Dark beers have been mysticized, made macho, or worse, made elite, for far too long. And here, in the land of IPA, there is a place for everyone to enjoy a pint of the darker brew from their favorite bar or specialty beer store.
Walking through the produce section of a specialty grocer like Tacoma Boys or H&L Produce is an eye opening experience for some. Beyond organic bananas and tomatoes, there is an amazing assortment of fruits and veggies that many people have never heard of! Shallots are one of theses great everyday food items that, for some reason, have remained under the radar for many Americans.
Ever feel a little lost around a little known fruit or vegetable? Fear not, we are here to help! If you are ever unsure of how to prepare a food item, or what it may be for, make sure to ask one of our skilled staff. We love to help our customers.
Shallots are like small, delicious, less pungent, onions. They won’t make you cry – and as you may have guessed are a great alternative to onions in any number of dishes. Once you start using them you may find yourself purchasing them on each trip to your specialty market. Check out our Weekly Specials!
Hints of Garlic and Onion.
Shallots are part of the Allium family of vegetables, which include onions, leeks and garlic. They have a more delicate flavor than onions with a hint of garlic. They even look a bit like large garlic cloves when prepared, but are much easier to eat whole.
Elephant Garlic is another allium that is flavorful yet less intense.
Shallots Melt Into Your Meals
Unlike onions, which maintain their shape and texture when cooked, shallots are quicker to break down when cooked. This is a good thing. It means they become part of the meal instead of sitting separate in the mix. The creamy texture of the shallot, when cooked, is pleasant on the palate. This sensation, matched with their delicate, yet rich, flavor make the shallot an excellent ingredient.
A Great Substitute
Shallots are a great substitute for onions in any number of dishes. Make sure to try them out in your favorite meals and let us know how it goes!
Shallots are delicious ,and beautiful both on and off the plate.
The Easiest of Recipes
Looking for an easy way to prepare your shallots? It’s as simple as rinsing them, with the skins on. Hand place them on a rimmed baking sheet. Heat your oven to 425 degrees. Once the oven is ready, insert the tray of shallots into the oven and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the skins are golden brown and the shallots are tender when probed with a fork or knife. Remove and enjoy!
These roasted beauties are ready to be enjoyed on their own or with any number of dishes. Remember they have a milder flavor than onions or garlic, so you are more likely to eat them on their own.
Olive Oil & Salt
Want to get a little more complicated? Peel the shallots, then toss them in olive oil with a generous amount of salt. Roast these at 425 degrees until tender. If you like you can slice the shallots in half, leaving their inner beauty exposed. This also allows for a shorter cooking time.
Shallots Across The World
It is believed that shallots first came to Europe from the middle east, during the 12th century. Today there are over 10 varieties available in France. In Indonesia, shallots are often pickled and served with meals. Shallots are well loved in Iran where they are often crushed into yogurt or grilled on kebabs.
Shallots are very popular across the world, so why not in your home?
Local Specialty Markets Offer Shallots
At Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce we are proud to offer our community the freshest and best ingredients for their day to day lives, including shallots! If you’ve never been into one of our South Sound locations, make sure to stop in soon! We have a wide selection of beers and wines, chocolates, canned foods, meats and cheeses and more! Look around our website and check out our social media on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
Does eating healthy sound like it’s too expensive for you? Believe it or not, there’s a way you can eat healthy food for less, even for under $1. Here are 3 staple foods that will have you eating healthy on a budget in no time.
Most of us have the best intentions when it comes to our food. We always want the most affordable food that are as good for our bodies as they are our wallets. However, there’s a common misconception that eating healthy on a budget is nearly impossible. In fact, it’s one of the top reasons why many of us eye that fast food cheeseburger over a healthy plate of greens.
But eating well doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor. In fact, even if you only have a few dollars you can get the ingredients to make a hearty, healthy, home-cooked meal.
Overnight oats or oatmeal in a jar is an quick, healthy, inexpensive way to start your day!
Here are three examples of healthy food you can get for $1 or less.
1. Oats
When it comes to eating a healthy breakfast, you have plenty of options. But to get the most bang for your buck, you’ll want to pick up a container of oats.
While cooked oats may not be everyone’s image of an ideal breakfast, there’s no more cost-effective way to start your day. The average serving of oats, which is around 1/3 of a cup, will cost you less than a dollar. Tacoma Boys sells containers of oats at a very affordable price, so you should be able to get a few pounds of oats for less than a couple of dollars in total. That means you’ll have healthy breakfasts for days!
But the cost isn’t the only reason to incorporate oats into your diet. Each serving contains several grams of soluble fiber to aid digestion and rid your body of bad cholesterol. Plus, you can do a lot of different things with oats. Remember your favorite oatmeal from when you were a kid? Recreate a healthy adult version by adding fresh berries or cinnamon to your cooked oats. Some people even enjoy making their own granola or no-bake energy bites with peanut butter. The options are endless, it just takes a little creativity.
2. Beans
Beans, beans, they’re good for your heart, the more you eat, the more you… save!
Beans are a fantastic option for eating healthy on a budget. They’re an affordable meal that won’t leave you hungry a few hours later. Cooking up a cup or two of beans will help you incorporate more fiber into your diet, as well as some extra protein. For those on a meatless or plant-based diet, beans are key for getting vital nutrients.
There are tons of options to choose from:
Black beans
Pinto beans
Red beans
Black-eyed peas
And more!
You can pick up a pound of your favorite legume for about $1 no matter where you shop, making it one of the affordable foods out there. If you have the extra cash, we recommend buying a larger bag, as you’ll ultimately save more that way.
Speaking of versatility, eggs are a common component in thousands of the world’s most beloved dishes. From omelets to frittatas to straight-up scrambled, there are dozens of ways to use a dozen eggs.
In terms of health benefits, eggs contain protein as well as vitamins D and B. Many people look to egg whites as the more nutritious portion of the egg, but there are benefits to both the white and the yolk. Egg whites are fat free, carb free, high in protein and low in calories. However, egg yolks contain vitamins A, E and K along with healthy fats the body needs. Also, compared to the whites, egg yolks are more rich in folate and vitamin B12.
Most stores offer organic eggs for a very low cost per egg, so stock up! You can also look to your community for fresh eggs. Here in the Pacific Northwest, backyard chickens have been gaining popularity in urban neighborhoods. It’s very likely you have a neighbor with chickens who gets fresh eggs every day. If the chickens are productive, they will often have a surplus and sell the eggs locally for great price. Check out your community message boards online to see if you can score some fresh eggs.
Eggs are a great source of protein and can be prepared a number of different ways
You don’t have to give up on taste when eating healthy low-cost foods.
These three foods for eating healthy on a budget will keep your stomach and wallet full, so don’t let a tight budget stop you from eating right. Oats, beans and eggs are staple foods that are best when complimented by fresh fruits and veggies. Use the money you save to stock up on quality organic produce and meats for a well-rounded, budget friendly diet.
At Tacoma Boys, we pride ourselves on offering customers the healthiest foods at the fairest prices. So, stop into one of our three locations today to see just how affordable eating well can be.
When you search for a “butcher near Tacoma,” do you consider the different services they may offer, and ways they cut and season the meat? Here are 5 things a butcher can do to improve your meat market experience.
A recent USDA study found that pre-packaged meat (the stuff on Styrofoam, wrapped in plastic) had over 211 different drug residues. Why? Because those meats are sourced from “factory farms”.
So, if you’re not interested in eating meat with residual antibiotics and hormones, then it’s time to visit your local butcher!
Sourcing meat from a local butcher near Tacoma is an easy and sustainable way to incorporate organic meats into your meals.
Read on for the 5 things you didn’t know you could ask your Tacoma butcher.
Our Lakewood, WA location has a brand new meat department.
1. They Cut and Tenderize for You
Some cuts or dishes require special equipment (like a bone saw). If you don’t have one of those in the depths of your pantry, there’s no need to fret.
Just ask your butcher to cut or tenderize the meat for you.
They’ve got the necessary equipment and space. Plus, it’ll save you a load of prep time once you get home.
2. They Season Your Meat for You
Who better to season the meat than a person who works with meat for a living?
At Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce we have our own brand of rubs and sauces that perfectly pair with the cut you’re looking for. Most butchers have their favorites for beef, pork and chicken.
All you have to do is ask, and prior to the packaging, the butcher can season the meat to perfection.
Now that the meat is cut and seasoned, it just leaves the cooking to you! All you have to do is gather your ingredients and recipe to get dinner going.
Pick up ready to prepare meats at any of our South Sound locations.
3. Your Butcher Near Tacoma Can Special Order
Are you looking for something a little out of the norm? Maybe a goose or a turducken (that would be a chicken inside a duck, inside a turkey)?
Ask the butcher! They can work miracles behind the meat counter.
They may not have what you want on hand, but if you give them a few days’ notice, they can most likely order it for you!
If you’re short on time, you can always give one of our stores a call and the meat department will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
4. They can Teach You a Thing or Two
Some people avoid the butcher counter because they don’t know what kind of meat to ask for or what to do with it once they get it home. If that sounds like you, it’s okay! Just tell the butcher.
It’s actually a lot of fun for us if you have no idea what you’re looking for. It’s like giving an artist a blank canvas and letting them create a masterpiece. The butcher might ask you some questions like:
Which cuisines you typically enjoy?
What type of dish you’re looking to cook?
What’s your skill level?
The butcher can then offer suggestions as and instructions on the best way to prepare the cut.
The average American consumes about 200 lbs. of meat each year. So, you might as well learn how to shop for it, and cook it well!
Tacoma Boys & H&L Produce have an amazing selection of fresh seafood, delivered daily.
5. Your Butcher Can Help You be Environmentally Friendly
Last but not least, a butcher near Tacoma can help you source your meat sustainably. They know that purchasing an entire animal from a local and reputable farmer is the best way to guarantee that the meat is a high quality and doesn’t get wasted.
If you don’t live with 12 other people, then buying a whole cow or pig is unrealistic. One option is to find a group of friends who are interested and having a butcher divide, package, and prepare the animal into equal parts for the whole group.
You’ll have fresh, frozen, meat for an entire year!
Now Try it Out!
At Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, we are proud to be an amazing option when looking for a Butcher near Tacoma. Not only do we offer an amazing meat section, but thousands of labels of beer and wine, fresh produce, and amazing specialty food items. Not to mention our ceramic pottery, floral and planting options.
Come and visit one of our expertly trained butchers, and embrace what Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce are proud to offer the greater Tacoma area. You’ll never find our meats under plastic or on Styrofoam plates. Our all-natural deli case meats are fresh, organic and hand wrapped, just like in the old days.
Now that it’s Fall, farmers markets have shut down. But that doesn’t mean the quality of your meals has to go down. Fall and Winter actually bring a bounty of healthy and tasty foods, too! It’s as easy as visiting a natural grocer like Tacoma Boys or H&L Produce.
Fall is Harvest Season!
There’s a lot to miss about summer, but Fall brings a whole new variety of delicious and heart-healthy fresh fruits and vegetables. Because our inventory is constantly revolving you can always shop on a budget without sacrificing quality. Every week we are changing the specials and bringing in new foods and beverages. If you like trying new things, you’ll never get bored at one of our markets. We believe that Quality is Always the Better Buy. We sell the best and leave the rest alone.
October & November Selections
Shallots are an excellent alternative to onions.
Our #1 tip for saving money while eating healthy is to shop in-season. But that’s not always easy! So what’s good right now? There are plenty of in-season fruits and vegetables that you can buy without breaking your bank.
For the Fruit Lovers
Apples and Pears
Grapes
Cranberries
Oranges and Tangerines
All the Best Veggies
Broccoli and Cauliflower
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage, Lettuce and Spinach
Other Seasonal Favorites
Pumpkin!!
Squash
Sweet Potatoes
All-Season Deals
Apples should be available year round at your local natural grocer.
Consider Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce to be your farmers market that stay open all year long. It’s a total game changer! Some fruits and vegetables maintain a great price year round.
The first one that comes to mind is the cucumber. Another thrifty choice is cabbage. A head of cabbage is great no matter what season you’re in, and like the cucumber, it can be eaten a number of ways, so it’s definitely a go-to vegetable for any meal.
Fruits You Can Always Find
Apples
Citrus Fruits
When searching on a budget, sticking to these fruits and vegetables won’t let you down.
A Natural Grocer That’s Open Year Round
Tacoma and Puyallup both have great farmers markets, but they are forced to close by the end of October. Thankfully, you can have the same experience at Tacoma Boys and H&L produce all year long. Did we mention we’re open 24 hours a day? That means we’ve got you covered whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a midnight snack.
Think of us like a permanent farmers market but with more options. Having brick-and-mortar locations allows us to offer a lot more than a pop-up market. When you visit, you’ll find a variety of produce indoors and outdoors. Inside, we also have a fresh meat department, thousands of different beers and wine, unique gifts and snacks.
If you like exploring the aisles, you can discover something new each time you visit. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a favorite food or beverage and can’t find it anywhere, let us know and we’ll do our best to order it for you.
Check Us Out
Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce have and amazing selection of Beer & Wine.
If you’re looking for an alternative to farmers markets for the Fall and Winter seasons, you should definitely check us out. As your local natural grocer we are known for carrying what’s fresh, local, organic and in-season.
When it comes to our suppliers, we truly only want the best. The food we sell comes from farmers and suppliers who care about giving customers quality, no matter what the occasion or time of year.
Give us a call to learn more about what we can do to help you and your family eat healthy all year long. We look forward to hearing from you.
After a long day at work, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Nothing would be more perfect than having a couple easy weeknight dinners at your fingertips. Believe it or not, it is possible to make a healthy meal at home in 30 minutes or less. (more…)
Wondering how to make a sub sandwich? We don’t blame you! Nothing hits the taste buds like a delicious, spicy Italian sub. You could get your fix at a local deli or fast food restaurant – or you could save some cash and make your own! (more…)
There are a ton of easy dinner recipes out there to help you eat healthier and save money today. All it takes is some basic cooking knowledge and a few kitchen essentials.(more…)
Having a mental menu of easy meals to make can be oh so useful! Your, friends, family and guests will all appreciate your cooking genius that helps you glide through those early morning wake-up calls and late night hunger pangs.
Don’t Get Hangry
“Hangry” isn’t just a fun word to say, it’s a gosh-darn real thing! According to scientific research, hunger contributes to poor decision-making and impulsive choices. A drop in blood-sugar levels for even the healthiest of athletes can make for grumpy times.
Skip the rumbling stomach, cranky guests, and crying kids by preparing healthy meals in fewer than 12 minutes. Here are five easy meals you can prepare at home.
Salads for Life
Salad is a quick and easy go-to meal. Either keep a rotating selection of greens in your fridge, or pick your own fresh lettuce from your garden or patio.
Spruce up your leafy greens with chickpeas, beans, veggies, seeds or nuts. Then drizzle your creation with some super healthy vinegar and olive oil.
To make it more filling, you can add a slice of crispy bread. If you love meat, add tuna, chicken or a boiled egg. For extra flavor, sprinkle some kosher sea-salt.
Some Egg-celent Choices
Eggs are a quick and easy way to add protein and flavor to left overs. One example is to pour that box of fries from the night before in a frying pan with butter. Add some chopped deli ham, maybe some onions, scallions or spinach. Once heated, add a scrambled egg and some cheese. Salt and pepper to taste. Voila! An amazing hot breakfast.
Have some leftover beans and rice from your favorite Mexican restaurant? Consider adding a fried egg, and wrapping it all into a burrito or make a burrito bowl.
If you’re looking for something a little different, try a normal cheese omelet with chimichurri. Chimichurri is a green sauce that consists of garlic cloves, parsley, olive oil, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar and kosher salt. Chimichurri is great with an omelet but also goes well on fish, tacos, steaks and sandwiches.
Avocados are amazing. They are rich in healthy fats and protein. They are filling, and are great for your digestive system. As an added bonus, eating avocados year round helps to support small town economies in Mexico.
So what’s the best way to eat an avocado? Everybody is raving about their avocado toast these days, but have you considered an avocado and tomato grilled cheese sandwich? It’s an excellent choice for lunch or supper. Because of the avocado’s texture, you don’t need to use much cheese, which gives you that grilled cheese satisfaction, with more of a healthy kick.
To make this sandwich all you need is one avocado, one ripe tomato, butter, mozzarella cheese slices, sliced bread and some salt. It’s important to salt the tomatoes before putting the sandwich together.
Frozen Chicken Fillets
One of the best things for quick and easy meals are frozen chicken breast fillets. They are thin enough to cook quickly, and are small enough for portion control. If you have frozen grilled chicken, you can put this recipe together in no time.
A quick a flavorful recipe is to pan-sear your chicken and spice it with some Tacoma Boys Cajun seasoning. Make sure it’s cooked all the way through, then spend a few minutes sautéing pre-chopped zucchini and squash (click for some other Cajun veggie ideas).
At your local Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce we carry frozen chicken, along with an amazing selection of fresh chicken from our meat department. If you’ve never had free range, organic chicken, stop in today and try some. You won’t be disappointed!
South Western Steak Salad
It may be difficult to believe that a healthy steak dinner could be prepared so fast but timing is everything. While your steak is cooking, you have time to assemble the salad and put together a light and creamy chipotle dressing.
This meal can be packed with ripe tomatoes, silky avocado, and fresh summer corn. Not to mention your favorite cut of deliciously marbled steak. For an added crunch, serve this meal with crushed tortilla chips.
To up your sophistication level when it comes to quick and easy meals — our H&L Produce location offers dry aged beef. The slow aging process breaks down the protein in the beef, allowing for a buttery smooth texture that is found at the finest steak houses. Order yours today!
How is your Spice Library?
Take a naked breast of chicken and add a little salt, pepper and olive oil. You have yourself a delicious entrée. Now let’s switch that up with some pre-made seasoning from your very own Tacoma Boy’s spice library.
There is no need to hit up the popular fast food options. Within easy reach you can your meal to match your mood. From Mexican to Cajun to Italian or Curry. Having a well stocked spice library makes cooking fun and easy!
Stock The Essesntials
One of the best ways to ensure your kitchen is ready for quick and easy meals is to stock up on the essentials. It’s also a great way to make sure you are eating healthy!
A supply of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper can take you a long way toward eating fast and healthy meals. Butter, your favorite seasonings, rice, pastas and jarred sauces are another ways to ensure you have the means necessary to eat well at short notice.
Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce have a huge selection of specialty foods, from pickled quail eggs to spicy salsas and pasta sauces. Take a look the next time you are in and stock up for your next last minute feast.
Tools for Easy Meals
Cooking tools are important as well. A good sharp knife for slicing fruits, veggies and meats. A cutting board and bread knife. Take note that having multiple knives, measuring cups and cutting surfaces can make your cooking time more efficient. One cutting surface and knife for your veggies, another for your meat, etc.
As for cooking surfaces it’s great to have a pot for boiling water, another for warming sauces. A non-stick frying pan and a colander to drain your noodles and vegetables. Make sure that all of your cooking utensils are safe to use on hot surfaces! Some spatulas are NOT heat resistant. Nothing like melted silicon to ruin a meal.
Clean as You Cook
It doesn’t take much to create small habits of cleaning as you cook. Rinse that sauce pan with hot water while the sauce is still pliable. Wipe off those counters and clean those cutting boards while the sauce simmers.
If you think about it, keeping a clean cooking area just makes sanitary sense! By taking these small steps and more, you will end your prep time with considerably less to clean once finished.
Believe it or not, a dishwasher is a huge time saver! Combine it with dishwasher friendly pots, pans and utensils, and your evening can be spent with the ones you love — even if that’s just your favorite actor on Netflix.
Easy Meals: A Wrap-Up
Cooking easy meals at home shouldn’t be too difficult. Just make sure you’re ready and know your way around the stovetop and microwave.
No matter the time of day, you can get affordable fresh produce from Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce to prepare your hot home-cooked meals in minutes. Contact us today at any of our three locations.
