Two Amazing New Cookies

As far as I know, I have never seen either of these at TJ before now.  The Meringues are as good as any I've ever had or made.  Serve them with ice cream and guests will be wow-ed.  These yogurt cookies are seriously crazy good.  My family of four devoured them in a day or two.

New Snacks - Two Hits and A Miss

My 4-year old is obsessed with SNACK-IES.  It's super annoying!  He watches way too much TV, and he insists on eating snack after snack the whole time.  SO get this.  If it is a "snack", it is healthy and comes from the fridge.  If it is a SNACK-EE (said loudly and with conviction,) it is tasty, probably not healthy, and from the pantry. This all stresses me out because there are only so many snack products out there that I'll buy!  And that he likes.  Here are my three latest attempts.

Cinnamon Apple Sticks - MISS
Fig Cereal Bar - HIT
Raises the Bar - HIT (did not expect this one to be a winner!)

Book Club Appy

It was my turn to host Book Club last night. I decided I wanted to make all new recipes. I never do this. The risk is too great!  But I got inspired on Pinterest. 

I really liked these, but I actually preferred them without the tomatoes.  Maybe next time I will skip the tomatoes and sprinkle a little paprika on top for color?

Ingredients:

3 Persian Cucumbers (I have bought these everywhere, and TJ has the best, hand's down!)
15 cherry tomatoes
Ranch Dressing
1 tbsp. dried thyme (dill works too)
4 ounces cream cheese, brick, softened

1. soften 4 ounces cream cheese.
2. peel and cut cucumbers.  make cuts thick.  scoop out center of cucumber with melon baller or grapefruit spoon.
3. cut tomatoes
4. use a hand mixer, mix together dressing, thyme and cream cheese.  mix on medium until blended, then on high for another minute.
5. put in ziploc bag, cut tiny corner off, and pipe into the cucumbers.  top with cherry tomato halves.

First NON-Food Item REVIEW!

One of my friends is a huge supporter and fan of Trader Joe's.  We talk TJ food all the time.  Well, she just texted me a review!  And it isn't of food.  It is actually of a product.  I am excited because this is an aisle I have completely ignored.  Now I will definitely buy these, I love tea tree oil.  Thanks Molly!

IN MOLLY'S WORDS:
Love these cleansing pads. The tea tree oil is strong and leaves my face feeling so clean and fresh. Tip: when you first open the container, pick up the pads and flip them over. They get saturated evenly this way. If not, the pads are slightly dry at the top.

Each Kid Picks ONE Thing at TJ

I started this rule once I realized that any time I had my kids with me at TJ (or anywhere really...) that they would WANT, WANT, WANT. The rule is, that each kid can pick ONE thing - a snack, a treat, etc. And I have to approve it. So no angel food cake... (Yes, one of my sons really did pick up an Angel Food Cake at TJ one day and asked for it.)

Yesterday, my 4-year old went nutso over this box of cookies. For any of you with a 4-year old boy, you know, this is a NO-BRAINER pick! I have to admit, it really IS cute...

Two comments.

First of all, he thought it would be an edible train. Should have seen that one coming!

Secondly, the cookies are just so-so. For someone who is SUPER picky with store bought cookies, as you might have read, I love and have approved a lot of the TJ cookies. But this one was "meh." They should be AMAZEBALLS. They're from Germany! I've had similar products from other sellers that were much better.

And one more thing.  OK, so three things...

It is a very tiny assortment. So do I bring this to a party? Kinda meager offerings. Do I serve these on a pretty platter at my book club? Again, not much there. Would have to buy 2-3 boxes.

Conclusion -

Great one-time buy for my little one, but probably not going to happen again!

Trader Giotto's Bambino Pizza - Frozen Mini Pizzas!

I like all the frozen pizzas that I've tried from TJ, but I don't love any of them. And my kids really haven't liked any of them.

So, I was excited to see this product, new to my TJ location. And I love them! First of all, they are really cute. I wold say they are smaller than a traditional mini pizza, but it is just right for me to eat at lunch, with some fruit and carrot sticks. I was also pleased to see each box has 4 pizzas. A feasible dinner option for my family.

I bought the cheese and the pepperoni, thinking I would like the pepperoni better - more fat and flavor, right?  WELL, I like the cheese better! It has tasty seasoning on it that I don't believe is on the pepperoni version.

New Dark Chocolate Sweet Treat!

Any time I see a new candy product at TJ, well let's be honest, a new CHOCOLATE candy product, I have to buy it. I'm a chocoholic, and I think the candy at TJ almost never disappoints. (You'll never see a review for the mango cookies... sorry!)

I am really digging these! I wasn't sure about the graham component, because I am hit or miss on my love of graham crackers in desserts. But it is not overwhelming, and the dark chocolate/sea salt combination on all TJ products is really outstanding! I love their dark chocolate (and I am typically a milk chocolate gal.) And the sea salt didn't seem like it would go, but it is the essential touch that makes these good enough to buy again.

PS - if any TJ powers that be are listening, I have not seen my most favorite - Milk Chocolate Jumbles - in a really long time!

Summer Mom Lunch Part II

When I had elective laser eye surgery a few weeks ago, my dear friend (and amazing cook) brought my family dinner. I loved this quinoa salad she made. It was just so fresh and tasty. I decided to recreate it TJ style.

Here's what you need.
-quinoa
-grape tomatoes
-Persian cucumbers
-feta
-basil
-balsamic dressing

Cook one serving of quinoa (cook two if this is for family dinner). While it is cooking, cut the two veggies and the basil into strips (about 6 leaves).

Once quinoa is cooked and cooled, mix it together with the two veggies, the basil strips, salt and pepper to taste, and several tablespoons of the BV dressing. 

Voila!

PS - this basil plant was $2.99 at the Teej. Can't beat that!

Summer Mom Lunch Part I

Every summer, I get inspired to make new lunches. Both for me and my kids. This week, I made two new "mom" lunches.

Full disclosure - this one I sampled at TJ.

It is just three ingredients, all pre-packaged for you!

Mix in a bowl and serve.

This would even be great to bring to a summer potluck BBQ.

Yummy Cereal, my kids love it!

My kids are loving this cereal, especially  my 4-year old. He, of course, skips eating the plain O's. He loves the pink O's and the tiny dried berries. He eats with with or without milk (he's super into snacking...)

About every other week, TJ is actually out of this cereal! Other people have discovered it.

No Bueno!

I should start by saying that a friend recommended this to me.  So I had high hopes. And I did eat this.  And so did my husband. But he texted me at work with "No Bueno."

It's just not right.  But my friend loves it. So purchase at your own risk.

Happy Valentine's Day from Trader Joe's

I love the holidays and find it so much fun to see what special items TJ has for each.  Here's what I found for Valentine's Day last week.

Ranunculus!  This is my very fave flower, but I never, ever see them anywhere.  I even requested them last year for my milestone bday.  My husband went into a nice, well-respected florist, and she couldn't get them.  But leave it to TJ to have them for under $5 a bunch!

And like always, some cute and clever treats that you just can't pass up!

Complete Meal Tomato Turkey Pasta & Broccoli

Here is a very simple and very healthy recipe I made up tonight, after tweaking and combining a few other recipes that I found on Pinterest.  You can find all the ingredients at TJ.

Tomato Turkey Pasta & Broccoli




 

Ingredients

2 tbsp EVOO
1 package ground turkey breast
2 cloves garlic
Italian Seasoning
Garlic Powder
1 can tomato sauce
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
ground pepper to tast
1 package of your favorite pasta
frozen broccoli florettes
1 tbsp. butter
1/4 cup grated parmesan

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey and garlic and cook for about 3-4 minutes.  Add several shakes of Italian seasoning and garlic powder fennel seed, and continue to cook until browned, about another 3 to 5 minutes; add tomato sauce and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ground pepper and turn down to simmer.
2. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package directions, adding the broccoli during the last 3 minutes. Drain and add 1 tbsp. butter to pasta pan.  Return the pasta and broccoli to the pot.  Mix with butter and the parmesan cheese. 
3. Toss the turkey mixture with the pasta and broccoli and serve.

5 Unique Items for your next Trader Joe's Shopping Trip

I love that Trader Joe's is mainstream enough that I can get almost everything I need there for a week of eating. I do have to supplement a couple of other places for things like Heinz ketchup, fresh fish and poppy seeds, to name a few.

But how about trying a few unique items at TJ?  Here are 5 suggestions for you.

-ready-to-eat beets (perfect in a salad, and so quick)
-Irish butter (from grass-fed cows!)
-fresh squeezed OJ (tastes DEE-LISH)
-uncured bacon (tastier than nitrate-filled bacon!)
-Spring Onion Rice Noodle Soup (great lunch)

Chicken and Rice Soup in the Slow Cooker

I love soup in the winter. I want to eat it every day. But, I really only like it from restaurants. I have tried organic box soups, cans, etc. And I have tried to make soup many, many times. This recipe was the first one that I will make again! It is a little healthier than most creamy soups, and definitely healthier than restaurant varieties, and it is easy to make. I found it on a blog called Little Spice Jar. Thanks LSJ! (Recipe is at the bottom of this blog.)

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup {Slow Cooker}

Author: Little Spice Jar

Serves: 8-10 servings

A warm and cozy chicken wild rice soup made right in the slow cooker. This soup is loaded with carrots, celery, boneless chicken and of course, wild rice! It's the perfect slow cooker meal for a chilly winter night! The best part is, you've probably got most of these ingredients at home already!

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend (NOT parboiled)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 cup onions, chopped
• ¾ cup celery, chopped (or mushrooms)
• ¾ cup carrots, chopped
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups water (or additional chicken broth)
• 2 tablespoons salt-free seasoning blend (such as Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute) and salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or substitute more butter)
• ½ cup all purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (1 cup half and half, 1 cup 1% milk)
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under running water. Place the uncooked rice, chicken breast, onions, celery, carrots, garlic, bay leaves, chicken broth, water, poultry seasoning and salt and pepper in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on the high setting for 3-4 hours or on the low setting for 7-8. In the last ½ hour of cooking, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Allow to cool slightly before shredding using two forks.
2. Melt the butter and oil in a saucepan. Add the flour and let the mixture cook for 1 minute. Whisk the mixture slowly while adding in the milk. Continue to whisk until all lumps have dissolved. Allow the mixture to thicken and become creamy (about 10 minutes)
3. Add this creamy mixture to the slow cooker along with the shredded chicken. Stir to combine. Add additional water or milk to your preference if the consistency is too thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Organic Lowfat Yogurt Smoothie

These are a big hit with both my kids. They are tasty, not too high in sugar, and they have a good serving of calcium. I put them in their lunch in place of the usual yogurt cup or tube. At $4 something for 4, they are pricey, but definitely less than the organic yogurt pouches that my kids love oh so much.

Pumpernickel Pretzel Sticks - YUCK! UNIVERSAL YUCK!

Every time I go to TJ, my 4-year old desperately wants to come with me. Today, it was frigid out, and my husband was home. I told my son he could stay home and watch a movie! But he chose to come with me. He loves the mini cart, and the manageable size of the Teej. I also always let him pick out one thing. Today, he insisted on Pumpernickel Pretzel Sticks. I told him that I really didn't think he would like them. They are the same look as the Honey Wheat pretzels, which he loves, so I tried to convince him to pick the tried and true, but (see above), he is strong-willed.

As soon as we got home, he wanted to try them. I took a bite first, and almost spit it out. I like Pumpernickel bread, but MAN ALIVE, I DID NOT LIKE THESE PRETZELS. And no surprise, either did the tot.  SKIP IT!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dunkers

I was hoping these would be like one of the other two chocolate chip cookies that I adore from TJ. But they are not. And they are not good. Not terrible either. But not worth the calories. They have a funny after taste that I have experienced with cookies before, but I have no idea how to describe it. Just trust me, skip these.

One-Pan Balsamic Chicken - TJ Complete Dinner

Full disclosure. I got this recipe from Tip Hero. I can't NOT watch those videos when they pop up on my FB feed. I thought this one would be a good one to try using all TJ items.

I can't tell you how DELICIOUS this was and sooooo easy!  Recipe appears below.

RECIPE:


One-Pan Balsamic Chicken
Ingredients:
1/4 cup Italian salad dressing
3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp honey
1 1/4 lbs chicken breast tenderloins
2 Tbsp olive oil
½ tsp Kosher salt and pinch freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed of tough ends, chopped into 2-inch pieces
8 oz sliced mushrooms
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

Instructions:
1. Mix together dressing, balsamic vinegar and honey in a measuring cup.
2. Heat 1 Tbsp of the oil and sauté the mushrooms for 4 minutes until they have started to brown, then add the green beans and cook for another 4 minutes or until the green beans are crisp-tender.
3. Remove the vegetables from the pan, add the remaining oil and the chicken tenders. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and sauté until brown on each side. 4. Remove from the pan. Add in the sauce and stir for a couple minutes until thickened into a glaze consistency. Add the chicken, green beans, and mushrooms back into the pan and add the tomatoes. Stir to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
***I actually marinated the chicken overnight, per one comment-er's suggestion. Chicken can be so bland if it isn't marinated. And I used more olive oil than it called for.

Caramel Cashew Cookies

Sweet Tooth fulfilled. These cookies are delicious. And they don't even have any chocolate! Amazing. I actually bought these for my husband, who loves cashews and is more of a caramel/butterscotch/vanilla guy, rather than chocolate. Well, we just taste tested them together and we both love them. Annoying that he can stop after eating two!

Book Club Part II

When I host book club, or anything else for that matter, I aim to make one appy and one dessert myself, and then supplement with TJ awesomeness.  Aim...

It's my turn to host book club.  Here's what's on the menu. And the shopping list and Black Bean Salsa recipe appear below.

SHOPPING LIST:
green onions
cilantro
can corn
can black beans
crumbled feta
apple cider vinegar
olive oil
sugar
2-3 of cheeses (gouda, brie, cheddar, etc)
crackers
corn chips
frozen pizzettes
honey sesame cashews
pink lemonade
wine

BLACK BEAN SALSA:

Black Bean Salsa

MIX in a small bowl:
   1/3 cup sugar
   1/3 cup cider vinegar
   1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

IN SEPARATE BOWL, MIX:
   1 can black beans (rinsed & drained)
   1 can corn (rinsed & drained)
   1 bunch green onions (chopped)
   Cilantro (to taste)

Combine ingredients and mix well.  Add 4 oz. crumbled feta and ground pepper to taste.