Seasonal

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! 

Meal prepping is a great way to save time during busy workdays and get a head start on healthy eating. By planning a bit ahead of time and even cooking ahead of time, you can enjoy healthy, satisfying meals without the exhausting effort each and every night. Because of meal prepping, you can simplify your cooking and eating habits and spend less time cooking and cleaning up every night. Plus this helps with saving money by avoiding eating out.

What is Meal Prepping?

Meal prepping simply means to plan, prepare, and sometimes cook what you’re going to eat ahead of time. This can be a week ahead of time or even the night before. Although it’s considered a trendy idea, it’s quite a basic process that people have been doing for decades and centuries. There are many different ways you can meal prep – some more simple than others! 

Purchasing prepared foods to eat later for low effort meals

A popular favorite is Rill Foods’ prepared soup mixes like Tacoma Tortilla, Columbia River Corn Chowder, or Miners Minestrone. These products are already set to go with pre-measured ingredients and instructions.

Preparing an entire week’s worth of meals for quick and easy dinners

Simply cook and prepare your meals on a Sunday and store in tupperware! This allows you to reheat accordingly during the week, saving you time and cleanup. Make sure to label the tupperware with the date it was made and enjoy the meal before it goes bad. Check out this guide for a reference on how to safely store and reheat “leftovers” by the USDA.

Many people who practice meal prepping choose to do most of the planning, grocery shopping, and prepping or cooking on the weekends so they have a week’s worth of food ready to go when they’re busy on workdays. At Tacoma Boys, a wide selection of kitchen staples and speciality foods will keep you stocked with whatever you need every day of the week.

How to Meal Prep

Learn how to meal prep with a few simple steps.

1. You’ll need basic healthy ingredients like fruits, vegetables, seasonings, proteins, and whole grains to get started
2. Once you’re home with your ingredients, get to prepping!
3. Pre cut your vegetables and store them in an airtight container, mix seasonings, and trim and marinade meat, until you’re ready to use it all

Optional:

• Prepare the entire meal and cook all of the meal’s components. Protein, fruit, vegetables, and whole grains like Ancient Harvest Quinoa or a starch like Baby Red and Gold Potatoes, can all be cooked at once. Just store it in a tupperware and reheat it when you’re ready for a satisfying meal. 

Variety is Key

Some people learn how to meal prep by cooking a large batch of something that is good for multiple meals (like a big pot of hearty soup) and dividing that into several containers. This leaves you with several servings ready to go for meals throughout the week. But if you’re one to get tired of the same old thing every day, mix it up a bit. Try preparing two or three meals and alternating throughout the week. To get you started, try one of Tacoma Boys’ various organic dried pastas like Scialateilli’s Gentile or Montebello’s Farfalle paired simply with jarred tomato sauce and fresh Portobello, Crimini, or Shitake Mushrooms. Then, consider something with different flavors like this simple Vegetable Stir Fry recipe by Once Upon a Chef.

Meal Prep Ideas

Breakfast

• Overnight oats in a jar, breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches, scrambles

Lunch

• Salad in a jar, classic protein & veggies, sandwiches, turkey roll ups, stir fry

Dinner

• Marinated protein, burrito bowls, meatballs, enchiladas, pasta sauces

Snacks

• Protein or bliss balls, pre-cut veggies and hummus, pre-cut fruit, chia seed pudding

Local Seasonal Produce for Meal Prep

Grocery shopping is the first step after deciding what you’d like to eat during the week. Tacoma Boys’ variety of local fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season for the winter include fresh Fuji and Honeycrisp Apples, Roma Tomatoes, Brussels Sprouts, Parsnips, and much more! Local, in-season produce stays fresh for longer and tends to be a notch or two less expensive than foods that have had to travel to get here. But no matter what you crave this week, Tacoma Boys is sure to quickly stock the freshest nonlocal produce from regions where it is fresh and seasonal. Learn more about shopping and eating local, seasonal produce at Tacoma Boys here. 

Grocery Shopping for the Week at Tacoma Boys

Meal prepping is an easy way to get ahead of the game and prepare yourself for a successful week with healthy meals and time saved. With just a little bit of planning and a lot of cooking at once, you can eat your favorite healthy recipes without the last-minute stress. Cooking and eating should be enjoyable and rewarding, so have fun with it! Keep the momentum going with regular grocery shopping and get creative with new recipes. To stay up-to-date on the latest insider deals and specials, including seasonal produce, sign up for Tacoma Boys text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

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

Valentine’s Day

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

Set the Mood for Valentines Day at Home

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

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

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

Romantic Dinner for Two Menu

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

Appetizer 

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

Salad 

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

Dinner

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

Dessert

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

Drop By!

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

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

As we reach the peak of sick season, it’s important to be fueling your body with immune boosting foods – especially this year! Consuming a well-rounded diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other immune boosting foods is a great way to help your body fight off the flu or any other infections. The Tacoma Boys list of favorite immune boosting foods is the perfect place to start when incorporating more of these foods into your daily diet.

Immune Boosting Foods & Why They’re Important

Before we tap into immune boosting foods, let’s cover our immune system, what it is, and how it works for us. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, our immune system is “a network of intricate stages and pathways in the body, that protects us against these harmful microbes as well as certain diseases. It recognizes foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and parasites and takes immediate action.” 

There are many different factors that play a role in a healthy immune system; sleep, stress, age, chronic illness, diet, and more. Although diet is only one component of a healthy immune system, it is an important one. A diet lacking certain micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals can lead to chronic inflammation and a weak immune system. This is why immune boosting foods are important – they have naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help prepare your body to fight off any free radicals or unforeseen illness such as a common cold.

Fresh Local Produce

It should be no surprise that fresh local produce is on the list of immune boosting foods. All fresh and local produce have a wide variety of health benefits, and you can find a large selection of produce at your local Tacoma Boys.

Fruits

Citrus

Citrus is a common go-to food when people get sick due to its high Vitamin C content. According to Healthline, Vitamin C is known to increase white blood cells which are crucial for fighting infections. Some of the most common citrus fruits are:

• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Lemon
• Lime

Berries

Berries are among some of the highest antioxidant-rich foods. From blueberries to strawberries, raspberries, and even blackberries, incorporating these into your diet is a great way to give your immune system a boost. 

Vegetables

There’s no denying that a diet rich in vegetables is beneficial all-around. Adding an abundance of various greens and other vegetables will aid in your vitamin and mineral intake. Try adding spinach to soup, spaghetti sauce, or a huge handful of mixed greens to a smoothie. There are many ways to incorporate these phytonutrient rich vegetables into your daily lifestyle. 

• Kale – high in fiber and a great source of Vitamin C, A, K, B6, and more
• Spinach – great source of iron, Vitamin C, K, A, magnesium, and more
• Mixed Greens – high in Vitamin A, C, beta-carotene, fiber, and more
• Red Bell Peppers – source of Vitamin C, A, and beta-carotene – according to Healthline, red bell peppers contain 3x more Vitamin C than a Florida Orange
• Broccoli – another high source of Vitamin C, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals

Aromatics

Aromatics are vegetables that add a depth of flavor to any dish. This can be spices, onions, garlic, and more. A lot of aromatics are packed full of nutrients which is why adding them to dishes is a great way to boost your food with additional vitamins and minerals.

Garlic

• Garlic is one of the most commonly used aromatics in the kitchen. But did you know that it packs a punch when it comes to nutrients? Garlic contains trace amounts of various vitamins and minerals and is loaded with Vitamin C, B6, manganese, fiber, and selenium. Adding extra garlic to soups when feeling unwell may have the ability to help your body heal faster.

Onions

• Similar to garlic, onions are found in many dishes and recipes. Onions are high in Vitamin C and flavonoids which are known to be similar to antioxidants. These help your body naturally fight off any unwanted sickness. 

Ginger & Turmeric

• Ginger and turmeric are both aromatics that have been used in alternative medicine healing for years. Both are known to help decrease inflammation and aid in immune health. Ginger and turmeric can be found in its whole root form, or you can buy it dried and ground in the spice section. Pair these aromatics with tea, smoothies, soups, and more. 

Fermented Foods

Fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, and more have been shown to aid in a healthy immune system. When foods are fermented they gain a load of healthy bacteria commonly known and probiotics. Fermented foods are great for gut health, and a healthy gut positively affects your immune system by boosting the ability to fight off infections and viruses.

Be Kind to Your Immune System

As we are in unprecedented times, it’s even more important to be kind to our immune systems and give them a little extra boost! When you pop into your local Tacoma Boys, take a look around at the fresh fruits, vegetables, fermented foods, aromatics, local honey, bone broth, and more. There are endless ways to add a variety of these foods into your already existing diet. If you have any questions while shopping or are looking for a specific immune-boosting item, don’t hesitate to ask one of Tacoma Boys’ workers – we’re here to help! 

During the colder months, we tend to trade in the fresh fruits and vegetables we associate with summer for the rich, hearty meals of winter. Soups laden with browned meats and plump beans are a true staple of our winter diets. Even though summer has come and gone, there are still plenty of fresh vegetables available, some still growing and thriving in the garden despite the cold temperatures. These fruits and vegetables are rich with vitamins and nutrients to keep us healthy through the winter, so why not dish out the nutrients with a vitamin rich side dish using our winter recipe roundup? 

To make adding a vitamin packed side dish to your meal a cinch, we’ve gathered some of our favorite, simple fall vegetable, side dish recipes for you to try.

Leafy Greens & Brassicas

Many sturdier greens thrive in the garden through Pacific Northwest winters. Kale, swiss chard, and collard greens are among the sturdy greens that keep growing right on through the winter and are available fresh in our markets. 

Kale

Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, K, B vitamins, calcium, manganese, potassium, and magnesium. It’s no wonder kale makes the short list for power packed veggies. It is also loaded with antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory effects. 

On the Menu:

Easy Massaged Kale Salad

Kale Pesto with Whole Wheat Pasta

Swiss Chard

Swiss Chard is packed with vitamins A and K. Just one cup fulfills your daily recommended intake of both vitamins.

On the Menu:

Wilted Chard with Shallots and Vinegar

Risotto with Swiss Chard, Radishes, & Lemon

Brussel Sprouts

Brussel Sprouts are especially high in vitamins C and K. They are also one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

On the Menu:

Fried Brussels Sprouts

Perfect Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Red Cabbage

The bright color of red cabbage comes from pigments called anthocyanins, which, in simple terms, translates to loads of antioxidants that promote a healthy immune system. Red cabbage is easy to add to a meal. Slice and use in the place of lettuce on your tacos, add to a green salad for extra color and nutrients, or mix it up in this delicious and fresh winter slaw.

On the Menu:

Winter Rainbow Slaw

Braised Red Cabbage with Apples

Winter Squashes

Pumpkins are not just for jack-o-lanterns, though we do love a skillfully carved toothy grin. Loaded with beta carotene, vitamin C and E, iron and folate, pumpkins and other winter squashes offer support for vision and promote immune health. 

Pumpkin

On the Menu:

Savory Pumpkin Scones

Pumpkin Apple Quick Oats

Pumpkin Spread

Kabocha Squash

On the Menu:

Roasted Kabocha with Maple Syrup & Ginger

Paleo Creamy Kabocha Squash Mash

Delicata Squash

On the Menu:

Parmesan Crusted Delicata Squash

Roasted Delicata Squash

Root Vegetables

High in fiber and in vitamins C and A, as well as potassium, root vegetables are an easy choice to add to your winter diet. Many root vegetables are excellent for longer storage, so you can stock up and be sure to have them on hand, when you get the craving.

Beets

On the Menu:

Maple Orange Roasted Beets and Carrots

Balsamic Roasted Beet Salad

Carrots

On the Menu:

Simple Roasted Carrots

Hummus Dip for Sliced Carrots

Parsnips

On the Menu:

Parsnip & Potato Mash

Parsnip Ecrasse

Sweet Potatoes

On the Menu:

Slow Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Crispy Sweet Potato Roast

If you need even more inspiration to add a little vitamin goodness to your winter menus using fresh, local, seasonal ingredients, check out our Guide to Local Seasonal Eating or ask one of our amazing produce specialists what seasonal fruits and vegetables they particularly enjoy.

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! 

What exactly does local seasonal eating mean? Local seasonal eating involves consuming produce that is ready for harvest in its correct season depending on where you live. For fall, that means all of your favorite local fall produce is ready for harvest during the fall season! This is why you see an influx of apples, pumpkins, turnips, pears, and more at your local Tacoma Boys when the fall season approaches in the Pacific Northwest.

Although it may be exciting to get your pumpkins and go on a fall baking rampage, there are numerous other benefits that come with eating and shopping locally and in-season. Some of which you may not know! From personal health benefits to local farming support, local seasonal eating is Tacoma Boys’ way to go. 

Local Seasonal Eating & Its Benefits

It’s Good For Your Health

When you’re eating locally, this typically means you’re loading up on local fresh fruits and vegetables that have recently been harvested. It also means you are getting a wide variety of whole foods in your diet throughout the year. Different fruits and vegetables have individual nutrient dense compounds that help build your immune system and fight off free radicals. This can be antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phyotchemicals that can help prevent and protect from various diseases and sometimes even cancer. For example, you can read here the multiple health benefits that come with eating fall favorite pumpkin!

The Produce Tastes Better

Choosing to eat local, in-season produce means you are getting freshly picked fruits and vegetables. The result of freshly harvested goods is that the produce tastes amazing! Local produce should also have a brighter and more vibrant appearance as opposed to produce sitting on store shelves for long time periods. Produce that is grown out-of-season is typically harvested early, transported, and ripened artificially in a hot house. After this, it is sent to large chain stores to be sold.

What sets Tacoma Boys apart is the fact that we are able carry fresh produce that may not be in-season in the PNW. How is this possible? Out-of-season produce is often flown in and has only been off the vine for less than 24 hours. This allows Tacoma Boys to provide fresh produce from all seasons year-round without any artificial ripening or unnecessary, prolonged transportation.

Supports Local Farms 

When you purchase food that is grown locally, it helps support local farmers maintain their land and continue to grow produce for you! An amazing benefit that comes along with this is that local farmers can tell you how and where the food was grown. This allows you to have more knowledge about where your food is coming from and how it was brought up – providing peace of mind overall. 

In Season Local Fall Produce

Some local fall produce that Tacoma Boys looks forward to seeing every year in the PNW:

Fruits

• Pears
• Apples
• Grapes
• Quince
• Persimmons
• Pomegranates

Squash

• Pumpkin
• Acorn squash
• Butternut squash
• Zucchini

Other Vegetables

• Eggplant
• Fennel
• Beets
• Brussels sprouts
• Peppers
• Carrots
• Turnips
• Sweet potatoes
• Potatoes

Herbs

• Rosemary
• Parsley
• Thyme 
• Sage

Cooking in Season with Tacoma Boys

Breakfast

There are numerous breakfast dishes that allow you to use fresh PNW fall fruits and vegetables. From sourdough fig toast to baked eggs, below are a few of Tacoma Boys’ favorite ways to use all of fall’s favorites. 

Pumpkin French Toast Casserole by Inspired by Charm

French toast, pumpkin, and a casserole?! It doesn’t get much better than that! This is a great dish to prepare ahead of time and bake the next morning. 

Sausage Apple Breakfast Casserole by Live Love & Good Food

What is it about sausage and apples that makes such a great pair? Lucky for you, Tacoma Boys has a large selection of sausage and fall’s favorite fruit (apples) to choose from to make all of your breakfast dreams come true. 

Lunch & Dinner

Gingered Butternut Squash Soup

This recipe was created by one of Tacoma Boys’ customers – Faye of Tacoma – and embodies everything there is to love about fall! The soup is warm, cozy, and requires minimal ingredients. Be sure to add this to your list this season!

Brie, Fig, & Apple Grilled Cheese by Two Peas & Their Pod

Didn’t think it was possible to make a fall-inspired grilled cheese? Think again! This recipe features the popular cheese, brie, as well as fig jam. Tacoma Boys’ very own Strawberry Fig Preserves would be the perfect addition to this recipe!

Butternut Squash Chili by Spend With Pennies

This is the ultimate recipe for living in the Pacific Northwest! A good hearty bowl of chili loaded with butternut squash. The best part? It’s done in the slow cooker – saving you cook and clean up time. That’s a win-win! You can scout all of your squash recipe needs at your loacal Tacoma Boys.

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken by Delish

Oh yeah, you read that right – Apple Cider Glazed Chicken. Mind completely blown. This recipe is warm and comforting, using a couple fall favorites – sweet potato and apple cider. It’s a pretty simple recipe that is sure to please the entire family – kids, too!

It’s time, yet again, to don your lederhosen, twist up some pretzels, and crack a malty german beer. If lederhosen aren’t your thing, you can still throw a great Oktoberfest beer tasting party in your American casual wear. The extensive beer selection at Tacoma Boys has you covered. 

Beer with a Side of History

Oktoberfest began in 1810 when Maximilian I Joseph of Bavaria was married to Therese Charlotte Luise of Saxony-Hildburghausen (don’t worry, there won’t be a quiz). The king threw a party for the people in his new wife’s honor with free beer, food, and horse races. Suffice it to say he threw a party worth repeating. For over 200 years Oktoberfest is still celebrated at the beginning of October in Germany and all around the world. And, while you may not care to celebrate a queen long since departed from us, you might get behind the idea of beer and celebrating the end of a good summer harvest.

A typical Oktoberfest beer has a strong, toasty malt aroma, is brewed in spring and aged throughout the summer. American made Oktoberfest beers can vary from one another and from the traditional style served in Germany. So why not throw an Oktoberfest beer tasting party and see how they all stack up next to one another?

Tacoma Boys Oktoberfest Beer Contenders

Festbier
Occidental Brewing Co.
Portland, Oregon

Petrichor
Skookum Brewery
Arlington, WA

Oktoberfest
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Chico, CA

Festbier
Reuben’s Brews
Seattle, WA

Fest Bier
Chuckanut Brewery
Bellingham, WA

Oktoberfest
Left Hand Brewing Co.
Longmont, CO

Pretzel Day
Matchless Brewing
Tumwater, WA

Oktoberfest
Black Raven Brewing Co.
Redmond, WA

Make It a Competition

Be playful in the way you present the beer selection. Sure, you could just drop those beers in a cooler with ice for your guests. That’s a great approach for a casual Oktoberfest. But, to make it a festive occasion, why not set up a true Oktoberfest tasting and rank those beers?!

Sampler Trays

Called a “flight” in the beer world, a selection of 4-6oz pours of beer is a great option to give guests a true sample of each beer selection. Keep it simple by placing a large sheet of butcher paper across your table and hand labeling each beer directly on the butcher paper. While beer connoisseurs will tell you there is correctly shaped glassware for each style of beer, you can make your life easy and use small mason jars for tasting glasses. You’ll still get a great tasting beer and you can save those jars for all that jam you plan to make when berry season comes back around. 

Beer Tasting Cards 

Create a simple card for guests to rank beers and then compare notes. Tasting cards make comparing beers more straight forward. Typical beer tasting cards might include categories like: appearance, smell, taste, aftertaste, and drinkability. You can also throw in a fun category like “describe beer using a song lyric” or “if this beer was a color it would be _______.” Why not give a prize for the most creative responses, while you’re at it?

Tournament Bracket

Create a simple bracket and have guests sample two beers at a time, taking a vote to see which beer will advance into the next round. This is a great, interactive way to compare the beers. 

If you want to go the extra mile, start the night out by letting each guest make a guess at which beer will take home the championship and send the winner home with a six pack of beer or a gift card to pick out their favorite beer at Tacoma Boys or H&L Produce.

Don’t Forget the Nosh and Beer

There’s a reason why taprooms are notorious for snack pretzels. Beer and food go hand in hand. Tacoma Boys has your german grub covered. Here are some ideas to keep your guests well fed.

Brats and Beer

…a match made in heaven. Tacoma Boys is your local fresh meat market. If you’re not sure what to get, ask your Tacoma Boys butcher for their favorite german sausages to try. Grill up sausages and then cut them into bite sized portions to serve on a platter with toothpicks and ample amounts of stone ground mustard and sauerkraut.

Pretzels and Mustard

Pretzels are the quintessential German snack food. Make easy, shortcut soft pretzels with our ready-made pizza dough by Kalama Sourdough Bakery found in our cheese section. For a true German treat, dip those tasty pretzels in mustard. Pick out a sampling of mustards from our large selection.

Spicy and Aged Cheeses

Skip the mild cheeses that might be drowned out by the robust flavor of a fest beer and head for the sharp cheddar, jalapeno jack, blue cheese, and goudas. You’ll have plenty to choose from at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce. The cheese aisle is almost as much fun as our candy aisle.

Something for Every Palate

If beer is really not your jam, come check out the extensive selection of wines, ciders, and even hard kombucha drinks at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce. If you’re looking for a new culinary adventure or for something to pair with your dinner, one of our wine and beer specialists is sure to have a suggestion for you.