Trader Joe’s Favorites & How I Use Them

The latest buzz is that Trader Joe’s is coming to Greensboro. I cannot tell you how excited I am! The closest one is in Winston Salem and while R and always enjoy our adventures there, it will be so nice to just pop into Trader Joe’s whenever we need something. There are so many favorites that I thought it might be fun to round them all up and tell you a little more about why I like them. Also, after I took the pictures, I realized that I left a few things out, oops! I’ll try to include them in the list below.

• cauliflower pancakes – best cooked in the oven. See below.
• dr. Praeger’s veggie burgers – also best cooked in the oven. See below.
• organic chicken stock – perfect for cooking quinoa, rice, etc.
• marinara sauce – a great addition to pasta dishes.
• dolmas – makes a great appetizer or addition to a Mediterranean meal.
• pappardelle pasta – this pasta has a buttery, delicious texture.
• spinach & chive linguine – perfect tossed with olive oil & oven-roasted veggies.
• brown rice spaghetti – this is a nice substitute for wheat pasta.
• brown rice fusilli – another great wheat pasta substitute.
• 50% less salt roasted almonds – one of my favorite snacks!
• olive tapenade (not pictured) – makes a great addition to a charcuterie tray or as a condiment with a meal. I like it with canned tuna or veggie cakes.
• brioche bread (not pictured) – makes the best French toast. See recipe here.
• cornichons (not pictured) – these are my favorite little pickles!
• goddess dressing (not pictured) – one of my favorite salad dressings.
• tri-colored quinoa (not pictured) – use it instead of rice for more protein & fiber.

R travels a fair amount which means I’m often preparing dinner for one. Even though there are plenty of nights when I eat a cheese stick and almonds, I usually try to cobble out something with a little more nutrition. This is an example of what I make prepare for myself. A bed of mixed greens, cherry toms from the garden, dr. Praeger’s veggie burger, and olive tapenade.

Last week, I sauteed Japanese eggplant & cherry toms from the garden. I tossed them with some fresh herbs and parmesan and paired them with cauliflower cakes and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.

Last night R and I had grilled chicken skewers marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and Greek seasoning. Also a salad with grape tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta, olive oil, and fresh parsley. Trader Joe’s dolmas (grape leaves stuffed with rice) are so delicious! We always buy at least 4-5 cans. Top it all off with a dollop of hummus and a dollop of tzatziki.

Do you have any Trader Joe’s favorites?