Forgot to Cook Dinner? How to Throw Something Awesome Together in a Pinch

Whether you’ve lost track of time, worked later than you would have liked, or have guests dropping by with only a few hours’ warning, you need to put together the perfect meal — as quickly as possible.

Read on to learn not only where you should shop when you’re in a rush, but also to get some ideas for last-minute meals that don’t require the use of every pot and pan in your house.

Shop the Right Way

One of the most important decisions you’ll make when it comes to getting dinner on the table in time is where you choose to do your shopping.

First of all, going with a local store where you can get personalized help and attention allows you to find the ingredients you need in a hurry. You can rest easy knowing that we’ll have the items in stock — because you definitely don’t have time to go driving around to several different stores to find that one missing ingredient.

When you shop at a local specialty market, you’ll also get the benefit of being able to cook with the freshest possible ingredients. Since your fast recipes likely won’t be complicated, getting high-quality produce, meats, and more will make all the difference. We stock plenty of organic goods, and have strong relationships with local suppliers and farmers.

The one-on-one help you’ll get at a specialty grocery store prevents you from having to race up and down the aisles, losing valuable time. Staff members can even give you advice about what you can cook under a time crunch.

Popular Quick Meal Ideas

The good news is that it’s totally possible to get dinner on the table in under a half an hour.

You can always put together a salad with fresh romaine or leaf lettuce and one of the dozens of varieties of specialty Tacoma Boys salad dressings — just make sure to add in a protein like nuts, chicken or shrimp to ensure it’s filling.

We also love this easy recipe for 15-minute meatloaf (yes, it can be done!) And we have all of the ingredients you’ll need!

If you’re a fan of something quicker and simpler like pizza, grab a garlic baguette or gluten free cauliflower crust, a can of pizza sauce, one package of turkey, pepperoni or your favorite veggie, and 2 cups of mozzarella cheese. And don’t forget a fresh tomato and basil.  Preheat your oven to 435 degrees, slice up the baguette, and broil it for 3 minutes with a little butter or olive oil.

Then, cover the toast in pizza sauce, fresh sliced tomatoes and sliced fresh basil and add the cheese and toppings. Cook the mini pizzas for another 5 minutes, and you’re all set!

When in Doubt, Go with a Platter

One fast meal or snack that you can always count on to be a crowd pleaser?

A fruit, vegetable, meat, or cheese platter — or better yet, a combination of all of the above!

Just ask the butcher or the experts at the cheese counter for a few suggestions, and you can throw together a beautiful charcuterie platter in minutes.  We have dried fruit and nuts to add a little crunch or sweetness to your platter too!

Ready to Cook Your Last-Minute Meal?

Now that you have a few ideas for what you can prepare when you’re pressed for time, get in the car and head to one of our 3 fresh markets.

We always have the ingredients you need, and our staff is here to help you find them as fast as possible, 24 hours per day.
Also, be sure to check out our weekly specials to learn what’s on sale, so that you can cook the right meal for less. Dinner will be done before you know it.