I do most of our grocery shopping at Trader Joe’s, so every week, in addition to picking up the usual staples (milk, eggs, nacho cheese tortilla chips, FROZEN WAFFLES!), I try to get at least one or two things I haven’t gotten before at Trader Joe’s…to try something new. I’m a pretty adventurous eater, and I’m trying to pass that on to Connor Claire.
Anywho, here are a few new finds I’ve been eating and loving lately…
Harvest Apple Salad Kit
This is a complete salad kit! You get a spring mix, unexpected cheddar cheese, apple cinnamon chips, pecans and an apple vinaigrette spring mix, and there’s enough for small side salads for four people, although, truth be told, I ate an entire bag all by myself in one day (half for lunch and half for dinner).
Apparently, I’m not the only person who does this because the cashier who helped me earlier this week said she’ll finish one in a single sitting. It’s THAT good!
Turkey Meatballs
You can find this bag of Italian flavored pre-made turkey meatballs in the frozen section. I snack on these throughout the day. I’ll microwave a meatball or two and dip them into TJ’s Marinara Sauce.
Cauliflower Crisp Snack Thins
These thin crackers have a delightful crunch! Great to nibble on with a slice of TJ’s pre-sliced Swiss cheese.
Les Petite Carrots of Many Colors
The fam-bam LOVES these tiny carrots. They come prepared in a bag, already peeled and washed and ready for cooking or snacking. I like to toss them with a little bit of avocado oil and salt, then roast them in the oven. I served them as a side with roasted shrimp scampi last Friday and they were a hit!
Colorful Carrot Coins
Sliced, seasoned and pre-cooked frozen carrot coins, yum! I use these as a quick-and-easy side to have with my lunch salad. I warm them up in a pan, which takes about 5 minutes.
Bite Size Sharp Cheddar Cheesy Crackers
I love these crunchy, crispy crackers because they have a strong sharp cheddar flavor. (Connor isn’t a fan, though).
Pepita Salsa
This salsa is made with pumpkin seeds and tastes delish with eggs. I’m a wimp when it comes to heat, and if I eat too much my tongue feels like it’s on fire, LOL!
Cinnamon Croissant Loaf
Like a cross between a croissant and a cinnamon bun, and extra delicious when lightly toasted and buttered. If you see this loaf, DO NOT PASS IT UP!
Bamba Peanut Snacks
WARNING: These peanut snacks are melt-in-your-mouth lighter than air and highly addictive. Connor also loves ’em!
What yummy finds have you uncovered at Trader Joe’s lately?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Omg that salad looks soooo good! I love how it says “unexpected cheddar cheese”! Did you know putting a slice of cheddar cheese on your apple pie is a thing? You’ll have to try it when you get your apple peeler and start baking apple pies! Unfortunately I don’t have a Trader Joe’s in my town and I’m in kind of a food rut to be honest. Trying to think of a couple things I can make this weekend that would be a little out of the norm.
I had no idea that it was a thing, but I can see how it would work. I do love apples and cheese together! Oh, and sliced apples served with a grilled cheese sandwich? Perfection!
Do you have an Instant Pot or a pressure cooker? It’s an easy, fun way to change up your food game. There are entire cook books devoted to specific cuisines from different parts of the world based solely on an Instant Pot too! I just put an Instant Pot cook book with Filipino recipes in my Amazon cart last night.
I don’t have an instant pot! I’ve been dragging my feet getting one because I have no place to put another gadget and I wonder if I would use it much being a vegetarian.
It’s great for bean recipes, chilis and stews. Do you like Indian food? I bet you could convert a ton of Indian vegetarian recipes into the Instant Pot. Once you start using it you’ll be converted, I swear!
I do like Indian food. There are some deals on InstantPots this month as stores are doing pre-black Friday deals, maybe I’ll put one on my Christmas list!
Roasted cauliflower raviolis!!! So good
Ooh! I would eat it about I don’t know about the kid. Does it have a very strong cauliflower flavor?
I second that harvest apple salad kit. So good. I am on a salad kick lately and TJ has solid ones like the super spinach and the butternut squash one. Will try the turkey meatballs too. Thanks for the tip!
You’re welcome. 🙂 I’ll have to try the butternut squash salad. I love butternut squash but don’t like cooking it!
No trip to TJ’s is complete without their frozen soft pretzels. Four minutes in the oven and serve with honey mustard- perfection! I also love their Double Dutch Gouda and Goat Cheese Gouda cheese.
I’ve never tried those! Adding them to my list. Thanks, Suzanne!
About the only thing I buy at TJs are the double wide cardboard cat scratching pads that come with catnip (the are the only scratching tool that kept Nora and keeps Nibbler from using my furniture to scratch) and the lavender dryer sachets.
I try not to buy too much processed food and I hate that the TJs near me pre-packages or wraps the produce, so I can’t select just what I want. And there is always a line to get into the local TJs.
There’s a farmers market that carries milk, eggs, butter, bread and staples like flour, rice, pasta, spices and olive oil, so I shop mostly there. And there’s a meat/fish market right next door so I get go there when I need protein.
BTW, I think cauliflower has a milder flavor than broccoli, so if Connor will eat broccoli you might try cauliflower. The key is to not over cook it. It’s good with creamy sauces, curry flavors and with eggs, like in a frittata.
The Unexpected cheddar cheese is amazing. You can buy it in the cheese section and omg, it is so tasty. Like very expensive European cheese but not costly. Discovered it recently. I like TJ’s interesting frozen items. Got a TJ shrimp bowl that was so delicious. And always get the Steak & Stout pies, 2 to a package in frozen area. Substitute for Australian meat pies. The pastry is delish, but do them in the oven, not micro.
I’m happy to find others who’ll eat a whole salad kit in one day. I have a Trader Joe’s Saute Bowl for today’s meals.
I like the Unexpected Cheddar as well. My only complaint is the slight crystalization. I like their cauliflower gnocchi (I don’t find it too strong and it’s good sauteed with a little butter and some sage). The boys love the gummy penguins but the Bambas weren’t a hit in our house (they are VERY highly rated by all the TJs experts, though). It’s an hour drive to the nearest TJs so I don’t get there often. I generally stick to the snacks, baguette and cheese. We don’t do a lot of frozen/prepackaged meals, but I’ve heard that’s where they shine. 🙂