Seasonal

Adventure Awaits!

We’ve got nothing against the classic s’more. Who could possibly begrudge that winning combo of melted chocolate and gooey mallow? However, there is a whole world of campfire treats waiting to be explored and we’ve gathered recipes for campfire desserts for adventurous campers.

Grilled Personal Peaches
Serves 4

Grilling fresh peaches is a great way to amp up their sweetness. While the prep on this dessert might be a bit more involved on the front end, each dessert is a single portion that requires no additional clean up or dishes. 

4 ripe peaches
¼ cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Pinch of salt
4 tablespoons of granola
Optional: Icecream (for our RVing friends)

1. Prepare a bed of coals under the grill for medium-high heat.
2. Using heavy duty foil, cut four, 12-inch square pieces of foil.
3. Cut butter into 1/2 inch pieces and toss in a bowl with the brown sugar and salt. Save yourself a mess at the campsite and do this step at home, adding into a ziplock bag to bring along. 
4. Wash peaches, cut in half, and remove the pits. Equally portion the butter/sugar mixture into the wells of four peach halves. 
5. Place two peach halves, cut side down onto each square of foil. Bring the corners of the foil up and crimp closed, sealing the foil packet.
6. Place the packets on the grill over the fire and cook for about 15 minutes, rotating the locations of the packets so that they cook evenly. (If the firepit at your campsite doesn’t have a grill, you can pull coals from the fire to create a bed of coals away from the main fire and put the foil packets directly on the coals. This is a less controlled method, but still creates a delicious treat.)
7. When peaches have cooked, use tongs to pull the foil packets from the fire and rest the peaches in their foil packets for a few minutes.
8. Open the foil pack carefully, as it will steam. Turn peaches over using a fork. Sprinkle each peach with granola and enjoy!

Campfire Peach Crisp
Serves 4-6

To keep it super simple, this recipe utilizes canned peaches and instant oatmeal. To create that crumble topping, you will use graham crackers, which nearly every camp pantry has on hand for classic s’more making. You can easily mix up the dry, topping ingredients in a ziplock bag before the trip, to simplify the prep campside.

2 – 15oz canned peaches in light syrup
6 – 8 graham crackers
3 – packets brown sugar instant oatmeal
⅓ cup butter, cut into small pieces
Optional: ⅓ chopped pecans
9×9 disposable, aluminum foil pan

1. Prepare a bed of coals under the grill for medium-high heat.
2. Break up graham crackers and add them to the aluminum pan. Sprinkle with instant oatmeal and pecans (if using).
3. Pour entire contents of canned peaches over the graham/oatmeal crumble and toss everything together with a spoon.
4. Scatter butter over the top of the crisp and cover the pan tightly with foil.
5. Place on the grill and cook for 15-25 minutes, rotating position for even cooking. Watch carefully for burning.
6. Remove the pan from the fire, peel back the foil carefully. Eat directly from the pan or dish into bowls if you fancy doing dishes later.

Broomstick Eclairs
Serves 4-6

Okay, you don’t have to use a broomstick, but this classic, campfire dessert does require some “specialty” equipment in the form of a 1 inch dowel. Dowels are easy enough to get from a hardware store. Use the dowel as is or follow this great DIY for roasting sticks. If you’re camping in a wooded area, you can also hunt for a branch to use, once you are at camp. We’ll cover those sticks with foil, so an old broomstick or a fallen branch will work just dandy.

1” diameter roasting stick/broomstick
Aluminum Foil
Butter or non-stick spray
1 package refrigerated crescent rolls
1 package of vanilla pudding (or chocolate if you fancy)
1 jar of chocolate frosting, chocolatey nut spread

1. Prepare your pudding ahead of the trip and store in an air-tight container, plastic ziplock, or empty ketchup bottle (these last two methods make for easy eclair filling at the campsite). Store in the refrigerator or cooler until ready to use.
2. Once your fire is ready for roasting, wrap the end of your roasting stick/dowel with foil and coat with butter or non-stick spray to keep the eclair from sticking.
3. Wrap a section of crescent dough around the stick, making sure to overlap as you go and completely close off the end.
4. Slowly roast the eclair over the fire, being sure to rotate for even roasting. Slow and steady is the way to go!
5. When the eclair is perfectly roasted, slide it carefully off the dowel. Fill with pudding, top with chocolate frosting, and enjoy!

Banana Boats

This is another classic that often gets forgotten in lieu of a traditional s’more, but we think it’s worth a revisit. While there is no denying this is solidly in the dessert category, the fresh fruit adds a dose of nutrition. Top with more fresh fruit like raspberries or sliced strawberries for an even healthier option.

Ingredients per Serving:

1 banana
12 mini marshmallows
⅛ cup mini chocolate chips
Optional: Peanut Butter, toffee bits, granola, fresh raspberries

1. Prepare a bed of coals under the grill for medium heat.
2. Cut tin foil into 12 inch squares, enough for each banana boat.
3. Leaving the peel on the bananas, cut a slit lengthwise, but not through the bottom portion of the peel.
4. Open up the split in the banana and stuff with marshmallows, chocolate chips, and peanut butter, if using.
5. Place on a sheet of foil and loosely fold over the top of the banana boat leaving a little bit of headroom, so the chocolate doesn’t just coat the foil. Make sure all ends of the foil are sealed.
6. Grill for 3-5 minutes, or until the marshmallows and chocolate make a delicious gooey mess.
7. Top with optional toppings: toffee bits, granola, fresh raspberries, crushed vanilla wafers… the possibilities are endless.

Fuel Your Adventure

If these campfire desserts for adventurous campers have you feeling inspired, you’ll enjoy our roundup of road trip snacks perfect for the drive and your hiking excursions. Now that you’ve got the all-important dessert and snacks covered, head on over to our Guide to Quality Meals in the Great Outdoors and you’ll be set for your next adventure!

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

A Selection of Summer Treats

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

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

Refreshing Snacks for Summer Days

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

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

Summer Recipes for Everyone

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

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

Summer Treats at Tacoma Boys

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

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

Eat The Rainbow

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

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

An Array of Colorful Produce

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

Red

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

Orange and Yellow

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

Green

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

Blue and Purple

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

White and Brown

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

Colorful Meals are Delicious and Doable 

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

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

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

Shop the Rainbow at Tacoma Boys

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

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

Memorial Day Barbecue in the Backyard

It’s time to get ready for a meal at home with the family for a Memorial Day barbecue! This year, Memorial Day is May 31st, a perfect lead into June and the start of summer. The long weekend is often celebrated with camping, cookouts, and summer-centric foods cooked on the grill. Kick off grilling season by preparing your favorites and setting up the backyard for a fun and easy Memorial Day celebration. If you’re looking forward to a backyard barbecue this year, Tacoma Boys has just a few tips to make it an extra enjoyable experience!

Tips & Tricks

• Clean up your backyard ahead of time. Make it easy to set up by cleaning and preparing the area ahead of time. 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!

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

The Best Spring Produce

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

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

Pacific Northwest Produce Tastes Delicious

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

How to Cook With Pacific Northwest Produce

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

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

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

Shop Local for Spring Produce

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

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

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

Shop Seasonal at Tacoma Boys

Although enjoying local spring produce is a good idea, Tacoma Boys is able to provide fresh produce from all seasons. Whatever fresh fruit or vegetable you have in mind, just come on by and ask if you don’t see it. We’re happy to help! To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

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 and drinks!
• 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!

The air is warming, the flowers are blooming, and it’s just about time for a spring picnic. Springtime brings with it the chance to pack up some food, find a cozy patch of grass and roll out the blanket. Whatever else you like to do outdoors is up to you —Anyone up for a round of croquet?!— But tasty food, good company, and a nice space in the grass are timeless tenants of a spring picnic.

It’s easy to put together a spring picnic for you and your friends, significant other, or even  solo! And it’s a great way to take advantage of the nice weather while we have the chance. You’re going to eat anyway— Might as well do it in a fun, different setting! But some people may not know where to start and how to plan for a fun afternoon picnicking. It doesn’t have to be complicated: However, Tacoma Boys has a few tips to get you ready for a season full of spring picnics.

Spring Picnic Tips

As lovely as a spring picnic sounds, some small details can trip you up and make for a less-than-ideal experience. Try to plan ahead and be prepared with sunscreen, water, utensils, plates, and of course, several snacks. And never forget the napkins, lest your adorable picnic blanket be subject to greasy fingers or small spills. Coolers are a good idea, too, if you plan to spend more than a couple hours enjoying the sunshine.

To make it an extra special spring picnic, place one of Tacoma Boys’ fresh flower bouquets in the center of your picnic blanket! 

Another suggestion to avoid bugs involves something you usually don’t bring outside: Light scented candles, specifically citrus-scented, to help ward away bees, gnats, flies, etc.

Location, Location, Location

The local public park is good. Your own backyard is fine. But this is a time to get creative! Think of your favorite nearby viewpoint, sandy beach, or grassy lake. The space doesn’t need to be fit with benches and waist-high picnic tables to host a lovely afternoon spring picnic. However, outdoor areas with picnic tables can be convenient. Whatever gets you to enjoy your spring picnic outdoors will work great! 

Tacoma Boys’ Favorite Picnic Recipes 

Before you go flocking to local parks or migrating to the backyard, you’ll want to have some picnic recipes ready to go. These are just a few light snacks and foods that can be picnic-perfect.

• This is a great time to take advantage of Tacoma Boys’ deli grab-and-go foods, like packaged Baked Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, or Sicilian Pasta Salad. These salads are easy to nibble on all afternoon and so delicious! 
• Picnic recipes can be as simple as filling cut raw celery full of Sabra Roasted Garlic Hummus or Tillamook Cream Cheese. Just top with your favorite nuts and seeds!
• Other finger foods like chopped raw vegetables with Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dip and Crescent Meats Spicy Sticks are great for picnicking. 
• Everyone loves chips and salsa! Tacoma Boys offers several varieties of jarred and fresh packaged salsas like Gourmet Pico de Gallo and Hatch Tomatillo Salsa. Plus, Tacoma Boys Blue Corn Tortilla Chips will add a fun burst of color to your spring picnic spread.
• Charcuterie boards are one of the easiest customizable picnic recipes. Tacoma Boys’ wide selection of snackable and specialty meat and cheese, like Boar’s Head Rolled Mozzarella & Prosciutto, and Creminelli Uncured Italian Salami are a simple base to your charcuterie board. 

Eating Outside & The Benefits of Being in Nature

What better way to reap the benefits of nature in such sunny weather than with a spring picnic? There’s solid evidence that spending time outdoors, while eating or not, can reduce stress. Especially when the weather begins to warm, being around nature in the fresh open air is a great mood-booster. 

Dining al fresco has been a fun, casual way to spend time and make memories with your loved ones for centuries. The natural setting is laid-back and allows for more focus on food and friends. When you take your lunch or afternoon snacks outside, it’s easier to take time to appreciate the food you’re enjoying and soak in the benefits of nature! 

Celebrate Earth Day While You’re At It

If you happen to be out and about on April 22, make the effort to appreciate and sustain our planet’s resources. Earth Day on April 22 is all about taking time to respect and care for the environment. Opt for reusable utensils made with the likes of metal or bamboo, and glass mason jars rather than disposable to-go containers. Also consider:

• Cloth napkins, which are eco-friendly and aesthetic.
• Finger foods are your friend! This reduces the need for plates and utensils.
• A small garbage bag for the waste you will have to dispose of.
• A nature walk after your picnic. Reap the benefits of nature by simply taking in the scene.

Get Prepped at Tacoma Boys

It’s quite easy to throw together a basket full of food and get out to enjoy the springtime in nature. When you’re ready for a spring picnic, Tacoma Boys can help you get prepared. Stop by for grab-and-go foods, snacks, and any other ingredients you need to create your perfect picnic. For more tips on an enjoyable afternoon picnicking, check out our summer picnic guide from last year. 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!

The last frost is melting, flowers are blooming, and it’s just about time to start eating some healthy spring snacks! Spring is a great time of the year to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy light and bright refreshments. And it’s always a good time to look forward to eating healthy. Tacoma Boys is always sure to have a variety of ingredients and seasonal foods for your favorite healthy spring snacks.

Healthy Spring Snacks

Enjoying healthy spring snacks can be as simple as pairing some of Tacoma Boys fresh local seasonal produce with another bite of protein or healthy fats. Something like Tillamook’s Smoked Black Pepper White Cheddar, Wild Friends’ Classic Creamy Peanut Butter, or a handful of Tacoma Boys’ Mixed Nuts will round out the snack. It’s a great time to get the kids involved and teach them about healthy eating. For quick packaged (but not processed) bites that the kids can grab themselves, try:

• Delreal Organic Coconut Date Rolls
• Karen’s Freeze Dried Fruit like strawberries and bananas, apples, raspberries, pomegranate, mango, and more.
• Northwest Delights Veggie Crisps
• Field Day Organic Apple Sauce 

Local Seasonal Produce

What better way to celebrate the arrival of spring than by enjoying some of the Pacific Northwest’s best fresh seasonal produce? Washington has abundantly great produce all year-round. But when the sun starts shining and spring harvest rolls around, this is especially true. 

Cooking with local seasonal produce is a sustainable and helpful way to support your local economy. That’s why Tacoma Boys has all the classic seasonal produce for your healthy spring snacks! Just be sure to browse our weekly specials and stop by regularly to enjoy rotating options. And if you need a guide to the basics of eating local seasonal food, check out our blog all about the topic. 

Each spring, the Pacific Northwest and South Sound is ripe with these fruits and vegetables that are great for snacking.

Mushrooms

While mushrooms grow abundantly year-round, spring is one of the best times of the year to forage. This means it’s also a great time for mushroom farmers with the likes of cremini, baby bella, chanterelle mushrooms, and more.

Watercress

Watercress is a leafy green that is in the same family as kale and broccoli. The vegetable is often used as a garnish. But since it’s packed with all the good nutrients of a dark leafy green, it’s become even more popular as a simple salad foundation.

Apricots

The pitted fruit is not as juicy and more tart than others, making it perfect for snacking on the go. They tend to last a little while too, compared to sensitive soft fruit that’s more prone to bruising and rapid rot. 

Cherries

Cherries usually come into play for Washingtonians near the tail end of spring and beginning of summer. Rainier and Bing cherries are popular varieties that grow in Washington state. Small and sweet, cherries make for easy snacking at home.

Grapefruits 

The winter citrus fruit stays flavorful and juicy throughout the beginning of spring, too. It’s a great option as a healthy snack because all you need is a spoon and maybe a sprinkling of sweetener if you’d like.

Healthy Snack Recipes

A few of our favorite healthy snack recipes are simple to make and always tasty. Get creative or start here for some ideas for healthy snack recipes.

• Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits by A Cup Full of Sass. We like Ellenos Yogurt and the freshest local seasonal produce. Fruit & overnight oats is another great option.

• Black Bean and Corn Salad by Two Spoons. This recipe can be a snack all on its own or served as a side to sandwiches or tacos.  
• Beet and Watercress Salad by My Darling Lemon Thyme. For an extra dose of the spring season, sprinkle in some of Tacoma Boys’ Humble Honey Co. Bee Pollen!
• Homemade Trail Mix recipes by Fresh Off The Grid. This is a great way to customize your snack to exactly what you want. All you need to start is Tacoma Boys Nuts, Seeds, and Dried Fruit.
• Hummus and Raw Vegetables is a simple healthy snack recipe that’s quick to assemble together. Tacoma Boys likes Nomad Food Co. Garlic and Lemon Hummus with fresh snap peas and sliced bell pepper.

Shop For Spring Snacks

Enjoying healthy snack recipes is easy when shopping at Tacoma Boys for local spring produce. You can get all the ingredients you’ll need for a week’s worth of healthy snacking. It’s the perfect time of year to refresh your eating routine and try new fun food! 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!

Dreaming of warmer days, chirping birds, and spring flowers? The morning dew is slowly melting and spring is almost here! Here in the Pacific Northwest, we’re lucky to live among bountiful greenery all year round. But there’s just something special about the beautiful bright colors of blooming tulips, primroses and other flowers in the springtime.

As the earth wakes from a cold winter and the ground warms, small bits of color light up a dreary environment. You might start to see some pink, yellow, and purple bits pop up from the green. Spring flowers are ready to be harvested and gathered in groups to enjoy and appreciate!

Spring Flowers – It’s That Time of Year! 

Despite the chill in the air, it’s getting to be that time of year when spring flowers are blooming. Just about anyone appreciates the pop of color, fragrance, and character that spring flowers will add to any space. Tacoma Boys’ selection of locally grown and cut flowers like primroses and tulips showcase only the brightest and freshest floras, hand-sorted to ensure each petal and stem is pristine.

How to Stylize Spring Flowers

Primroses

1. Start your spring early and spruce up your home decor with a pot of hanging primroses on the porch.
2. If you prefer primroses, you’ll need to pick out a pot and a bag of potting soil. While you can pick the blooms from the primrose plant and place them in water, we recommend leaving the flower, from petal to root, in the soil it comes in. That way you can enjoy the aesthetic of a living plant for longer than flowers with cut stems, potentially for years to come!
3. Select your favorite color pot to match your desired primrose (or visa versa). Whether you prefer a ceramic or concrete pot, you’ll find many colors and designs to choose from at Tacoma Boys.

Tulips

1. Tulips have long stems and do well in tall vases. Fill the vase with water and be sure to submerge the stems as soon as you get home.
2. Refresh the water every other day or as needed to keep the silky tulips fresh for as long as possible. For more tips on how to style spring flowers, check out this guide on 5 Ways to Style Spring Flowers by Cottage Style.

Tulips and Primroses: Tacoma Boys’ Favorites

Tulips and primroses have long been known for their beautiful blooms in various colors. Primroses are early bloomers— You won’t have to wait until after the last frost to add the flower to your garden or front steps. And it does well here in Washington not despite the lack of sunlight, but because of it! Primroses prefer partial shade and indirect light, which is one reason it does so well in the late winter and early spring. 

Tulips are easy to grow because the bulbs are planted in the fall and blossom a few months later in the spring. The long-stemmed flowers pair nicely with slightly shorter flowers like daffodils or primroses for a beautiful assorted arrangement that adds an extra element of color to any room or yard.

Go for the bold and the bright or stay subtle with a simple white. Locally grown tulips and primroses are available at Tacoma Boys in a partial rainbow of colors from white and yellow to pinks, purples, and reds. 

Flowers as Gifts

Locally grown and stylized in the functional art of plant pots, giving flowers as gifts is a timeless tradition for good reason. A big bouquet of flowers is a great gift for just about anyone at any time of the year. Some of our favorite ways to gift flowers are:

• Birthdays
• Valentine’s Day
• Anniversaries
• Mother’s Day

Though associated with romance, there’s nothing stopping you from treating your best friend or family member with a fresh bouquet of different flowers or a planted pot. And since they are locally grown and cut, they can appreciate the flowers as gifts for days or even weeks! For insider tips on how to keep plants and flowers fresh and longer lasting, download Tacoma Boy’s how-to guide here. Then, 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!

Who doesn’t love oranges? The juicy citrus fruit is refreshing, easy to eat, and often in season, not to mention tremendously tasty. Few other fruits can boast such benefits, like how it’s already pre sliced on the inside and grows in compostable packaging for your convenience! Oranges have a strong aroma that makes them good for adding flavor to foods and desserts using orange essence, zest, juice, or chunks of the succulent fruit for even more texture. 

Fan-Favorite Winter Oranges

Winter oranges  are often enjoyed raw and fresh, as well as juiced or even dried for a sweet snack. Everyone knows they are chock full of vitamins— Oranges are the poster child for a solid serving of vitamin C. But did you know that the most popular citrus fruit in the world also contains needed fiber and potassium? Eating oranges is a great way to get a quick, filling bite and a burst of nutrients.

Cara Cara Navel Oranges

Tacoma Boys offers a selection of a few different varieties of navel oranges. Cara Cara Navel Oranges are unique to the orange family because of its surprising inner flesh. Cut a Cara Cara in half and you’ll see bright pink fruit. It’s known for its nice sweet taste, thanks to a low level of acidity, and ease to peel because of a small amount of pith (that’s the white stringy membrane between the peel and the fruit).

Heirloom Navel Oranges

The humble Heirloom Orange is a type of navel orange that was bred over several years and decades to produce prime fruit for cultivation that didn’t compromise on the classic navel orange taste. The word heirloom means original: It still has the same authentic taste as those original navel oranges that were first introduced to America in the 1800s. Heirloom oranges are simple but flavorful in taste, balancing between not-too-sweet nor sour or bitter. After mandarins, heirlooms are the easiest orange to peel.  

Daisy Mandarins

Daisy Mandarins are the result of a cross between two other mandarin orange varieties. Super sweet and seedless, daisy mandarin oranges are one of the best snacking oranges. They have a dark, smooth, shiny peel that is thin enough to easily pierce and peel. Enjoy a daisy mandarin with a few cubes of White Cheddar Cheese and Northwest Delight Almonds for a quick and surprisingly filling bite to eat. 

Sumo Mandarins

This oversize Japanese mandarin, also known as Dekopon, is super easy to peel: You’ll see a plump top knot (where it’s been picked from the tree) that looks like the peel is already separating from the fruit. Sumo Mandarins come from orange parents pomelo, navel, and mandarin and taste sweeter than all three. And doesn’t that distinctive top knot look familiar? It should resemble the same topknot sported by sumo wrestlers, hence the label.

Blood Oranges

Antioxidants called anthocyanin are responsible for the name and appearance of Blood Oranges, giving the fruit its namesake deep crimson color on the inside. This yields a different pigmentation than the comparable Cara Cara navel oranges with a similarly sweet taste. When juiced, the sweeter liquid will ferment quicker than regular orange juice, meaning it should be enjoyed the same day.

Recipes with Oranges

There are several recipes with oranges to make at any time of day for many different dishes, snacks, desserts, and drinks. These are just a few of Tacoma Boys favorite ways to enjoy the winter citrus fruit.

Breakfast

It’s easy to squeeze oranges for their juice and enjoy it as part of your breakfast. Same goes for blending up a Beet Smoothie with two whole oranges.

Lunch

Sweet and savory pairs together perfectly with the use of Daisy Mandarins in this Mandarin Orange Salad with an orange poppyseed dressing by Chelsea’s Messy Apron.

Dinner

Recreate a popular classic Chinese takeout meal with this Easy Orange Chicken recipe by the Modern Proper, using both juice and zest from a fresh orange. 

Dessert 

Create an easy sweet treat with just two ingredients. Melt your favorite milk or dark chocolate and place slices of Sumo Mandarins right onto the plate. Drizzle desired melted chocolate over the top of the oranges, then leave the plate in the freezer for about 15 minutes. These chocolate covered orange slices are just as addicting as they sound. Enjoy immediately! 

Stock Up On Winter Fruits

A wide variety of winter fruits are available alongside several types of oranges at Tacoma Boys. Some of our favorites include pomegranate, pears, and other citrus fruits like grapefruit. These winter fruits can be snacks all on their own or incorporated into something bigger, like this Fruit Tart to Make Now (Winter) recipe by She Who Eats using pomegranate, pear, grapefruit, apple, and cranberry. 

Come on by to see our selection of fresh winter fruits and oranges. If you need any help, our guides are happy to lead you to whatever else you need for a healthy and satisfying meal. Then, 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!