Posts tagged “recipes”

It can be a common misconception that dairy products are bad for you – but when it comes to fresh and local dairy, these products pack a punch when we’re talking about nutrients. From bone health to immune health, fresh and local dairy contains various vitamins and minerals that aid in overall good health. There are countless ways to incorporate some of Tacoma Boys’ favorite fresh and local dairy products into yours and your family’s lifestyle. 

The Benefits of Fresh and Local Dairy

Including fresh and local dairy products on your shopping list is a great way to add a good source of calcium and protein to daily meals. Local and organic dairy has proven to be more nutritious than traditional dairy products sold on the market. Choosing to buy local and organic dairy is a healthier option so you’re able to avoid any unwanted chemicals, added hormones, or unnecessary pesticides.

It’s important to note that dairy may not be for everyone. If you or someone you know has an allergy or an intolerance to dairy, Tacoma Boys carries a great selection of non-dairy milks and creamers that are bound to give you the same satisfaction! This is a great alternative for dairy-lovers who are unable to consume dairy because they are unable to digest the lactose found in dairy products. These non-dairy products also work great for those who choose not to include dairy in their diets due to other external factors. 

Tacoma Boys’ Favorite Local Dairy Products

Smith Brothers Farms

Smith Brothers Farms has been around since 1920 and has provided 100 years of fresh and local dairy to the Pacific Northwest. They are family owned and operated and provide truly some of the best dairy products around. 

Our Favorite Smith Brothers Products

• Organic Whole & 2% Milk
• Chocolate Reduced Fat Milk – yum
• Half & Half
• Heavy Whipping Cream
• Eggnog
• Cultured Buttermilk
• Cottage Cheese
• Sour Cream

Grace Harbor Farms

Grace Harbor Farms is another family owned and operated farm since 1999. All of the products are made without gums and artificial flavors, and come from organic-style farming where the animals have pasture access. This allows for healthier animals resulting in healthier dairy products!

Tacoma Boys’ Favorite Grace Harbor Farms Products

• Plain Kefir
• Vanilla Kefir

Kefir is a fermented drink that contains high levels of probiotics. These probiotics are beneficial to gut health which in return helps with a healthy immune system. Kefir contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antibacterial properties. Additionally, as with many dairy products, kefir can aid in overall bone health, making it a great product for kids as they grow!

Cooking With Dairy

Consuming a meal with nutrient-dense local dairy is a great way to start your day! From homemade pancakes to overnight oats followed by a soup lunch and pasta dinner, dairy is here and ready for it all!

Breakfast

• Customizable Overnight Oats by If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen
• Soft & Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes by Recipesby Carina 
• Caramelized Onion Frittata by The Modern Proper

Lunch & Dinner

• Creamy Potato Soup by Spend With Pennies
• Lemon Chicken Scallopini by Cafe Delites
• Creamy Vodka Tomato Sauce Pasta by Julia’s Album

Dessert – Because we all need a treat sometimes!

• The Best Homemade Whipped Cream by Joy Food Sunshine
• Death by Chocolate Ice Cream by Delish
• Homemade Cheesecake with SourCream Topping by Classy Clutter

Tacoma Boys’ Iced Vanilla Mocha

Ingredients

• 2 shots espresso – cooled
• 6 oz Smith Brothers Chocolate Milk
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• Ice
• Homemade whipped cream – optional

Directions

1. Fill your serving glass up with ice.
2. In a separate cup, quickly whisk together the chocolate milk and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the cooled espresso into your serving glass over ice, and follow with the chocolate milk mixture.
4. Give it a good stir and garnish with whipped cream if desired.

Tacoma Boys’ Blueberry Kefir Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild frozen blueberries
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 cup plain or vanilla kefir
• 1/4 cup pure pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup water or coconut water

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients into a high speed blender.
2. Blend until completely smooth.
3. Serve & enjoy!

Swing On In!

Swing by your local Tacoma Boys to check out the dairy selection to whip up one of these delicious meals or treats. If you have any questions, please reach out to one of our helpers and we will guide you in the right direction!

Contrary to popular belief, affordable healthy eating is 100% possible. There’s a common misconception about how costly it can be to eat healthy. Fortunately, affordable healthy eating is obtainable no matter the number in your bank account – that’s a WIN. There are a lot of healthy food products on the market that can cost quite a bit more, however, that does not mean you need those products in your pantry in order to eat an abundance of whole foods. The Tacoma Boys guide to affordable healthy eating is here to show that healthy eating is within reach no matter the circumstance!

Affordable Healthy Eating is Accessible

“So you’re telling me affordable healthy eating is within my reach?!” – The answer is yes! Consuming an abundance of whole foods is a crucial part of anyone’s diet. What you put into your body plays an important role in your immune system, energy levels, sleeping patterns, and more. Making your health a priority in regards to food may require planning, but it can be life changing! It’s important to do your own research and avoid possible rumors that may not be true – in this case, affordable healthy eating.

Where Do I Start?

Plan Ahead

Without a doubt, planning saves money. When you plan your meals out for the week and write out the ingredients needed at the store, you’re less likely to purchase goods that you don’t need and may go to waste. Try sitting down and planning out your next week’s meals and creating a detailed grocery list. This is an easy method to set yourself up for success. Afterall, during unprecedented times, planning ahead for the unexpected is crucial!

Produce, Produce, Produce!

There’s no denying that produce should be at the heart of every grocery trip! Tacoma Boys carries a wide variety of fresh local produce that works well for any budget.

Snacks 

• Local apples
• Pears
• Bananas
• Oranges
• Carrots
• Bell peppers
• Cucumber

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner 

• Mixed leafy greens
• Spinach
• Green beans
• Seasonal squash
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Onions
• Potatoes
• Garlic

Tacoma Boys Tip: Try freezing your own produce if it’s about to spoil and use it in smoothies and soups later on!

Shop Pantry Staple Foods

Having pantry staple foods on hand is an affordable way to make food last a long while. There are many healthy pantry staple foods you can stock up on to last – some may even cost less than $1 per serving – yes please! 

• Bob’s Red Mills Steel Cut Oats
• Timeless French Green Lentils
• Lundberg Black Japonica Rice
• Jovial Foods Brown Rice Pasta
• Remlinger Farms Frozen Fruit 
• Pacific Foods Broths & Stocks

Eggs

This popular ingredient deserves its own category because of its versatility. Depending on the type of eggs you buy, a serving of 2 eggs can cost as low as 0.83 cents. Serve alongside some spinach, onion, bell pepper, and you have yourself a hearty breakfast scramble for under $3. Tacoma Boys has a great selection of high quality eggs such as Vital Farms and Stiebrs Farms Organic Free Range Eggs that work great for any meal of the day! 

Affordable Healthy Recipes Made Easy

When planning your meals ahead of time, look for recipes that use minimal ingredients that fit within your budget. Budget Bytes provides high quality recipes with budget and ingredients laid out clearly. This is a great tool to use when budgeting your weekly groceries. 

• Baked Banana Bread Oatmeal – $3.24 RECIPE / $0.54 SERVING
• Cajun Sausage & Rice Skillet – $7.21 RECIPE / $1.80 SERVING
• Mediterranean White Bean Salad – $4.87 RECIPE / $1.22 SERVING
• Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken & Broccoli – $5.48 RECIPE / $1.37 SERVING
• Quick Tofu Stir Fry – $3.82 RECIPE / $0.96 SERVING

Grocery Shopping on a Budget with Tacoma Boys

This guide is a friendly reminder that your local Tacoma Boys is here to help assist you with any of your grocery needs. Although Tacoma Boys does carry a variety specialty food items, the budget-friendly options are bountiful throughout each store. When swinging by a Tacoma Boys near you, keep in mind produce, pantry staples, and products like eggs for cost efficient grocery shopping. (And don’t forget to plan ahead!) For more tips and tricks on saving money at your local Tacoma Boys, check out the following resources:

• Weekly Specials
• How to Save Money at a Produce Stand Near Me

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!

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! 

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.

According to recent data, 3.1 million people across the US follow a gluten-free diet.

Gluten-free eating is a great way reduce processed wheat products and to encourage kids to eat lots of fruits and veggies.

You may be wondering how you can get your kids to consider some gluten free options and how to add a gluten-free diet to your family’s meal planning each week without complaint.

Here are some awesome kid-friendly gluten-free recipes you’ve got to try!

1. Broccoli-Crust Pizza

Gluten-free broccoli-crust pizza is a win-win for kids and parents. You can quickly purchase cauliflower crusts in our frozen gluten free case, but this at home recipe is well worth a try!  Youngsters will love the cheesy texture, marinara sauce, and even the broccoli.

Parents will love the fact that their kids are actually eating broccoli, which is a great source of vitamins K and C. It protects kids’ immune systems and helps build strong, healthy bones.

Your kids will be more likely to eat green, leafy veggies in the future if they start to enjoy them now. And they can be delicious if prepared well!  It will help keep their teeth and bones strong throughout adulthood.

The kids will love spreading the sauce and sprinkling the cheese… and cooking together will make your kids more eager to snack on their creation.

2. Ranch Chicken Tacos

Ranch chicken tacos are super-easy to prepare with a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, some wax paper, and a warmed skillet pan.  And gluten free tortillas are as easy as choosing corn! Chicken is an excellent lean source of protein for kids, keeping their energy up without packing on the carbs. It is also a great source of selenium, phosphorous, and vitamin B6.

The recipe also includes superfoods like olives, tomatoes, and avocados. It is a super way to introduce your littles to avocado, which has lots of good fats and vitamins like C, E, and K.

Olives are packed with antioxidants and excellent for heart health. And tomatoes are packed with vitamin C, potassium, and folate. Kids will learn to love their taste with a little savory ranch to sweeten the deal.

3. Berry Slush

Nothing gets kids more excited about summer than an icy treat. Get them in the kitchen to help create a Gluten Free Dairy Free Banana Berry Fruity Slush.

Berries are loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients like Vitamin C. Bananas are a great way to replace the creaminess of dairy and boost kids’ moods. They are also an excellent source of potassium.

Get kids in the kitchen to mix the ingredients before you blend for some extra bonding time.  They will love the fun color of this berry slush.  And kids love straws… so don’t forget to grab colorful, reusable straws to boot!

4. Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing says just-got-home-from-school like a batch of freshly-baked, yummy chocolate chip cookies. This recipe uses almond flour to keep cookies fresh and delicious, or use one of our other nut free and gluten free flours for kids who have sensitivity to nuts.

Milk is gluten-free and a great source of the vitamins and minerals that help kids’ bones grow strong and boosts their immune systems. So, pour some glasses for kids to dunk for a cozy treat on a cool afternoon.  We have great local dairies that provide us with nutritious and wholesome dairy products every day!

Kid Friendly Gluten Free Recipes

The best kid friendly gluten free recipes are delicious and nutritious. They will get your kids trying healthy food and asking for more in a jiffy. Cooking together is the perfect way to bond with your child and get them eating healthy for a lifetime.

For more nutritious ideas, read our blog today.

When sunshine is scarce and long evenings are spent indoors, these fun chicken dinner ideas are a great way to bring the family together and spice up your day. 

It won’t be long before the flowers start to bloom and the afternoon light stretches late into the evening, but for now, the brief moments of clear skies are here just to tease us. Jackets are still needed, and the grass is still perpetually damp. 

Like the last two weeks of classes before a senior’s graduation, the last few weeks of winter seem to drag in the PNW. On days when it seems it will never end, dinner can be more than a meal–it can be a fun family activity to break up the day and actually enjoy your precious time together. Since you’ll likely be dining indoors for a little while longer, why not try one of these delicious chicken dinner ideas?

Homemade Individual Chicken Pesto Pizzas

Homemade personal pizzas are sure to please a wide range of diverse taste buds, because they’re as individual as the people making them! This foolproof, fun to make meal will help your kids gain confidence in their cooking skills or give you and your dinner guests something to do with your hands while you all catch up on life together. 

Oil a baking sheet (you may have to use more than one sheet, depending on how many pizzas you make).

Start with a simple pizza crust. You can use a packaged pizza crust, or–if you’re feeling fancy–make your own with this simple recipe from Taste and Tell. Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce also carries cauliflower pizza dough as a healthier alternative to a traditional crust. 

Whatever dough you use, divide it into four parts. This is where the whole family can get involved. Flour a large surface and your hands and stretch and roll each piece into a six-inch circle. Place on oiled baking sheets. 

Spread a generous amount of pesto onto each circle, leaving at least half an inch around the edge bare.

Sprinkle your choice of cheese over the sauce, covering it completely. Add pizzazz to your pizzas with Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce’s wide variety of specialty cheeses. Fresh mozzarella and ricotta make an especially scrumptious combination. 

Add toppings. The sky’s the limit with topping possibilities, but for a pesto pizza, consider pan grilling chicken from Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce’s fresh meat selections. Some other meat options are sausage and pepperoni. Don’t forget roasted tomatoes, olives, fresh basil, and red bell pepper. 

Finally, bake pizza dough according to directions, checking on them early and often since they’re smaller. 

Oven Baked Chicken Kabobs

Oven baked kabobs are a great way to bring the flavor of summer grill-outs to your table, no matter the weather outside. Kids love being able to build their own kabobs, and there’s just something special about dinner on a stick!

The trick to making kabobs in the oven is to soak wooden kabobs for 12 hours so they don’t burn in the oven. This is a great time to get your chicken marinating as well!

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. 

Chop raw chicken into 1-inch pieces. Assume each person will eat about 4oz of chicken, so one small breast or half a large breast each. Place in a ziploc bag with teriyaki marinade and refrigerate. You can use store bought marinade or make your own with this recipe from Allrecipes. Marinate for at least 20 minutes, up to 24 hours prior to baking. 

When the chicken is almost done marinating, preheat the oven to 450℉.

Chop bell peppers (the more colors, the better), fresh pineapple chunks, and purple onions into 1-inch chunks. Try to chop equal amounts of each ingredient.

Once the chicken has finished marinating, it’s time for assembly! This is the fun part. Place each ingredient in a separate bowl and let each person build their own kabobs, alternating ingredients until the kabob is almost full. Leave one inch on each end for easier handling. 

Place kabobs on baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes or until chicken reaches 165℉ internally.

With summer on the way, this chicken dinner is a great way to prep those taste buds for all the meals you’ll soon be enjoying in the backyard!

Crockpot Chicken Tacos for the Whole Family

Prepare for a new family staple! This chicken dinner could not be simpler and is packed with flavor for the whole family to enjoy. Everyone can assemble their own chicken tacos to their taste, so all you have to do is prepare the ingredients!

Start with four or five chicken breasts in the bottom of your Crockpot. You can pick up fresh chicken breasts at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, or keep your freezer stocked with our bulk frozen chicken breasts!

Sprinkle a packet of taco seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts. You can use a premade packet, or make your own from Tacoma Boys and H&L’s bulk spices using this recipe from Gimme Some Oven. If you choose to make your own, use 2-3 tablespoons of seasoning, depending on your preference. 

Pour one jar of Tacoma Boys Salsa over the top. 

Cook on high 3-4 hours or low 7-8.

Shred chicken directly in the pot. Pro tip: use your handheld mixer to shred the chicken easily and quickly. 

Enjoy on flour or corn tortillas. These tacos are great topped with cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, jalapenos, onions, and tomatoes, all of which you can find in our fresh produce section. This recipe makes plenty, so feel free to invite a crowd!

Personal Chicken Packets

These quick, easy-to-make chicken packets are comfort food without the extra work. Try this chicken dinner idea on warm on a cold evening, or–if by chance we get some sun–take them on the go after they’ve cooled! 

Preheat oven to 350℉.

Mix 2 pounds of cooked, cubed chicken with 1 package of cream cheese and a tablespoon of milk. Salt and pepper to taste.

Oil a tin foil lined baking sheet and unroll 2 8oz packages refrigerated crescent rolls onto it. 

Instead of tearing the rolls along the perforation, pinch the perforated line together, so you have four rectangles per tube. 

Spoon ¼ cup of the chicken mixture onto the center of each rectangle. Fold up the edges and pinch together, forming a packet. 

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. 

What’s not to love about chicken, cream cheese, and crescent rolls? Kids love being able to form their own packets, and they’re easily picked up and eaten by hand. These are great for dipping in whatever sauces or dressing you have on hand!

The pace of life will pick up soon with the frenzied activities of summer, so take this chance to slow down and enjoy creating–and eating–a meal together. Here at Tacoma Boys and H&L produce, we have everything you need to make dinner an event, so stop by one of our store locations today!

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…)