps shaped like pumpkins and ghosts
• Halloween-themed Skittles and Pez
• Reese’s Pumpkins
• Jelly Belly Jelly Beans

The Chocolaty

Halloween candy given out to trick-or-treaters is often chocolate. Mini chocolate bars and individually wrapped chocolate candy is popular! Chocolate candy can be made with different flavors, mix-ins, and through different methods. That means the chocolaty candy available at Tacoma Boys is vast and assorted. Think white chocolate, dark chocolate, peanut butter-filled chocolate, and more. You can find a variety of specialty chocolate in Tacoma Boys candy aisle, such as these local brands:

• Seattle Chocolate
• Jcoco Chocolate
• Theo Chocolate
• Moonstruck Chocolate Co.
• Truffle Pig Chocolate 

The Fruity 

If you’re not much of a chocolate fan, there are a ton of other sweet, fruity options! Halloween candy can be chewy and gummy or hard and crunchy. Think Haribo Gummies, Caramel Apple Pops, and Laffy Taffy, to start. Tacoma Boys has a selection of packaged salt water taffy in several fruity flavors as well as other packaged candy like sour belts and gummies. You will also find all the licorice you could ask for! Try Tacoma Boys own black and red licorice. Or, try Red Vines, Panda Licorice, Kookaburra Licorice, or Wiley Wallaby Licorice in many flavors.

Halloween Recipes with Candy

Sweet Halloween recipes are so fun to make— Kids especially are bound to get a kick out of all the themed treats you can make. Candy and sweets can be shaped and decorated like ghosts, pumpkins, and mummies. Get creative with colors like black, orange, and purple. One example is decorating cookies like Halloween spiders using that black licorice. Another idea for Halloween recipes is an orange bell pepper carved like a jack-o-lantern: Make stuffed bell peppers festive! Or, make use of that leftover Halloween candy like candy corn in a homemade yogurt bark.

For festive rice krispies, check out Tacoma Boys Rice Krispie Trick-or-Treats: These mummies are drizzled with white chocolate and dotted with googly eyes! But healthy Halloween recipes are possible too. A healthy Halloween treat can be as simple as arranging fresh fruit in different designs. Color coordinate and make ghastly shapes with fruit, nuts, cheese, and more! — This is a simple way to enjoy a party appetizer, especially. For another easy-to-make, healthy candy recipe, try these vegan snickers using United With Earth Medjool Dates.

Trick or Treating with Tacoma Boys

When you’re ready to shop for Halloween candy and supplies for the holiday, come on in to Tacoma Boys! You’ll find a selection of individually wrapped candy for trick or treaters as well as specialty candy and more. Chocolate bars and personal packs of candy are also available. Whether you like chocolate, fruity candy, soft candy, or hard candy, there’s a wide selection of anything you’d want! 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 the last blooms of summer flowers drop and September begins, it’s time for some fall cooking. Labor Day specifically is a good time to send off summer and welcome the fall season! The holiday falls on the first weekend of September and calls for celebration: Not only for the end of summer, but as an opportunity to celebrate American laborers. The labor union movement of the 19th century led to the progression of worker’s rights and ultimately a celebration for such in the form of Labor Day. Now, Labor Day is a celebration of summer and an easy transition into fall.

Fall Cooking

For Tacoma Boys, the autumn season means getting ready for fall cooking with seasonal snacks and dishes. It’s a great time to get cozy, prepare for the holidays, and enjoy fall produce and herbs: Think squash, apples, Brussels sprouts, sage, thyme, and more! Labor Day is a good chance to transition into fall cooking because it represents the end of summer. Fall cooking can be so tasty with hearty, savory dishes and sweet baked goods. Specifically, a good pie in the fall is so simple and delicious–– Check out our blog post for a guide on Tacoma Boy’s favorite fall pies and treats!

Celebrating Labor Day

The long weekend surrounding Labor Day means celebrations can last for days. There are plenty of things to do and tasty foods to cook to celebrate the holiday. The transition into a new season means it’s one of your last chances to cook your favorite summer foods: Cook up your remaining summer zucchini and corn on the grill to say goodbye to summer! Backyard barbecues and picnics are common on the holiday. Same goes for parades, parties, and special events like speeches. Plus, many workers have the day off in honor of Labor Day. This means extra time to relax and enjoy the (hopefully!) warm summer weather. 

Foods To Eat and Things To Do

Celebrate the end of summer with your picnic favorites like potato salad, chips, and fresh fruit: You can also grill your favorite summer and fall foods to mark the change of seasons. Then, get active and maybe you’ll try something new while you’re at it! 

• Find a Labor Day parade near you and join in to celebrate.
• Play sports like disc golf, tennis, kayaking, and bicycling. 
• There’s nothing like one last camping trip to wrap up summer!
• Grill up Johnson’s Smokehouse Pepperjack Cheese Bratwurst and serve them in Tacoma Boys’ Hoagie Buns.

• Try a BLT Salad: This dish is light but hearty with crunchy romaine lettuce, Hempler’s Uncured Applewood Bacon and Drew’s Organic Rosemary Balsamic Dressing.
• Grill some of Tacoma Boys Pork Baby Back Ribs, then slather them with Mr. Texas BBQ Sauce.

Seasonal Recipes for Autumn

If summer must end, then seasonal recipes for autumn are something to look forward to! Comfort food in general is a good go-to when relaxing on chilly days or spending time with family. A series of holidays include Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas— all great times to have fun cooking and use seasonal ingredients. Get ready for pie season and use the last of your summer berries in a pie or crumble. For a super quick and easy dessert to transition into autumn, try Tacoma Boy’s peach cobbler. 

Labor Day is a good time to mix and match summer and fall recipes because there is a wide variety of produce available. As we transition into fall weather and food, it’s nice to get cozy with some seasonal recipes for autumn. While Labor Day is usually considered the last-hurrah of summer, move on into autumn with these season recipes to celebrate the beginning of fall:

• One Sheet Pan Autumn Chicken featuring seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs.
• Vegetable-loaded beef stew featuring Cal-Organic Farms Rainbow Carrots, Muir Glen Organic Diced Tomatoes and Orrington Farms Organics Beef Stew Seasoning.
• Squash pasta: Butternut squash in fact makes a deliciously smooth and savory pasta sauce. Try this recipe by Savory Simple with Marella Organic Pasta in your shape of choice for a fun autumn recipe. 
• Savory root vegetable galette featuring seasonal root vegetables like beets, turnips, and sweet potatoes. Hint: Spice Hunter Poultry Seasoning is a great substitute for fresh herbs and spices in recipes like these!

Shop For Labor Day at Tacoma Boys

When you’re ready to get cooking for Labor Day and the beginning of the fall season, Tacoma Boys is ready for you! The specialty grocery store routinely provides seasonal produce for any time of year or special occasion. Stop by to see what’s new and tasty. 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!

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!

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!

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!

What better way to spend Mother’s Day than outside? By now, it’s clear that spring has arrived: Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and the sun is shining. This year’s Mother’s Day still might look a little different than many families are used to. So if you’re looking for something creative to do to celebrate and honor the moms in your life, consider taking things outside for a spectacular dinner in the fresh air! Al fresco dining is great for casual everyday meals, but can be made even more special for such an occasion like Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day Is Almost Here!

This year’s Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 9. To make a special celebration for the mothers in your life, try planning an outdoor dinner at home! It’s a great opportunity to show them your love and appreciation. Though an at-home outdoor dinner is simple, there are some things you can do to make things extraordinary for mom.

• Set the scene! Dress up the dinner table with mom’s favorite spring flowers, like Tacoma Boys fresh bouquets, tulips, and primroses. Outdoor lights strung above the table are an easy way to elevate the atmosphere of your backyard patio setting. Consider placing lights elsewhere too. Lights can add depth to a garden when night falls, and they’re good for safety as well. Don’t worry about not having any outlets to plug lights into – solar lights are easy to get hold of these days, like these solar lights for flag poles that will help to light up your front yard flag.
• Make her favorite. Mother’s Day is certainly a great time to make mom’s favorite appetizer, dinner, or dessert. Challenge yourself to make a full multi-course meal with all of her favorite foods!
• Treat her to a tipple. Your mom works hard every day of the year to look after you, so she deserves a treat at least once a year! Look for a liquor store open in your area and buy her favourite drink, then get her to put her feet up and just relax with a wine glass in hand.
• Include friends and family. Coordinate with the rest of mom’s family or her close friends for a video call or gifts. She will appreciate the extra thought of including others.

Celebrate with Mother’s Day Activities

When planning Mother’s Day activities for mom and the family, simply think of everything she loves to do. First, take the party outside for a beautiful dinner that will blow mom away and highlight the flavors of the season. If mom likes to cook, ask her to join in when preparing dinner. Cooking together is such a great bonding experience!

For an extraordinary outdoor dining experience at home, consider lawn games or other creative Mother’s Day activities. While munching on appetizers, mom can enjoy the outdoors while basking in the late-afternoon sun or even cuddled in front of a backyard campfire. Take this time to bring up your favorite childhood memories or talk about what you or others have learned from mom. Then, try to plan to spend that sunset hour outdoors so mom can appreciate the pretty colors of the setting sun in the sky. You could even venture out for a sunset-backed walk!

If you don’t have the space for outdoor dinner at home, opt for an afternoon picnic instead. It’s the perfect time of year for lunch al fresco at a local park or beach. For some guidance on how to prepare for an awesome spring picnic experience, check out our blog filled with spring picnic tips here.

What’s Cooking For Mother’s Day Dinner?

Prepare for the special day ahead of time by planning what to cook for Mother’s Day dinner. You could ask her directly what she wants to eat, or surprise her with something yummy you just know will make her feel extra special. The options are endless – but here are just a few potential ideas to get your Mother’s Day dinner menu started.

• Parmesan crusted chicken breast with cheese and marinara: Mom doesn’t have to know you picked it right from Tacoma Boys deli counter! Tacoma Boys makes it just that much easier to get started on a spectacular dinner with such pre-prepared chicken breast and other meat and seafood. Pair it with some Roasted Potatoes with Herbed Olive Oil and Goat Cheese for a tasty, elevated meal.
• Parmesan polenta made with P.A.N. White Corn Meal with roasted seasonal vegetables, fresh rosemary, and Alessi’s Balsamic Reduction: This recipe by Family Style Food is just right for the special occasion. All you need is a simple tossed salad on the side for a complete dinner!
• It’s just about time for the grilling season: You find all the ingredients for Grilled Flank Steak with Dark Cherry Chipotle Sauce at Tacoma Boys.
• For dessert, a creamy cheesecake can be made ahead of time and is sure to be enjoyed by everyone: This recipe for Mini Key Lime Cheesecakes is sure to impress!

Prepare for Dinner with Tacoma Boys

Stop in to your local Tacoma Boys to get just about everything you need for a spectacular outdoor Mother’s Day dinner at home! This includes beautiful flowers, local produce, mom’s favorite beer and wine, and tons of speciality food ingredients. 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!

Beer has long been connected to St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a tradition that goes well with cooking traditional Irish foods and celebrating the culture. St. Patrick’s Day is a religious and cultural holiday, so it’s a time to toast to Saint Patrick and honor one’s Irish heritage. Drinking beer on St. Patrick’s Day is familiar to most people. Overall, it’s celebrated in America and many other countries by wearing your best green gear and drinking lots of Irish beer. 

St. Patrick’s Day & Beer

St. Patrick’s Day is all about beer, right?! Modern St. Patrick’s Day celebrations emphasize drinking and honoring Irish heritage and cuisine. And Ireland is rich with beer and pub culture! In Dublin especially, breweries and beer have long been a standard part of Irish lifestyle and tourism. Thus, St. Patrick’s Day is a perfect time to celebrate the culture, and drink beer.

Why Drink on St. Patrick’s Day?

St. Patrick’s Day is associated with drinking because of the religious celebration of the holiday. Historically, Lenten restrictions were put aside for Christians to honor Saint Patrick on the anniversary of his death, March 17. Drinking and eating would commence, and has since become a traditional way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Irish beer is undoubtedly a special favorite for drinkers on St. Patrick’s Day!

Tacoma Boys’ Favorite Popular Irish Beer

Why not take the chance to enjoy a tall, crisp pint of popular Irish beer on St. Patrick’s Day? No, it doesn’t have to be Irish if dark ales and lagers aren’t your thing! But Irish beer is a tasty classic for a reason. Guinness is so legendary that it’s likely the first (and maybe only) Irish beer that comes to mind. But there is so much more on the Irish beer market worth tasting. Tacoma Boys provides a wide selection of imported and domestic beer to get you started. However, there are certainly a few stand-out Irish beers worth noting.

Smithwick’s Red Ale

Refreshingly balanced, this Irish ale is light and slightly bitter with (you guessed it) a red hue. It’s hoppy, but not as thick as traditional dark Irish beers. Its namesake founder started the business quite some time ago, in the 1700s. 

Harp Lager

This Irish brew (spoiler alert: it’s a lager) tastes of barley and yeast and is somewhere right between light and full bodied. This means it’s bound to refresh you, rather than feeling thick and weighing you down.

Guinness Draught Stout

The famous dark Irish stout is a solid option that most beer drinkers may tend to enjoy. It’s said to have been produced as far back as 1759 and is now crafted in several different light and dark kinds. Smooth and dry, the draught stout is full bodied and distinctively dark.

Kaliber

This one clocks in at 0.05% ABV. From the same makers as Guinness, Kaliber is a non-alcoholic smooth and bitter Irish beer. Golden amber in color, you’ll taste slight sweetness and full lager flavor.

And Much More!

Most dark stouts and beers will do well as a stand in for one of these classic Irish beers, too. If you want to keep things local, try Black Raven Imperial Stout or Silver City Brewing Ridgetop Red Ale. Tacoma Boys’ boasts a myriad of both light and dark beers to choose from!

The Infamous Green Beer Recipe

Part of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day is of course concocting the perfect green beer recipe. Simply put, green beer is beer dyed green (generally on St. Patrick’s Day). It’s part of a traditional western custom of dyeing things green on St. Patrick’s Day. The milk in the fridge, your outfit of the day, the Chicago River? Green beer is a classic too!

It’s quick and easy to make a green beer recipe at home using one of Tacoma Boys’ Irish beers. Specifically, it works best with a light-colored beer like Kaliber or a pilsner. You can simply add in a few drops of green food coloring into your pint glass. However, Tacoma Boys knows a couple other more natural ways to get it done.

• Tacoma Boys Fresh Wheatgrass: Blend the wheat grass into a liquid and add to the bottom of a cold pint glass. Pour in your light-colored brew and give it a stir!
• Fresh Spinach: If you don’t mind a slight earthy taste, use fresh spinach in the same way as wheatgrass. 
• Matcha: Powdered matcha adds just a touch of that green tea flavor. Add a 1/4 teaspoon at a time to a pint glass filled with Irish beer and stir.
• Spirulina: The powdered green algae is a bit darker than matcha. Stir in a bit at a time until you get that dark green hue.
• Get creative! If you have another fruit or vegetable juice or powder in mind, now’s your chance to give it a shot.

Shop Our Selection

Next time you stop in to Tacoma Boys, be sure to browse our wide selection of domestic and imported brews. And if you ever have a question or need help finding something special, don’t ever hesitate to ask! While you’re in, you can stock up on all the ingredients and supplies you need for a St. Patrick’s Day feast. Whether corned beef and cabbage or meat and potatoes is the plan, Tacoma Boys has plenty to enjoy. 

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!

St. Patrick’s Day is a fun holiday to celebrate with kids. Themed crafts, green treats, and adventures with the family can get everyone in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit! The cultural holiday is celebrated by the Irish and others in part by feasting on traditional food. It’s a celebration of Irish heritage, as well as an opportunity to have fun cooking and sporting shamrocks! But to get the kids a bit more involved, there’s a few more things you can do to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with Family

Many people have traditions with their families and friends for St. Patrick’s Day. Some communities will often hold St. Patrick’s Day parades to celebrate. And it’s certainly always a good time to dress in your best green gear. But this year, you may be looking for a few things to do at home with your family. Whether you are swapping out old traditions or adding to your plans, try these ways to celebrate at home with family.

• Get crafty: Put a spin on your kids’ favorite art activity with St. Patrick’s Day themes. Cut shamrocks out of construction paper, paint a pot of gold under a rainbow, or build a leprechaun with colored clay or blocks.
• Stage a treasure hunt: Let the kids loose in the backyard in search of clovers, something silver, and maybe even a hidden treat or two. Or, hide clues that lead to a nice big pot of gold.
• Sneak in some education: Learn and teach about Irish culture and the island of Ireland. If you celebrate more of the holiday, teach your kids about Saint Patrick and the history of St. Patrick’s Day.
• Cooking with kids: Cooking and eating together is a favorite St. Patrick’s Day activity for many families.

Cooking with Kids

Any day is a good day to start cooking with kids. Of course, it’s always a great opportunity for bonding and spending quality time together. But cooking with kids on St. Patrick’s Day can be extra special for a few reasons. You can introduce the family to new kinds of foods like Irish corned beef, cabbage, and apple tarts or other desserts. Tacoma Boys’ favorite way to make a quick and easy apple dessert is as simple as adding fresh green apples and butter to Concord Foods Apple Crisp Mix. Have some fun with green colored foods. Any chance to sneak some extra greens into your kids diet is definitely a win!

Start the day with Tacoma Boys’ McCann’s Irish Oatmeal topped with Northwest Delights Pepitas and Tacoma Boys’ Kiwi Slices. Or, blend up a smoothie with Tacoma Boys’ Frozen Berries, and Fresh Baby Spinach, and Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almond Milk for some green goodness.

Cooking with kids allows for great teaching moments: Make a math game out of measuring ingredients and practice counting. Or if your kids are a little older, allow them to learn by doing most of the cooking. Use art and science when baking and decorating cookies. It definitely won’t feel like learning! Chances are they’ll want to go green with frosting, sprinkles, and more.

Kid Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Recipes

Elevate your St. Patrick’s Day recipes with an array of green-colored foods to get your kids involved. It’s a great way to get them to eat some healthy food! And a fun time when they come up with their own ideas, too. These St. Patrick’s Day recipes are just a couple ways to have fun with cooking to celebrate. For dozens more kid-friendly St. Patrick’s Day recipe ideas, check out this list from Taste of Home.

• Clover shaped anything! With a clover-shaped cookie cutter or some smooth knife skills, you can cut your kids’ sandwich, cookies, sliced fruit, and more into the shamrock shape. Tacoma Boys’ has a wide selection of gluten-free bread, too, so no one will be left out of the fun-shaped sandwiches.
• Boil some of Mrs Miller’s Homemade Spinach Noodles and toss with Santini Pesto Genovese for an extra green kick. Serve with Tacoma Boys’ Panko-Breaded Chicken Cordon Bleu for a complete and satisfying meal.

• Throw together a green-themed charcuterie board with Tacoma Boys’ fresh sliced Deli Meats, Creminelli Italian Salami, Boars Head Havarti with Dill, Divina Green Olives, and crackers like Tacoma Boys’ French Baguette Chips. For a comprehensive guide on building the perfect charcuterie board, check out Tacoma Boys’ blog on charcuterie boards here.

Get Ready To Celebrate

Here at Tacoma Boys, we are excited to help you plan and execute your perfect St. Patrick’s Day with recipes that your kids can get involved in. Swing on by any location to gain even more inspiration for a fun holiday that the kids and family will love. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you’re looking for that one special ingredient! 

To stay up-to-date on the latest insider deals and specials, including seasonal produce, sign up for Tacoma Boys text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

This year, Valentine’s dinner celebrations may look a little different. Many couples and families who traditionally go out to eat or do other activities must look forward to another way to observe the holiday. And if the quickest way to one’s heart is through their stomach, cooking your significant other something special is one of the best ways to express your love. Create a delicious Valentine’s dinner for two with a few steps to set the mood, prepare a homemade meal, and enjoy quality time together. Read on for some tips on how to craft the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner for two.

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is practically destined for home cooking. It’s a special day to show the one you love how much they mean to you. After all, cooking for a significant other conveys love and caring. It’s one of the best times to enjoy a hearty, homemade meal and bond over the stove. It doesn’t have to be a stressful experience because all you need is simple, fresh ingredients and a plan to build the Valentine’s Day dinner of your loved one’s dream! To top it off, you’re sure to warm their heart with a DIY gift like one of these inventive ideas by House Beautiful.

Set the Mood for Valentines Day at Home

Help set the stage for a romantic Valentine’s Day at home with elements that you know your partner will appreciate. To help set the mood, consider:

• Serving up the color of love via red wine like Megan Anne 2018 Black Love, a unique pinot noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley 
• Setting the dinner table with a classic display of special votive candles and fine china
• Gifting a stunning assorted Bouquet Of Fresh Cut Flowers (to keep the flowers fresh for longer, check out Tacoma Boys guide to keeping plants and flowers fresh and longer-lasting here).

There’s nothing wrong with going the traditional route when planning for an intimate Valentine’s Day at home. And going the extra mile with little details will help show how much you care! For a few more ideas on decorating for a lovely Valentine’s Day at home, go here.

Romantic Dinner for Two Menu

This Valentine’s dinner menu will help you craft a romantic and delicious dinner for two, using just a few high quality ingredients. We also love Bruschetta Topped Chicken and Spaghetti as an alternative to this menu. 

Appetizer 

Creamy and rich, classic cheese fondue is one of the most popular Valentine’s Day appetizers- and for good reason. It’s fun to eat and simple to prepare with speciality cheeses, like Emmi Le Gruyére, plus fresh Fuji Apples and crusty sourdough bread for dipping.

Salad 

Choose your favorite tasty dressing from Tacoma Boys’ large wall of salad dressings for the ultimate flavor boost. Start with Mixed Greens, Yellow Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Basil, Bel Gioioso Shaved Parmesan, and Fresh Gourmet Organic Seasoned Croutons. Finish with a drizzle of your go-to Tacoma Boys dressing and you’re set!

Dinner

Tacoma Boys makes it easy to enjoy a gourmet meal with less prep time thanks to stuffed chicken breasts! These pre-made stuffed chicken breasts come in many variations with different ingredients. One of our favorites are Chicken Breast Stuffed With Mushrooms and Cheese and Wrapped in Bacon. Pair your juicy stuffed chicken breast with a large serving of vegetables, like steamed Broccoli, Carrots, or Asparagus. Round out the satisfying meal with scoops of creamy mashed Gold or Red Potatoes mixed with roasted Garlic.

Dessert

Finish the meal with a refreshing pre-made Raspberry Tart and a couple glasses of the Chocolate Shop Chocolate Lovers Wine, which blends red wine with rich chocolate for a unique treat. Or, bake whatever your partner’s favorite dessert may be from a wide array of boxed Cake or Brownie Mix.

Drop By!

If you already have a menu for your homemade Valentine’s Day dinner for two, Tacoma Boys always has a well stocked selection of quality ingredients for you to choose from. Stop on by to see what’s new or for inspiration for your Valentine’s Day at home.

Stay up to date on insider deals and specials when you sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!