Hosting (Page 3)

Sipping on sparkling wine is a classic component of celebrating the holidays. Whether it’s champagne, sparkling white wine, or even sparkling red, it’s so refreshing and tasty! And Tacoma Boys’ wide selection of sparkling wine at various price points and varieties makes it simple to shop for and choose your favorites. A cold, crisp glass of bubbly at a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner fits right in as part of the cozy holiday celebration. 

Sparkling Wine at Tacoma Boys

Sparkling wine is made fizzy by fermentation during the wine making process. Carbon dioxide is absorbed, creating those pleasant little bubbles. You can enjoy sparkling white wine (including champagne), sparkling rosé, and even sparkling red wine. And while all champagne is sparkling wine, not all sparkling wine is champagne. Champagne is just a type of bubbly white wine that’s produced in a specific region in France. Several varieties of wine like these will fit your holiday celebration— Tacoma Boys’ large assortment to choose from means you can find your favorite and try new things! 

You can browse sparkling wine offerings like these on the shelves at Tacoma Boys:

Champagne

• Duval-Leroy Brut Champagne 
• Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Champagne
• Henriot Brut Souverain Champagne 

Sparkling White Wine

• Dibon Cava Brut Reserve
• Mumm Napa Cuvée
• Villa Maria Bubbly Sauvignon Blanc 2019
• Decoy Brut Cuvée Sparkling
• Mionetto Prosecco Brut

Sparkling Rosé

• Argyle Brut Rosé
• La Marca Prosecco Rosé
• Los Dos Cava Brut Rosé

Sparkling Red

• Treveri Sparkling Syrah Brut
• Castello di Luzzano Sommossa 

Pairing Sparkling Wine

Pairing sparkling wine at your Thanksgiving dinner or other holiday celebration is simple and tasty. Most neutral wine goes well with the robust flavors of celebratory meals in the autumn. There’s really no rules to pairing sparkling wine — it’s all about enjoying the taste of what you’re eating! You can pair champagne with roast turkey, sparkling rosé with mashed potatoes, or anything else that sounds good to you. It’s also common to sip on hard apple cider (the adult, sparkly version of classic apple cider) during this harvest season. You can also shop for some regular or hard apple cider at Tacoma Boys! Read on for some suggested wine and food pairings to try. 

Pasta

Go for cream based sauces, rather than tomato based, to pair with a fizzy dry wine. Or, try sparkling red wine with a red sauce pasta! Both white and red still wine are often incorporated into pasta sauce, too.

Fried Food

Fried mushrooms, artichokes, and battered fish and chips all go great with sparkling wine. Try a fried appetizer like Crispy Fried Zucchini with sweet sparkling white wine for the holidays.

Cheese

Wine and cheese definitely pair well together. Go for a rich, aged cheese like Kerrygold Aged Cheddar with sparkling rosé. Or, try a mild sparkling prosecco with Briette Creamy & Mild Brie Cheese. Read more about Tacoma Boys various specialty cheeses to pair in our blog all about it!

Seafood, Poultry and Pork

White wine and seafood are a timeless pair! And the light flavors of tender chicken, turkey, or pork are simple to pair with bubbly wine. This is perfect as many people enjoy turkey or ham for the holidays, anyway! If you’d like, pair white meat and seafood with white wine, and dark meat with richer wines like red. Tacoma Boys also offers a large selection of fresh seafood to choose from.

Wine Recipes

There are several different types of wine recipes you can try for the holidays! Individual or batch cocktails, like sangria, are great ways to enjoy the taste and fizz of sparkling wine.

Sangria is a drink made with wine, fruit juice, and sometimes sweetener and hard liquor, like brandy. Other wine recipes to try include classics like white wine spritzers and mimosas. Spiked lemonades are also sometimes made with sparkling wine, too: Try a mix of 3 cups lemonade with a full bottle of Sorelle Bronca Extra Dry Prosecco. That dry prosecco is a nice balance to the sweetness of lemonade!

Wine recipes of course can mean wine was used in the cooking process, too. You can use still or bubbly wine when deglazing, in salad dressings, marinades, and more. Cooking with wine can enhance the flavor of the food and add elements of acidity, similar to vinegar. Start with a white wine pasta sauce or something like hearty Wine Braised Beef!

Prep For The Holidays With Tacoma Boys

Don’t forget to stop by Tacoma Boys’ sparkling wine section while you’re shopping for your holiday meals! You’ll find a variety of bubbly white, rosé, and red wine to enjoy with your family. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, just ask and we’ll be happy to help guide you. To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

The holiday season has begun again and it’s time to get ready for Thanksgiving turkey! While not everyone enjoys turkey, it’s a seasonal classic that can be prepared in so many ways. The most traditional way to cook a Thanksgiving turkey is probably to roast it in the oven. Turkey is often purchased frozen and thawed for a couple days. Then, let the Thanksgiving turkey cook all day while preparing the rest of your meal. Those savory smells of the turkey cooking will make your stomach grumble in anticipation all day! 

Thanksgiving Turkey

The tradition of preparing Thanksgiving turkey is tasty and rewarding! At Tacoma Boys, you can purchase your turkey in addition to other specialty food items to get ready for your holiday meals. It can seem like a lot of hard work, but most of the time spent cooking Thanksgiving turkey is thawing or cooking time. Thawing your turkey is a simple but important step that has to be done safely. There are a couple ways to thaw your Thanksgiving turkey: In general, most people leave it in the refrigerator to slowly thaw for a couple days. The basic guideline is 24 hours of refrigerator thawing time for every 4-5 lbs of turkey.

When it comes down to preparing the turkey with seasoning, there are so many ways to experiment! Turkey brines, seasoning blends, and marinades can all enhance and add flavor to the turkey. Tacoma Boys Poultry Seasoning with herbs like thyme and rosemary are particularly popular to use during Thanksgiving prep. Try some of these ingredients from Tacoma Boys when preparing your Thanksgiving turkey:

• Butter and olive oil
• Fresh or dried herbs: Thyme, rosemary, sage, marjoram, and bay leaves
• Spices like smoked paprika, cayenne, and red pepper flakes
• Tacoma Boys Mappe Apple or Traditional Turkey Brine
• Lemon, garlic, onion, celery, and carrots
• Brown sugar, and maple syrup

How to Cook Turkey

Many people who are unsure of how to cook turkey can be overwhelmed by the options. There are seemingly infinite recipes online with different cooking methods and seasonings. If you don’t know how to cook turkey, don’t panic! Everyone tends to have their own way to prepare turkey: But as long as you follow food safety practices and enjoy the taste of your turkey, you can make it any way you like. You can roast the turkey in the oven, slow cooker, air fryer, or more. These are just a couple options to try. 

1. Roast

Perhaps the most common method of cooking turkey is roasting slowly in the oven. This can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours or more, depending on the size of your turkey. It’s generally roasted at 350 degrees Fahrenheit after being thawed and seasoned to your liking.

2. Slow Cooker (Crockpot)

This method takes the longest, as the cooker works slowly. Depending on the size of your turkey or turkey breast, you can cook the whole bird right in your slow cooker. In general, you can simply put your thawed and seasoned turkey into your slow cooker and cook on low for several hours. This recipe by The Little Kitchen is a good guide for slow cooker Thanksgiving turkey with vegetables that is moist and flavorful!

3. Air Fryer

This is one of the newer methods of cooking turkey— Even large air fryers are a bit too small for a whole turkey, though. This method works best with turkey breasts because they’re smaller. Air fry a seasoned turkey breast at about 375 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping halfway, for about 45-60 minutes or until completely cooked though. For more details on how to cook turkey in the air fryer, check out this recipe by Spend With Pennies.

Thanksgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving recipes can include traditional classics as well as new modern twists. It’s fun to mix and match and get creative with what you and your family like to eat! Start out with tasty appetizers, like these homemade dips for the holidays. Then, bond over new and old Thanksgiving recipes like cornbread stuffing with Marie Calendars Organic Cornbread Mix and cheesy Lundberg Organic Wild Rice casserole. For dessert, roast up a butternut or acorn squash with a drizzle of Stonewall Kitchen Maple Syrup. Or, browse our blog all about Thanksgiving dessert! 

Tacoma Boys offers an assortment of spices, seasonings, and specialty food items to flavor your dinner. You can particularly find a variety of gravy mixes like these to make your Thanksgiving recipes that much easier: 

• Tacoma Boys Chicken or Turkey Style Gravy 
• Simply Organic Chicken or Turkey Gravy Mix
• Knorr Roasted Turkey Gravy Mix
• Better Than Bouillon Gravy Mix

Tacoma Boys is here when you’re ready to shop for your Thanksgiving turkey. We also have all the fresh produce and pantry items you’ll need for an ultimate holiday dinner. And you can even check out some of Tacoma Boys top vegan Thanksgiving side dishes here! 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 for the holidays means being prepared for your guests with drinks and food like appetizers. Small plates and snacks are easy to prepare and serve. Think chips and dip, stuffed mushrooms, garlic bread, potato skins, and more! Appetizers are convenient and popular, whether you’re planning on a larger meal later or are simply snacking all afternoon. Some people consider appetizers as only finger food, where you don’t need a knife and a fork. But there are plenty of tasty little dishes to make that can be enjoyed in different ways.

Appetizers

Small plates and snacks like appetizers are great to start out with when hosting. They’re often served in small portions loaded with hearty flavor. It’s a way to welcome your guests and have a little bite to eat while chatting, when dinner isn’t quite ready. While just about any food can be made into an appetizer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Finger foods are often best when appetizers are served away from the table. That means bite-sized foods, dips, and anything without a knife and fork. 

Here at Tacoma Boys, charcuterie boards are easy to shop for and a favorite as an appetizer! They’re a popular snack because they’re customizable and quick to put together. At Tacoma Boys, you’ll find a wide selection of specialty cheeses and cured meats as well as nuts, jams, crackers, fruit, and more. Build your charcuterie to fit the preferences of your guest and set it out as a grazing board. Your guests can snack on it casually as a group, or you can use little plates to serve the spread.

Dip Recipes for Groups

Dip recipes are easy to enjoy when hosting or in groups. Full of flavor and just filling enough, cold or hot dips are usually quick to make and serve. Picture raw veggies with blue cheese dressing or spinach artichoke dip with tortilla chips. These types of dip recipes are usually first to go at parties and get-togethers! If you’re looking for some dip recipes to make for the holidays, consider one of these suggestions:

• Tacoma Boys’ Buffalo Chicken Dip: It’s not too late to serve this one in a pumpkin! You’ll find several different types of buffalo sauce at Tacoma Boys. Plus about 5 other ingredients, this dip is quick and easy to cook up for a hungry crowd.
• Tacoma Boys’ Irish Beer Cheese Dip: You’ll need some dark beer and a couple different kinds of cheese for this rich recipe. It’s full of flavor and goes great with fresh cut veggies and pretzels, like Dutch Country Gluten Free Soft Pretzels.
• Spinach Artichoke Dip by Natasha’s Kitchen: Try this savory, cheesy dip with Cara Mia Marinated Artichoke Hearts and serve it with Stacy’s Pita Chips. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the extra vegetables snuck in!
• White Cheddar Cranberry Dip by Little Broken: This 4 ingredient dip is a tasty twist on a classic cheese dip. Try it with Tillamook White Cheddar Cheese, Organic Valley Cream Cheese, fresh cranberries, and a Homemade Cranberry Sauce.
• 7 Layer Dip: The popular layered dip is so easy to make with a variety of ingredients of your choosing! It requires very little, if any cooking. For an example, try the dip with layers of Amy’s Organic Vegetarian Refried Beans, Smith Brothers Farm Sour Cream, fresh guacamole, Tacoma Boys Loco Cheese Dip, diced fresh tomatoes, Mrs. Renfro’s Jalapeno Peppers, and your favorite Tacoma Boys Salsa. Then dig in with Tacoma Boys Tortilla Chips!

Holiday Appetizers

Some people get real creative with holiday appetizers! You can make a variety of dishes with Thanksgiving or Christmas themes and seasonal ingredients. For example, snacks made with cranberries, turkey, and stuffing for Thanksgiving. Cranberry and brie puff pastry bites are another example of an appetizer that is so popular for the holidays! Make whatever dishes you want into holiday appetizers by just scaling down a bit: Mini quiche, bite-size meatballs, and just about any food on a mini skewer.

It can also be a good idea to ask your guests to bring appetizers if you’d like. Cooking an entire meal including appetizers and dessert can be a lot to do! And while you’re planning your holiday appetizers and meals, make sure to account for different diets. If you’re expecting guests that are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free, it’s easy to prepare those dishes. 

Prepare For The Holiday With Tacoma Boys 

Get ready for holiday celebrations and meals with Tacoma Boys! Your local market is stocked with a variety of seasonal produce, meat, and specialty food products. 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!

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!

Is it time for the 2021 Super Bowl already?! The day is coming up quick which means it’s time to come up with your Super Bowl appetizers menu. Nothing screams “Super Bowl” more than a table full of classic Super Bowl appetizers that keep everyone coming back for more. Although there may be no large gatherings this year, hosting for your household can still be a fun time. There’s no better way to get geared up for the big game than to plan out this year’s menu.

Super Bowl Appetizers

What is it about appetizers that make them a great fit for football games? Whether it’s the variety or convenience of small bites, our favorite Super Bowl appetizers are lined up and ready to share! Whip up your favorite Super Bowl appetizers with fresh, specialty ingredients found at your local Tacoma Boys.

Chips & Dip

• Tacoma Boys Tortilla Chips
• Classic potato chips

Pair with:

• Tacoma Boys’ very own jarred salsas – available in a variety of flavors.
• Homemade spinach & artichoke dip made with Fresh Express Organic Baby Spinach found in the produce section. This spinach and artichoke dip by Cooking Classy is a great option.
• Easy ranch dip made with fresh herbs, spices, and Smith Brothers sour cream found in the dairy section.

Sliders

• Roast beef sliders made with medium rare roast beef found in the Tacoma Boys deli section paired with classic King’s Hawaiian rolls. This recipe for french dip sliders by Delish is sure to hit the spot!
• Ham & cheese sliders made with ham from the deli and Hoffman’s Vermont White Cheddar Cheese for the ultimate cheese pull. This recipe is a great guideline to follow for ham and cheese sliders.

Jalapeño Poppers

Jalapeño poppers may be one of the most popular game day appetizers out there, and it’s easy to understand why! If you’re a fan of spicy and savory small bites, jalapeño poppers are the perfect choice for you. Select a large handful of fresh jalapeños from the produce section followed by your go-to cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Simply mix the cream cheese and cheddar, then stuff the halved jalapeño peppers and bake. If you want to take your jalapeño popper game up a notch, wrap them in Tacoma Boys’ applewood smoked thick-cut bacon – you won’t regret it. Savory Tooth has a great recipe for bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers here. 

Potato Skins

What is it about potato skins that make them so addicting?! Potatoes are great all around, but potato skins are next-level. Plus they’re incredibly easy to make which is an added bonus. Instead of whipping up traditional loaded potato skins, try making Real House Mom’s bbq chicken potato skins for this year’s game. We recommend grabbing a few of Tacoma Boys’ baker potatoes to ensure the crispiest skin for the best crunch! 

Pigs in a Blanket

Okay, there is no denying that pigs in a blanket are a game day must. They’re a hit with both adults and kids and are the perfect bite. If you’re looking to make your pigs in a blanket a bit fancier this year, substitute classic hot dogs for a pack of Snake River Farms American Wagyu Beef Gourmet Frankfurters. Slice those up and roll them in French Butter Puff Pastry found in the freezer section at your local Tacoma Boys. 

Ready-To-Go Game Day Food

If making appetizers from scratch isn’t your favorite activity, don’t fret! Tacoma Boys carries a variety of pre-made food that is perfect for game day. 

• Fiorucci Panino Antipasti Hard Salami & Pepper Jack Rolls or Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Cheese
• Boar’s Head pre-made hummus available in a variety of flavors such as: fiery chipotle, everything bagel, and roasted red pepper
• Tacoma Boys pre-made scalloped potato salad
• Sea Best Cocktail Shrimp
• Big Shoulders Smokehouse Boneless Pork Ribs – fully cooked
• Big Shoulders Smokehouse Pulled Pork in BBQ Sauce – fully cooked
• Ready-to-bake pre-made pizzas – win!

Football Food Made Easy

Whether you prefer to buy specialty pre-made foods or cook everything up from scratch, Tacoma Boys has you covered for this year’s football food lineup. Pop on into your local Tacoma Boys to take a look around to find everything you’ll need for your Super Bowl menu. If you have any trouble finding certain products, ask one of our workers for guidance and they’ll make sure you get what you’re looking for!

P.S. Don’t forget the beer!

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

How to Prepare for Your Virtual Holiday Bake Off

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

1. Send Out Online Invitations

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

2. Decide What to Bake

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

3. Set a Timer

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

4. Pick a Winner, Together

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

Holiday Baking Essentials

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

Flour

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

Sugar

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

Chocolate

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

Choose Your Christmas Treats

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

Recipe Options

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

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

• Cranberry Orange Swirl Cookies from Beyond the Kitchen Coop

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

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

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

Don’t Forget to Have Fun!

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

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

Fall Brunch Beverages

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

Mimosas

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

• Apple Ginger
• 100% Apple
• Pear

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

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

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

Coffee

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

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

Fall Creamer Options

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

Fall Sweetener Options

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

The Best Brunch Food for Hosting

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

Egg Dishes

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

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

Protein Options

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

Sweet Options

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

Quick Mixes

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

Freezer Section

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

Fall Sweet Brunch Ideas

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

Hosting Brunch with Tacoma Boys

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

Happy brunching! 

Are you team Thanksgiving sides or team turkey? Many would argue that the turkey is the star of the show when it comes to the holiday’s famous menu, but Thanksgiving sides are most definitely in the running. If you’re planning on hosting this year for a small group or immediate family, getting your Thanksgiving sides lined up beforehand is of the utmost importance! Luckily, your local Tacoma Boys has everything you need to get yourself set up to make the ultimate Thanksgiving sides this year.

Classic Thanksgiving Sides

Over the years, Thanksgiving sides have evolved immensely. Each year people get more creative and go above and beyond to impress guests. This year Tacoma Boys is focusing on the classic Thanksgiving sides that please no matter what! From potatoes to cranberry sauce, you’re sure to be stuffed.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are arguably the most important side for Thanksgiving. They are a soft buttery vessel for rich and creamy turkey gravy and pair perfectly with a bite of stuffing. Tacoma Boys has every potato you can think of to make your perfect Thanksgiving mashed potatoes!

Yukon Gold Buttery Rich Potatoes

Yukon Gold potatoes have a slight yellow flesh and yellow-white skin. When cooked, they are slightly sweet and incredibly creamy; making them an amazing candidate for mashed potatoes.

• The Best Homemade Mashed Potatoes by Belly Full

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are the most common potato found in kitchens all around. They’re incredibly versatile due to their mild flavor profile and commonly have a white interior with brown skin.

• Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes by The Salty Marshmallow

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes are typically small or medium in size and have red skin and white flesh. When cooked, red potatoes have a smooth and creamy texture which is perfect for mashed potatoes.

• Red Skin Mashed Potatoes by Cooking for My Soul

If making homemade potatoes is not on your agenda, check out Edward & Sons Organic Mashed Potatoes at your local Tacoma Boys. They come in a box, are ready to eat within five minutes, and are available in homestyle or roasted garlic flavor!

Stuffing

Stuffing – you either love it or you don’t. Regardless, it seems to be a side that is always on the table at Thanksgiving no matter what. There are countless recipes for homemade stuffing, but grabbing a premade box is just as good! You can find boxed stuffing in Tacoma Boys’ bread section.

Favorites for this year are:

• Olivia’s Cornbread Dressing
• Aleia’s Plain Gluten Free Stuffing
• Aleia’s Savory Gluten Free Stuffing

If you’re making yours homemade, grab a loaf of Boulart Baguettes to take your recipe up a notch!

Stuffing Options

• Cranberry Stuffing by Will Cook for Smiles
• Easy Stuffing Recipe by Spend With Pennies

Green Bean Casserole

What is it about casserole that is so warm and comforting?! Green bean casserole is no exception which is why this classic is a Thanksgiving favorite! At Tacoma Boys, you can find Pacific Foods Organic Cream of Mushroom Condensed Soup and Health Valley Cream of Mushroom Soup to use as the base of the casserole. Using canned green beans works well, however, using fresh green beans will take your casserole up a notch or two!

• Homemade Green Bean Casserole by Modern Honey
• The Best Green Bean Casserole with Bacon & Cheese by Fantabulosity
• Vegan & Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole by The Foodie Eats

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce adds just the right amount of sweetness to your Thanksgiving plate without it being too overpowering. Making cranberry sauce from scratch may seem daunting, but it can be a fairly simple process. Opting for homemade versus canned will impress any guests at your table this year! Grab a bag of Ocean Spray’s Organic Cranberries in the freezer section of Tacoma Boys to whip up your own.

• Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce by Cooking Classy
• 3 Ingredient Cranberry Sauce by The Pinning Mama
• Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce by Modern Honey

Prepping for Thanksgiving

When you’re hosting for a big holiday like Thanksgiving, the prepping aspect can be a bit overwhelming. Where should you start when it comes to Thanksgiving sides, turkey, or even the pies?! Fortunately, there are a multitude of ways you can prep beforehand to make the day-of process easier on yourself. When prepping for Thanksgiving sides, it’s important to delegate tasks or even ask others to bring certain dishes. Afterall, you want to be able to enjoy the day, too! You can read Tacoma Boys Thanksgiving Preparation and Success for more ideas on how you can maximize the success of your own Thanksgiving day.

Thanksgiving Food with Tacoma Boys

Although Thanksgiving sides play a crucial role in this holiday, choosing the turkey, dessert, and beverages play a role in planning all of the Thanksgiving food. If you can’t decide on a pie or what beverage to serve, you can check out Tacoma Boys’ Guide to Thanksgiving Pies and What Creates an Amazing Thanksgiving for added tips and tricks!

Hop on into your local Tacoma Boys to gather all of your ingredients for your favorite Thanksgiving sides. A quick tip from the pros: don’t wait until the last minute to stock up on all your Thanksgiving food essentials! If you’re in need of any assistance, the Tacoma Boys’ team is available to guide you through your Thanksgiving shopping!