Posts tagged “eat local”

We get it. The sun is setting at an atrociously early hour, the weather is inclement, and all of the holiday movies are streaming. These are nights for staying in, kicking back and donning your favorite flannel jammies. But you might also be exhausted from the holiday baking and want someone else to make your dinner. Thankfully, ordering off a restaurant menu is not the only way to enjoy a meal without cooking. A quick stop at Tacoma Boys and you can have a delicious, nourishing meal on the table with little to no prep. It’s basically a way to dine out in pajamas!

The “Take Out” Menu at Tacoma Boys

We know a little wander around our store will convince you that we care deeply about carrying the freshest local ingredients for all your culinary needs. Did you know we’ve put the same care into selecting the prepared and prepped foods we choose to carry? We’ve gathered a few of our favorite ready-made foods into a menu for you. Grab some of these menu items for a relaxing night, void of dinner prep.

Tacoma Boys House-Made Pizzas

Oven ready pizzas with a delectably thin crust are here at the ready. While you’re in the store grab your favorite beer and a bag of popcorn and you are all set for a movie night at home. Pop the pizza in the oven and cue up the movie!

Pesto Chicken with Sun-dried Tomatoes & Artichoke Hearts – Pepperoni – Combo

Patty’s Tamales

Made in the South Sound on Vashon Island, these Tamales are a perfect choice when you’re in the mood for Mexican food and want to support local. Grab some refried beans, corn tortilla chips, and salsa and you’ve got a complete meal that’s gluten free!

Beef – Chicken – Chorizo – Roasted Pepper & Cheese – Bean & Cheese – Vegan

Alaskan Grill & Dumplings

International comfort food at its finest, these authentic Russian dumplings, made locally in Auburn WA, are sure to hit the spot on a cold evening. Dumplings take very little time to cook. Simply boil gently for approximately 8 minutes, toss with melted butter, and season to taste. 

Beef – Beef and Pork – Potato & Cheese with Bacon

Beecher’s Mac & Cheese

The iconic cheesemaker Kurt Beecher first opened shop in Pike Place Market in Seattle and ever since, people have been craving that unmistakably creamy, Beecher’s Flagship Mac & Cheese. When the craving hits, you don’t need to hit I-5 and travel north, just hop into Tacoma Boys and pick up some Beecher’s from the freezer section.

Mac & Cheese – Smoked Flagship Mac & Cheese – World’s Best Mac & Cheese – Mariachi Mac & Cheese – Cheese Curd Lasagna

Rill Foods Dehydrated Soups

These robust, dehydrated soups made in Central Washington are a snap to put together and need very few extra ingredients. They do have a longer cooking time, but since prep is a cinch, you can get this going in the late afternoon, or early evening, and have a bowl of soup in your hands at dinner time. Check the back of the soup mix for any extra ingredients you need to pick up, and grab a loaf of sourdough or dinner rolls by Kalama Sourdough Bakery to complete the meal.

Manini’s Ravioli – Gluten Free

When Italian food is on the menu and you want something with a bit more flair than traditional spaghetti, this gluten free pasta option is a great fit. To make a simple sauce for pasta, toss with salted butter and season to taste. Or to kick it up a notch, saute mushrooms in butter and garlic, toss with the ravioli, and add a sprinkle of fresh parmesan. 

Portobello & Cheese – Spinach & Cheese 

Don’t Forget Dessert

Of course, to dine out in pajamas, you must include dessert! We’ve got quite a selection of desserts available, but you really can’t go wrong with a little pie and ice cream. Come check out the huge selection of frozen pies.

Local Ready-Made Pies

Cyrus Pies
Remlinger Farms Pies
Willamette Valley Pies
Raised Gluten Free Pies

Happy Pajama Dinner Time!

We hope you take us up on the chance to put those jammies on early and cue up a movie. With the dinner prep out of the way, you can nourish your body with a good meal, truly relax, and dine out in pajamas. For extra relaxation points (don’t worry, we really aren’t keeping score), pour yourself a glass of one of our favorite Rare Red Blend wine.

There’s still time to add some cheer to your holidays, but SHOP EARLY THIS SEASON – TREES ARE SELLING FAST!

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.