There are so many great things about camping, it’s nigh impossible to pick a favorite. But if we HAVE to choose the absolute best part? The food, of course! There are meals you can have in the great outdoors that simply aren’t the same anywhere else. And we’ve put together a lineup of meals you have to try this summer. We’re confident after trying one or two, you’ll be one happy camper!

When you think of the best camping trip you’ve ever had, what comes to mind? Snuggling up under a tarp with a warm cup of hot chocolate to wait out the rain? Finally opening up a steaming packet of tin foil to a mouthwatering dinner after waiting what felt like an eternity for the fire to cook it? Or maybe it’s the smell of burnt marshmallows when that almost perfect mallow accidentally slipped into the fire and you had to start over. If you’re anything like us, camping memories are made around the fire, usually while eating a meal. And while the joy of camping is often found in its simplicity, that doesn’t mean meals have to be boring or subpar! We’ve put together some of our favorite ways to have quality meals in the great outdoors. Some may already be in your repertoire of camping traditions, and we hope others are new to you and worth adding. Here we go!

Tacoma Boys Guide to Good Food in the Great Outdoors

Have It Your Way Overnight Oats

First things first, let’s talk breakfast. The thing about the first meal of the day in the great outdoors is if you want it warm, you’ll have to wait. Remember camping trips when mom and dad had hot chocolate and eggs waiting for you when you woke up? It’s because adults can’t sleep on the ground and they were up at the crack of dawn. Now you’re the adult, and if you want hot breakfast, you’ll have to make a fire for it yourself. So we have a great solution to keep you from getting hangry whilst you stoke the fire for your own children. Or your significant other. Or yourself. Overnight oats! Make this recipe for overnight oats from Parked in Paradise before you leave the house. Then, keep it chilled in the cooler overnight, and breakfast is already served! For your sweetener, check out our selection of locally sourced honey. We recommend Georgetown Pantry Supply Raw Honey. It’s 100% raw, unfiltered honey, sourced in the PNW (bonus: consuming local honey can help with allergies!). Then, peruse our produce section for the most delicious fresh berries. Finally, check out our dry goods for Tacoma Boys Coconut Chips, Dried Cranberries, or Zante Currants. Let each family member add whatever toppings their hearts desire, and they won’t even mind waiting for their morning coffee (or hot chocolate)!

Grown Up Foiled Chili Dogs

We find absolutely no fault with the classic hot dog roasted on a stick. But if you already have a few camping trips under your belt this season (read: you’ve had your fill of hot dogs with ketchup) or you simply want to mix things up a little, we’ve got just the twist you need. The best part? You can prepare the filling at home, so it’s less work and fewer dishes to clean. Which means more time enjoying the great outdoors! Start with eight chopped hot dogs (or brats). Want to amp it up? Opt for Mozzarella Smoked Bratwurst from our deli in lieu of traditional hot dogs. Then, chop one onion. Mix the hot dogs and onion into 8 ounces of chili. Finally, gut eight hot dog buns (as in, remove some of the fluff to make room for the filling). When you’re ready to cook them, lay each bun on its own sheet of tin foil. Then, fill the buns with the hot dog mixture and wrap tightly in foil. Cook for 20 minutes on a grill over the flames, or 15 minutes directly in hot coals. Adults and kids alike are sure to love this simple, warm meal with a grown up twist!

Fancy Shrimp Scampi Foil Packets 

Camping can be full of surprises, and not all good. Surprise your campmates in the best way by pulling out these Shrimp Scampi Foil Packets from Damn Delicious. Rule number one: when it comes to quality, don’t skimp on the shrimp! As always, you’ll find only the freshest, best quality shrimp in the PNW in our seafood section. If the only kind of seafood you’ve had while camping has been fish you caught earlier that day, you’ll be delighted by this recipe. And, you can prepare it ahead of time as well. Just keep your foil packets nice and cool in the cooler until you’re ready to enjoy. Then, place the packets in the fire and viola! Shrimp scampi alfresco! Eat it with crusty bread or on chips for a little extra crunch. 

Roasted Stuffed Bananas

When you think of traditional camping desserts, what comes to mind? S’mores! Us too. But apparently, there’s another camping tradition for some, and we’re here for it! The concept couldn’t be simpler. It’s like if a banana split and a s’more had a baby. Essentially, you slit a banana down the middle, add toppings, and wrap it in tinfoil. Then, let the fire make a delicious gooey mess of it. Glorious. For more detailed instructions and ideas for fillings, check out this recipe for Campfire Banana Boats by Fresh Off the Grid. Their advice is to include “something melty, something sweet, and something crunchy,” and we have it all. Check out our bulk selection for yogurt chips, cocoa covered almonds, trail mix and more! Or get melty, sweet and crunchy all in one with a Seattle Chocolate Company’s Triple Toffee Bar from our candy aisle. Seattle Chocolate Company is woman owned, responsibly sourced, and local. So you can feel great about supporting a fantastic small business while you enjoy arguably the best dessert you’ve ever had in the great outdoors (sorry, s’mores).

Let Us Feed Your Adventure!

There’s nothing like camping in the PNW, and there’s no one better to feed your adventure than Tacoma Boys. As always, we’re committed to offering you high quality ingredients to elevate your experience in the great outdoors. Stop by one of our locations today, and ask one of our friendly associates how we can help make this camping trip your best ever! 

If you’ve been on the internet five minutes today, you’ve likely seen at least one moderately hilarious meme about the weight we’re all going to gain during this time at home. And with all the extra time to bake sourdough bread and neighbors dropping off porch presents in the form of baked goods every other day, the memes have a pretty good chance of getting it right. But all joking aside, what if you still want to fit into your clothes when the time comes to put some on and go out into the world? We, at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, believe that by making a few healthier choices in this season, you can come out of it looking and feeling like your best self. You may not be able to hit the gym, but we’ve compiled a list of tips for eating well while staying home. 

Healthy Weight And Eating Well

Eating well is the key not only to staying a healthy weight, but it can also give you the energy you need to stay present and boost your mood. Who couldn’t use a mood boost these days? More and more research is pointing to diet as one of the major factors involved in mental health. In a time when anxiety threatens to creep in, a great way you can support your brain’s healthy function is by giving it healthy food. 

Besides maintaining a reasonable weight and supporting your mental health, eating well during this time at home can help your immune system to function better. Increased immune function can help keep you from getting sick or decrease the severity of symptoms if you do. One of the best ways to support your immune system is by increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables. Packing your diet with produce gives your body the vitamins and antioxidants it needs to fight disease. 

With all these great reasons to eat healthy, why not get started today? At Tacoma Boys and H&L produce, we care about your health and that of your family. We’re here to support you in your efforts. Not sure where to start? Here are some ideas for eating well while staying home.

6 Simple Tips For Healthy Eating at Home

1. Start Your Day With A Fruit

It’s easy to feel out of sorts with many of our usual rhythms interrupted. Now’s a great time to give yourself some new healthier habits right off the bat. It’s a message we hear from the time we’re kids: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” But if preparing a full meal feels like a lot first thing in the morning, simply grabbing a fruit to eat while you drink your coffee is a great compromise. This week at Tacoma Boy’s and H&L Produce, we’re featuring our delicious Honeycrisp apples and super sweet juicy oranges. Or opt for a delicious pineapple! Just cut it up and store it in chunks in the refrigerator for an easy addition to breakfast.  

2. Eat a Breakfast Packed with Protein and Good Fat

Protein and fat (the good kind found in eggs and avocados), keep you fuller longer than a breakfast packed with empty carbs. If you find yourself with more time and less hustle in the morning, it could be a great chance to focus some attention on a home cooked breakfast, like some Spicy Pulled Pork Fried Eggs. This recipe calls for slow cooker pulled pork, so you’ll want to swing by our butcher for one of our premium pork shoulders. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish when you begin your day by eating well!

3. Make Your Sandwich a Wrap

Replacing your bread with leafy vegetables like chard or romaine lettuce is a great way to get an extra serving of veggies. It also helps cut down on carbs and adds a nice crunch to your lunch. Check out our fresh produce section for a great selection of leafy green and red lettuce. Top with our deli-sliced turkey breast and black forest ham, and dice some roma tomatoes for additional color and flavor! Your taste buds and waistline will be so delighted, you’ll want to make every sandwich a wrap.

4. Snack on Veggies

If you find yourself reaching for a mid-afternoon snack, avoid foods like chips that are high in calories but nutrient-deficient. Instead, give your body foods it truly craves, like our buttery-rich Hass avocados. Cut one in half, sprinkle with sea salt, and enjoy with a spoon right out of the skin. Or enjoy the millennial-famed avocado toast. It’s famous for a reason! If avocado isn’t your speed, try making caprese with our juicy red cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and fresh mozzarella selected from our wide variety of gourmet cheeses. Replacing junk food with healthy alternatives like the above is a great way to keep eating well while staying home. 

5. Have Fish Once a Week

The health benefits to eating fish regularly are numerous. Consuming fish can help heart health, brain health, and energy levels, just to name a few. And fish can be one of the simplest meals to prepare! This week at Tacoma Boys and H&L produce, we’re featuring our Wild Alaskan Salmon Fillets and Fresh Wild Red Rock Snapper Fillets. Stop by our fish counter and experience the best quality fish around! 

6. Start Your Own Garden

A great way to get your greens is growing your own! Forgot to plant this spring? No problem! Tacoma Boys and H&L produce is your one-stop shop for vegetable starts this year! Avoid the crowds at the supermarket by growing your own veggies at home. Nothing beats the taste of produce grown in your own backyard. Need planting advice? Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can point you in the right direction. 

Our Commitment to Helping You Stay Healthy 

At Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, we’re experts in the meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables you need to stay healthy. Much of our produce is locally farmed, so shopping with us is a great way to support your local farming industry while you and your family stay healthy. Our expert staff are knowledgeable and ready to help you find what you need to eat well while staying home this season.