Posts tagged “baking”

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

How to Prepare for Your Virtual Holiday Bake Off

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

1. Send Out Online Invitations

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

2. Decide What to Bake

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

3. Set a Timer

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

4. Pick a Winner, Together

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

Holiday Baking Essentials

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

Flour

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

Sugar

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

Chocolate

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

Choose Your Christmas Treats

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

Recipe Options

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

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

• Cranberry Orange Swirl Cookies from Beyond the Kitchen Coop

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

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

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

Don’t Forget to Have Fun!

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

It’s that time again! Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it’s time to plan out the most important part of the menu: Thanksgiving pie. Although the rest of the menu matters as well, your Thanksgiving pie decision is the grand finale when hosting! Whether you plan to whip up the pie crust and pie filling from scratch, or purchase a pre-made pie, this Tacoma Boys guide has everything you’ll need to get geared up for this year’s Thanksgiving pie.

Choosing the Right Crust for Thanksgiving Pie

Pie crust may be one of the most daunting aspects of baking a pie, especially if it’s your Thanksgiving pie. Depending on the recipe it can be incredibly easy to make, or sparingly difficult. Tacoma Boys loves to find recipes that require minimal ingredients and explains each step throughout the process. This easy pie crust recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen is a great example! Using a high quality all purpose flour like Bob’s Red Mills will help with creating an outstanding final product for the ultimate Thanksgiving pie. You can find Bob’s Red Mills and other flour options in Tacoma Boys’ wide assortment of baking essentials.

If you’re wanting to make a Thanksgiving pie this year but are looking to avoid the pie crust process, have no fear! Tacoma Boys has a variety of premade pie crusts and pie crust mixes to make your pie baking experience a lot easier.

Frozen Pie Crusts

• Wholly Wholesome Organic Traditional 9” Pie Shells
• Wholly Wholesome Gluten Free 9” Pie Shells

Gluten Free Pie Crust Mixes

• Kinnikinnick Graham Cracker Style Crumbs (for graham cracker crust)
• Glutino Perfect Pie Crust 

Thanksgiving Baking with Your Favorite Pie Fillings

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie may be among the most popular pies when it comes to Thanksgiving baking. What is it about pumpkin pie that embodies all of fall’s favorite flavors? This classic pumpkin pie recipe by Jo Cooks is a great recipe that is simple to follow and allows you to use a premade pie crust if desired! Most pumpkin pie recipes call for canned pumpkin, but if you’re looking to be a little more adventurous, you can make your own pumpkin puree using sugar pumpkins. You can find these pumpkins at your local Tacoma Boys. They’re smaller, less fibrous, and sweeter, making them perfect for baking. Follow the Pioneer Woman’s recipe for homemade pumpkin puree. It’s a lot easier than you’d think! 

Pecan Pie

Another Thanksgiving classic is pecan pie. It’s sweet, salty, and has a rich filling with a caramel-like flavor, and finished with pecans for added crunch. Pecan pie can be a hit or miss, but it is definitely worth the try when you can make it with quality ingredients. The Tacoma Boys’ baking section has a wide variety of ingredients to choose from depending on the recipe you use. However, for pecan pie we suggest using Northwest Delights pecans – they’re some of the best!

Apple Pie

Of course, apple pie is in the top three for Thanksgiving pies! It’s quite simple to make the filling and put together when using a premade pie crust. This recipe by Food Network is great for a classic apple pie. Tacoma Boys suggests using Granny Smith apples because their tart flavor profile balances out the sweetness of the filling, but you can find a wide assortment of fall’s favorite fruit throughout your local Tacoma Boys! If you’re short on time, check out the freezer section to spot the two-pound bag of Remlinger Farms Hand-Picked Granny Smith Apples that are pre-sliced – we’d say that’s a win!

Premade Pies

If you’re hosting for Thanksgiving, but baking a pie from scratch just isn’t your jam, Tacoma Boys has you covered. Simply take a stroll through the freezer section and select a premade pie that suits your holiday pie needs!

• Remlinger Farms Cosmic Crisp Apple Pie
• Cyrus O’leary’s
  • Pumpkin Pie
  • Lemon Meringue Pie
  • Pecan Pie
  • Apple Pie
  • Custard Pie

Favorite Thanksgiving Pie Toppings

Although the pie itself is the most important part, you can’t forget about a little whipped cream topping! Finishing your favorite Thanksgiving pie with a dollop of whipped cream is the ultimate cherry on top. You can find premade whipped cream in the dairy section at Tacoma Boys and choose an option such as Dairy Star whipped topping! If you want to take your pie topping to the next level, pick up Smith Brothers heavy cream and make your homemade whipped cream at home. We love making our homemade whipped cream with pure maple syrup for the ultimate fall flavor boost.

Homemade Maple Whipped Cream

Ingredients

• 1 pint heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and whip using a hand mixer until stiff peaks form. About 3-5 minutes.
2. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. 

All of Your Pie Needs Covered! 

Whether you’re looking for a quick Thanksgiving pie fix or a full-blown pie baking session, pop into your local Tacoma boys to find everything you’ll need. If pie isn’t your thing, there’s a wide selection of fall treats that are perfect for the holidays. If you have any questions, ask one of the Tacoma Boys’ helpers for advice and they’ll be sure to steer you in the right direction.

Looking for something sweet? From quality baked pastries to locally made ice cream, Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce has the perfect delicious dessert to top off your evening and satisfy your craving for something sweet. 

You’ve just finished a delicious meal, and conversation around the table is flowing. You don’t want the evening to end, but the main course is gone and plates are ready to be cleared. You know exactly what this moment calls for. Whether it’s cool and creamy or fresh from the oven filling the house with a heavenly aroma…it’s time for dessert! 

Whether you’re a “made-from-scratch” kitchen queen or a “support your local baker” host extraordinaire (or maybe somewhere in between), we at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce have all the sugary goods you need to top the evening off right with a delicious dessert. 

Three Ways Tacoma Boys Can Help Make Your Dessert Delicious

Made with Lovin’ Fresh From the Oven

Maybe you’re a purist when it comes to dessert. “Happiness is homemade,” they say, and they couldn’t be more right! There’s nothing as tasteful and thoughtful as a baked good made with love in your own kitchen. If you’re in this camp, have no fear. Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce have you covered with high quality ingredients that would make your mother proud. 

Apple Pie

For an American summer classic, try this recipe for homemade Apple Pie from Taste of Home! Save yourself a little time by skipping the tedious apple peeling and grab a bag of Remlinger Farms Frozen Granny Smith Apples. Sourced in Carnation, WA, these are homegrown Washington apples. (We also carry blueberries, pie cherries, rhubarb, peaches, and a berry medley from Remlington. So if apple pie doesn’t suit your fancy, you have plenty of options!) While you’re there, pick up a frozen pie crust, also in our frozen section. Is it still homemade if the crust is frozen? We think so. And we won’t tell. 

Chocolate Chip Cookies

If pie feels a bit ambitious, you can never go wrong with Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookies. If you’re interested in lowering the sugar content and still making this delicious dessert, try substituting Lily’s Semi-Sweet Baking Chips from our comprehensive baking aisle. We also carry an assortment of sugar replacements like Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener, Sweet Leaf Organic Stevia, and Swerve Sugar Replacement. While you’re there, check out Tacoma Boys Vanilla Extract. Give it a try and see if you don’t make the best chocolate chip cookies you’ve ever had!

Leave it to the Pros

Not much of a baker? No problem! There’s absolutely no shame in buying delicious desserts from the store, especially desserts made locally with high quality ingredients. Some things are best left to the professionals. 

Cyrus O’Leary’s Pies 

Cyrus O’Leary’s is a business based right here in Washington. What started as a restaurant in Spokane has now turned into a pie baking legacy that has lasted more than 30 years! With flavors like, Marionberry, Banana Cream, Strawberry Rhubarb, Coconut Cream and Chocolate Cream, there’s something for everyone. Find any and all of these flavors in our frozen section and make Cyrus O’Leary’s pie the highlight of your evening!

Olivia Superfree Cupcakes

Sick of always missing out on delicious desserts due to food allergies? Be free! Everything in the Olivia Superfree line is gluten free, dairy free, egg free, soy free, rice free, corn free, potato free, trans fat free, canola oil free, iodine free, nut free, vegan and coconut free. All the good taste with none of the bad stuff. Olivia Superfree is a family owned company that was started in Seattle by a woman who has many food allergies herself, and named the company after her daughter, who also has food allergies. Stop by Tacoma Boys or H&L Produce and pick up Olivia Superfree Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cupcakes or Dutch Apple Pie the next time you have your vegan best friend over for dinner, and enjoy a dessert nobody has to miss out on!

Homemade..ish 

Do you love the idea of homemade, but always seem to be short on time? Admire people who can spend hours planning a four course meal in advance, but also love spontaneous dinner guests? We have the perfect in-between options you can pick up and put together quick or keep in your pantry for just the right time.

Fisher Fair Scones

It all started at the Washington State Fair in Puyallup. The unlikeliest fair food amongst hot dogs and pretzels, but there they were–Fisher Fair Scones–hot, fresh, and full of jam. They became famous throughout the state and the country and for a great reason. If you haven’t tried them at the fair, August is coming soon! But lucky for you, you don’t have to wait. We carry Fisher Original Fair Scone & Shortbread Mix in our baking section all year long. These scones are traditionally served with raspberry jam, so come check out our vast selection of jams and preserves and see if you don’t find a few other flavors to try (Keep it local with Maury Island Marionberry Jam). Keep a box of Fisher Fair Scone Mix in your cupboard for the next time an afternoon hangout turns into a spur of the moment BBQ, and wow your guests with a scone treat that’s kind of homemade. 

Strawberry Shortcake

Another great, easy summer treat is strawberry shortcake! Cool and creamy, this is an option that’s so quick to throw together, but will have your guests raving all night.

Start with pound cake (you can go with traditional, but we love Magic Flavors Lemon & Poppy Seed Pound Cake). Top with fresh sliced strawberries from our produce section and top with whipped cream. Voila! A delicious dessert that tastes like summer. No baking skills or oven time required.

Looking for a Unique Treat?

Whether you’re an aspiring baker looking to amaze your guests with rad culinary skills, or you prefer to let your great taste and knowledge of local experts do the impressing, Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce have what you need. We carry a variety of local brands unique to our area, so you can feel great about supporting local businesses when you shop with us.  With a comprehensive baking section and vast array of specialty items, your after dinner treat will be one of a kind. Stop by one of our locations today, and let us help make tonight’s delicious dessert the best part of your day!