There is a lot more to picking flowers than finding the best deal. Here are a few quick tips for picking the right flowers and plants when you’re out shopping.
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Finding the right partnerships in business is a serious task. So here are a few things that we look for when partnering with growers and manufacturers across the country, that helped us work so well with DeGoede Brothers.
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Is cooking difficult for you? Don’t worry, it is for a lot of people. Figuring out recipes, shopping for the ingredients, cooking and washing the dishes can be a lot of work! However, no matter how busy you are, there is no need to eat junk food. Here are 4 easy meals you can make, with all ingredients from a Tacoma specialty market.
We know that when life gets hectic it’s hard to eat healthy. You may want to get busy in the kitchen but find yourself exhausted after work. It’s very easy to get in the habit of eating whatever’s fast and convenient.
The good news is that you don’t need to hit the drive-thru or order take-out on those days that seem so tough. With just a few ingredients, you can make simple, quick meals that are healthy, too!
You should be able to find all of these ingredients at a Tacoma specialty market. As a safe bet, hit up Tacoma Boys or H&L Produce which is bound to have these ingredients and more. And, you know they’ll be fresh and delicious!
Want to know more? Keep reading to learn 4 these easy recipes.
1. One Pan Chicken
For some recipes, the cleanup can be worse than the cooking itself. Watching those dishes pile up is no fun!
Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about a huge cooking mess when it comes to this simple, one pan, chicken recipe.
Just place your Tacoma Boys vegetables of choice on one side of the pan, thickly diced chicken breast in the middle, and diced potatoes on the other side. Then, bake at 425 for 45 minutes.
You can have fun with a one pan chicken recipe by switching up your veggies and seasonings. Here are some of our favorite ways to add a little flavor:
- Use Italian dressing on the chicken
- Season veggies with some garlic powder and olive oil
- Add some olive oil and pepper on your potatoes.
2. Ahi Tuna Salad
Are you looking for something a little more unique? This Asian-inspired salad will do just the trick. Ahi Tuna is a popular dish at a lot of Pacific Northwest restaurants, but it’s actually very easy to cook at home!
You can get Ahi Tuna steaks, avocados, carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers from your local Tacoma specialty market. Grate your carrots, slice the other veggies, and toss them with a green spring mix to create a salad base.
For cooking the tuna; first, you’ll want to season it to your liking. We recommend using kosher salt, cayenne pepper and whole peppercorns.
Lightly sear the Ahi Tuna by melting butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Gently place the seasoned tuna in the skillet and cook to a desired doneness, 1 1/2 minutes per side for rare.
Place your cooked tuna on top of your salad mix, and voila! You can finish it off with store-bought or home-made ginger sesame dressing.
3. Pot Roast
Now that fall is here and winter is quickly approaching, many are looking for the perfect comfort food to indulge in. For many of us, that can look like a delicious pot roast.
Just stop in to your local Tacoma specialty market for chuck roast, carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery. Season your roast with some rosemary, garlic salt, pepper, and thyme. Place the roast in a slow cooker with your chopped veggies, diced potatoes, and some beef broth. Cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours (for a 3-pound chuck roast).
Plus, you can use any leftover celery for a healthy snack! Just smear on some peanut butter for the ultimate go-to treat. Same goes with extra carrots, just pick your favorite dip and you’ve got plenty of snacks for later.
4. Shrimp Boil
Are you craving something Cajun? We have just the thing! Enjoy a southern shrimp boil with this easy and cheap recipe.
All you need is:
- Shrimp
- Andouille sausage
- Potatoes
- Corn on the cob
Cut your corn into quarters and dice your potatoes.
Throw everything into foil packets with some olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bake for 12 minutes at 425 and voila!
Tacoma Specialty Market Meals
If you need something quick and affordable for dinner this week, look no further than Tacoma Boys or H&L Produce! We are where folks go when looking for a Tacoma specialty market. Click here for a location near you.
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…)
We’re all guilty of opting for a bag of chips from the office vending machine, when we could have planned ahead with more nutritious snacks like a vegan cookie. While the occasional splurge won’t hurt you too much, we should be wary of how to handle that 3 p.m. urge for calories. Maybe consider some different kinds of vegetable snacks to satisfy your hunger, while keeping your health in mind.
Junk food takes an enormous toll on our bodies, from promoting obesity to increasing blood pressure levels. In fact, 13.5 million children worldwide now have an impaired glucose tolerance, which is a precursor to diabetes.
Our solution to combat cravings is to replace unhealthy snacks with healthy alternatives. Here is a list of delicious vegetable snacks for those who are on the go!
1. Kale Chips
No one ever said you had to do away with your favorite salty treat altogether at all. Kale chips are the perfect replacement for regular potato chips. They are flavorful, easy to make, and have under half the calories of their fried alternatives.
To make your own kale chips, start with some basic prep work. Remove the stem, wash your kale, and preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Next, tear your kale into roughly 4-inch pieces. Then wash your kale with a colander.
Place the drained and dried kale onto a baking sheet. Drizzle some olive oil over the top. Sprinkle some salt and pepper over the “chips” and bake for 5 minutes. Voila!
2. Hummus Toast
Here’s a spin on a modern brunch classic. Hummus is a vegetarian friendly spread made from chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, garlic and spices. It is a great source of protein, iron and fiber. Fiber tends to expand in your stomach, making you feel full longer.
Making hummus toast is simple. Lather some toast with your favorite hummus. Get your veggie fill by adding in some fun ingredients, like cucumbers, peppers and/or tomatoes. Here are some ideas to get you started!
If hummus isn’t your thing, avocado will certainly do.
3. Stuffed Peppers
These spicy meat-filled snackers aren’t usually associated with being healthy. But they are delicious. You can certainly make your own small tweaks to this classic appetizer and make it more nutritious.
Fill a large peppadew with chopped meat such as bacon or salami along with some parmesan or mozzarella cheese. Alternatively — if you can handle the spice – try stuffing a slice of Coastal cheddar inside a Jalapeno pepper.
Some healthy options might include substituting the bacon or salami with lean, seasoned ground beef. Seasoned rice and/or beans can also make for a healthy alternative filling.
4. Beet Hummus
Beet hummus contains all of the basic ingredients as regular hummus, along with the addition of one large beet.
Roast a large beet then blend it with a food processor. Add in chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon, paprika, and cumin.
Beets are a great source of fiber, folate and vitamin c. They are also thought to help lower blood pressure and improve athletic performance among other potential benefits.
Get the full recipe here.
5. Veggies and Peanut Butter
What seems like just a way to get kids to eat their green turns out to be a great quick energy snack!
Take your favorite veggie. Dip it or slather it in some peanut butter and you have a delicious, fresh, protein packed snack! Carrots and celery are maybe the most common vegetable used with peanut butter, but nothing is stopping you from experimenting with peppers, cauliflower or even broccoli.
“Ants On a Log” is a a fun treat for kids and adults alike . Simply take some celery stalks, fill the gap with peanut butter, then line the peanut butter with raisins. This is a fun recipe that kids can easily take part in preparing.
6. Cucumbers and Hummus
While we are on the subject of dipping veggies, let’s take a good look at cucumbers and hummus! Cucumbers have a natural, refreshing quality that balances well with the fibrous, protein laden texture of hummus.
Serve this snack with a dollop of hummus on each slice, or as a plate of cucumber slices with a side of hummus. Mix it up with other dipping options like bell peppers, carrots or celery.
7. Cauliflower Pizza Dough
There are so many fun and amazing ways to substitute popular dishes with vegetable variations. More and more people are becoming aware of gluten intolerance which can take away their favorite dishes.
Thankfully there are crafty people out there who are mixing things up a bit to solve this problem. In the process everyone seems to win, as new healthy options are being developed all the time!
Cauliflower pizza dough is one such creation. Pick yours up today at your local Tacoma Boys or H&L Produce.
8. Avocado Everything Toast
While it’s fair to say that avocados are more of a meal than a snack, you know we couldn’t finish the list without at least one avocado recipe. Try this snack option on either a piece of toast or spread out to multiple crackers.
For our snacking purposes we will choose some Wasa light rye flatbread. Rye actually helps you feel full, while the flatbread is a great light alternative to thick slices of toast. Slice and spread your avocado as you see fit. On top of the avocado, sprinkle some homemade Everything But The Bagel Seasoning.
Local Produce for Your Vegetable Snacks
Getting into healthier eating habits doesn’t have to be too difficult. It also doesn’t need to cost you an arm and a leg.
You can find all the produce you need for your vegetable snacks right here at Tacoma Boys! Plus, we also offer a number of things you won’t find at your regular grocery store. Curious as to what we’re talking about?
Check out one of our three locations today! Also, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Comments Off on 7 Unique Food Gifts from a Specialty Market Near Tacoma
Are you looking for the perfect gift for a friend, coworker, or family member? It can be hard to choose the right gift for different people, especially if you’ve already got them a number of presents in the past. I know it’s going to be hard to beat the watch I got for my partner from WatchShopping last year! Not all presents are going to be appreciated either, in fact, people return about $380 billion worth of gifts each year.
So how can you beat the odds and give a gift they’ll truly love? When gifting things like clothes, jewelry, books, and household items, you have to worry about the color, design, size, and if they already own the gift in question so you have to know the person really, really well in order for it to be perfect. This is why many look to Custom gift ideas to fill this need when it rises.
The good thing about gifting food from a specialty market near Tacoma is that you don’t have to worry about any of that. Just make sure it’s a food they like. And of course, you want to make sure the gift is special and unique, just like them.
Keep reading to discover 5 unique food gifts from a specialty market near Tacoma.
Chocolate and Handmade Fudge
Chocolate gifts don’t just have to be for Valentine’s day or anniversaries.
If you have a chocolate lover in your life, consider giving them a variety of chocolates from all over the world. They’ll love comparing classic American chocolate to imported chocolate. As chocolate is always a great to give, especially if you are looking for a unique gift idea, you might wanna try something like The Amazing Chocolate Workshop.
Of course, don’t forget to get a nice assortment of milk, dark, and white chocolate. And don’t forget the nuts and fruit that add wider variety.
Looking for a local favorite? We carry a wide selection Seattle Chocolate Truffle Bars. Specialty items like Pike Place Espresso, San Juan Sea Salt or the Many Thanks Truffle Bar might be the perfect touch to personalize a gift.
Have a friend that’s vegan, has a gluten intolerance or is organically minded? We have just the chocolate bar for them! Leafy Mama creates a bar that is all of those things, complete with a beautiful natural presentation.
If you’re looking for something handmade, try fudge. At Tacoma Boys, we hand-make almost 30 different flavors of fudge. Consider gifting a mix of traditional flavors, like chocolate and vanilla pecan with unique flavors like jalapeno, green tea, and banana nut.
Gourmet Cheese
If they aren’t a chocolate lover, maybe a gourmet cheese will suit their fancy.
Tacoma Boys offers a wide selection of cheese from across the United States and the World. Looking for a local favorite? Be sure to ask one of our knowledgeable employees to help you find something. They might lead you to a selection from Beecher’s or Tillamook.
One of our customer favorites is Coastal Cheddar from Ford Farm in Dorchester, England. This hand crafted cheese is made from the milk of free-range, grass-fed cattle.
Consider including crackers or wine to your gourmet cheese for a more cohesive and complete gift.
Infused Vinegar
Are you shopping for someone who loves to cook and try new things? At Tacoma Boys we have a plethora of hard to find, quality items to pique the interest of any epicurean.
We’ve all heard of infused olive oil, but what about a gift of infused vinegar?
Infused vinegar can be used in place of marinades when cooking. It can also be used as a salad dressing or as a bread dip with a little extra kick. Anyone would love a unique and versatile gift of infused vinegar.
Click to learn the benefits of balsamic vinegar.
Natural Honey
Organic and natural food products make great gifts for health nuts and nature lovers alike. Honey may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it can make a delicious gift.
Honey is an all-natural way to sweeten your beverages, breakfast and desserts. It can also do well as a sugar substitute in many recipes!
One of the other health benefits of eating local honey, is that it helps our bodies develop a tolerance to the pollen of local plant life. Ever get the sniffles or sneeze during certain parts of the year? Try a dose of local honey!
Tacoma Boys is a specialty market near Tacoma, WA that sources its natural honey from a local beekeeper. You may think that all honey is the same, but each type of honey actually has a distinct flavor depending on what flower was used during pollination.
They will love this unique and sweet treat, and you’ll be helping to save the bees, too!
Click for tips on house to bake with honey.
Pepperoni/Jerky Bouquet
Sometimes men are the hardest to shop for. Think outside the box and consider a healthy selection of cured meat. Instead of a dozen roses, the man in your life may be thrilled to receive a dozen different pepperonis and jerkies, wrapped in butcher paper.
Take note of their favorites, and you have an amazing gift idea ready for the next occasion.
Click to tour the meat counter at our Lakewood location.
NW Beer Basket
Did you know that the Northwest is home to some of the best craft breweries in the world? Our region’s grain growers provide us with a bounty of ingredients for a variety of brews.
Consider purchasing one of our inexpensive wicker baskets, and making your own gift basket of local brews, or maybe mix it up with our wide selection of international brews!
Click here for the 5 Best Craft Beers to buy at Tacoma Boys Specialty Market.
Custom Gift Basket
Is it too hard to choose just one food gift? We think so!
At Tacoma Boys, we handcraft custom gift baskets for anyone on your list. Just give us the theme, budget, and quantity — and we’ll do the rest.
This is a perfect solution for folks who may want a basket of samples for that special someone, or simply have no idea what to get! You could even add something like a fewpersonalized bobbleheads to each basket to add that extra bit of uniqueness. It’s also a quick way to create a specialize gifts one person or your entire staff.
Themed gift baskets are easy to shape around a certain person, holiday or occasion. Just call in your theme idea and pick it up when ready!
Click here for the location nearest you.
Unique Gifts from A Specialty Market Near Tacoma
If you’re living in Washington and looking for a unique food gift, look no further. Tacoma Boys, a specialty market near Tacoma, has a bounty of giftable foods.
A wide variety of chocolate, handmade fudge, gourmet cheese, infused vinegar, and natural honey are available. If you can’t decide what to get, we can make and deliver a custom gift basket for you!
Do you want to know more? Contact us today for more information or to order your unique food gift.
