Posts tagged “holidays”

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! 

Are you team Thanksgiving sides or team turkey? Many would argue that the turkey is the star of the show when it comes to the holiday’s famous menu, but Thanksgiving sides are most definitely in the running. If you’re planning on hosting this year for a small group or immediate family, getting your Thanksgiving sides lined up beforehand is of the utmost importance! Luckily, your local Tacoma Boys has everything you need to get yourself set up to make the ultimate Thanksgiving sides this year.

Classic Thanksgiving Sides

Over the years, Thanksgiving sides have evolved immensely. Each year people get more creative and go above and beyond to impress guests. This year Tacoma Boys is focusing on the classic Thanksgiving sides that please no matter what! From potatoes to cranberry sauce, you’re sure to be stuffed.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are arguably the most important side for Thanksgiving. They are a soft buttery vessel for rich and creamy turkey gravy and pair perfectly with a bite of stuffing. Tacoma Boys has every potato you can think of to make your perfect Thanksgiving mashed potatoes!

Yukon Gold Buttery Rich Potatoes

Yukon Gold potatoes have a slight yellow flesh and yellow-white skin. When cooked, they are slightly sweet and incredibly creamy; making them an amazing candidate for mashed potatoes.

• The Best Homemade Mashed Potatoes by Belly Full

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are the most common potato found in kitchens all around. They’re incredibly versatile due to their mild flavor profile and commonly have a white interior with brown skin.

• Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes by The Salty Marshmallow

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes are typically small or medium in size and have red skin and white flesh. When cooked, red potatoes have a smooth and creamy texture which is perfect for mashed potatoes.

• Red Skin Mashed Potatoes by Cooking for My Soul

If making homemade potatoes is not on your agenda, check out Edward & Sons Organic Mashed Potatoes at your local Tacoma Boys. They come in a box, are ready to eat within five minutes, and are available in homestyle or roasted garlic flavor!

Stuffing

Stuffing – you either love it or you don’t. Regardless, it seems to be a side that is always on the table at Thanksgiving no matter what. There are countless recipes for homemade stuffing, but grabbing a premade box is just as good! You can find boxed stuffing in Tacoma Boys’ bread section.

Favorites for this year are:

• Olivia’s Cornbread Dressing
• Aleia’s Plain Gluten Free Stuffing
• Aleia’s Savory Gluten Free Stuffing

If you’re making yours homemade, grab a loaf of Boulart Baguettes to take your recipe up a notch!

Stuffing Options

• Cranberry Stuffing by Will Cook for Smiles
• Easy Stuffing Recipe by Spend With Pennies

Green Bean Casserole

What is it about casserole that is so warm and comforting?! Green bean casserole is no exception which is why this classic is a Thanksgiving favorite! At Tacoma Boys, you can find Pacific Foods Organic Cream of Mushroom Condensed Soup and Health Valley Cream of Mushroom Soup to use as the base of the casserole. Using canned green beans works well, however, using fresh green beans will take your casserole up a notch or two!

• Homemade Green Bean Casserole by Modern Honey
• The Best Green Bean Casserole with Bacon & Cheese by Fantabulosity
• Vegan & Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole by The Foodie Eats

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce adds just the right amount of sweetness to your Thanksgiving plate without it being too overpowering. Making cranberry sauce from scratch may seem daunting, but it can be a fairly simple process. Opting for homemade versus canned will impress any guests at your table this year! Grab a bag of Ocean Spray’s Organic Cranberries in the freezer section of Tacoma Boys to whip up your own.

• Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce by Cooking Classy
• 3 Ingredient Cranberry Sauce by The Pinning Mama
• Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce by Modern Honey

Prepping for Thanksgiving

When you’re hosting for a big holiday like Thanksgiving, the prepping aspect can be a bit overwhelming. Where should you start when it comes to Thanksgiving sides, turkey, or even the pies?! Fortunately, there are a multitude of ways you can prep beforehand to make the day-of process easier on yourself. When prepping for Thanksgiving sides, it’s important to delegate tasks or even ask others to bring certain dishes. Afterall, you want to be able to enjoy the day, too! You can read Tacoma Boys Thanksgiving Preparation and Success for more ideas on how you can maximize the success of your own Thanksgiving day.

Thanksgiving Food with Tacoma Boys

Although Thanksgiving sides play a crucial role in this holiday, choosing the turkey, dessert, and beverages play a role in planning all of the Thanksgiving food. If you can’t decide on a pie or what beverage to serve, you can check out Tacoma Boys’ Guide to Thanksgiving Pies and What Creates an Amazing Thanksgiving for added tips and tricks!

Hop on into your local Tacoma Boys to gather all of your ingredients for your favorite Thanksgiving sides. A quick tip from the pros: don’t wait until the last minute to stock up on all your Thanksgiving food essentials! If you’re in need of any assistance, the Tacoma Boys’ team is available to guide you through your Thanksgiving shopping!