Trader Joe's

[melones]

This week I tried the 100-calorie snack packs with Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies. Pretty darned good for 100 calories.

Totally agree. YUM.

[Adaya]

Note to the Atlanta area ladies: The TJ's in midtown is finally open!! I'm going today. :D

[Adaya]

When I went to TJ's last week, I picked up the seasoned, butterflied boneless leg of lamb. I just cooked it last night and I must say I'm in love! It is sooooo delicious. I couldn't stop eating it. I can't wait to go back to get another one.

[malala]

After reading somewhere here on CC about the whole wheat pizza dough I bought some the other day.
I made the pizza last night and I have to say that it was delicious and very easy to make.
I used some kind of "pestoey" mozzarella that I got there as well, green peppers, mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes. YUM!

[Hello Kitty]

Is the fearless flyer not online anymore? I couldn't find it on their site.

[lowcountrywed]

Posting what I've tried and liked from TJ:
-Pad Thai Tofu bowl
- Lemongrass Chicken bowl
- Their fresh strawberries this week were amazing!
- Gruyere and Ham Frozen Tarte (like a super thin pizza)
- sparkling lemonade
- Vodka Tomato Sauce
-Cuban Simmer Sauce

Anyone else want to share their faves?

[MsRo]

What sauce do you all use (if any) with the gorganzola gnocchi?

[katiems118]

I buy the gorganzola gnocchi all the time and have never used a sauce with it, the cheese is enough of a sauce...HTH I would say its enough for 1.5 people, I usually add mushrooms, broccoli to it to make it feed 2.

[MrsWufie]

Trader Joe's rocks! The weekend they opened the Cary, NC store we went -- the shelves were empty and people were walking around talking about how great everything would be. NEVER seen anything like it!!

That was, until last week we went to the TJ in Cary again and I kid you not...there was a tour bus of old ladies swarming the store. It was the funniest thing I've ever seen in my life! Only sad thing is I currently need a motorized cart to shop with and there was this one lady that was just driving up and down the aisles not buying anything and I was struggling with my walker. But..the humor of a tour bus at the TJ made me forget all about that :)

[mgrace]

Is the fearless flyer not online anymore? I couldn't find it on their site.
I wondered the same thing. I think that they only have the fearless flyer online when it is the new edition and then take it down after a while. Don't know why.

[Adaya]

Just tried the Chocolate Lava cakes from the frozen section and they are great. All you have to do is heat them up in the microwave and serve with some vanilla ice cream and you have a little piece of heaven. :)

[MsRo]

Anyone know if there are other potstickers other than vegtable? Chicken or pork? The veggie ones were not so good. :cool:

[SweetRed]

Adaya You are sooooooo evil ;) I'm going to have to pick some up as a treat for DH.

[alisong]

Anyone know if there are other potstickers other than vegtable? Chicken or pork? The veggie ones were not so good. :cool:Were they the regular potstickers or the Thai potstickers? I think the regular ones come in pork and the Thai ones come in shrimp. I like both (but then I also like the Thai veggie ones, so perhaps you shouldn't trust me).

Favorite TJs items:
Smuckers diet grapefruit juice (with vodka! yum!)
Just the clusters vanilla & almond
Greek yogurt - especially the honey flavor
Organic butter (I swear it tastes better than other butter)

[MsRo]

Were they the regular potstickers or the Thai potstickers?

The Thai ones. I'll have to go back (oh, darn! ;)) to see if I missed the others.

[Amuse Bouche]

I think they stopped carrying the others -- their manufacturer went out of business or something.

I just tried the lobster ravioli (I think a new item) and it was very good. Also LOVE the roasted red pepper and tomato soup (in a box) and the Tarte D'alsace.

[trishcutie]

I recently bought the chocolate-covered frozen bananas in the ice cream section - oh. my-god. SO GOOD!

I also love the egg rolls, both veggie and chicken, the frozen spinach artichoke dip, the reduced fat bean burritos and the frozen artichoke hearts for recipes.

Hmmm, what else? Their pico de gallo is good, I like the red salsa - spicy!- crinkle cut fries and the frozen veggie fried rice.

[alootikki]

My latest TJ treat is to buy a box of the frozen chocolate chip cookie dough - they are little individual balls of dough. I couldn't tell you how they bake - because DH and I are addicted to eating them raw :o So good, and portion controlled :)

[bethnjim]

Anyone know if there are other potstickers other than vegtable? Chicken or pork? The veggie ones were not so good. :cool:

The veggie ones are NASTY. We love the chicken ones though and have them with white rice and soy sauce. YUM!!

[chefker]

I just got the latest Fearless flyer in the mail yesterday, and I want to try EVERYTHING! Man. Lots of tasty-sounding stuff for cinco de mayo. I'm intrigued by the make-your-own-salsa kit.

Adaya - the chocolate lava cakes sound completely evil. Putting those on my shopping list. :)

[diam124]

Does anyone know if they are still selling the bean cheese & rice burritos (not frozen)? I love those but our store didn't have them the last time I was there and I didn't see the sign for them either.

[Bloomwood]

I had their vegan soba noodle bowl for lunch. It was so yummy. I wish I'd bought more. And, only 200 calories, minimal fat.

[mgrace]

My latest TJ treat is to buy a box of the frozen chocolate chip cookie dough - they are little individual balls of dough. I couldn't tell you how they bake - because DH and I are addicted to eating them raw :o So good, and portion controlled :)
I was eyeing those last time I was there for the exact same reason--so I could eat raw cookie dough! ;)

Adding that I like the veggie egg rolls. They get super crispy in the oven. Yum!

[AMC]

is it me or has TJ gone up in price? I spent almost $200 in there yesterday with no alcohol! I have never come close to spending that much. Still love it though! ;)

[strwbrygirl]

Has anyone seen the potstickers lately? I'm wondering if my TJ's is the only one that stopped carrying them, or if it's a chain-wide thing. I'm looking for the ones that used to be in the clear bags, if that helps.

[bethnjim]

We have potstickers in our store still.

Also, recently tried their flounder stuffed with crab meat....YUM!! They are to die for!! They are individually packed and cost $2.99 per piece, but they are bigger pieces.

[Hello Kitty]

Has anyone seen the potstickers lately? I'm wondering if my TJ's is the only one that stopped carrying them, or if it's a chain-wide thing. I'm looking for the ones that used to be in the clear bags, if that helps.

Yep - in Chicago, no potstickers in the clear bag. I'm so sad b/c those were a really yummy quick thing to eat. I asked and they said they were discontinued. I did get some 'Thai Vegetable Gyoza' - but they're definitely not the same.

I'm not really feeling TJs. I am finding that a lot of the 'must have' things are the pre-prepared, on the go items. And it's not that I'm against eating that way, but I usually come back from there with great ideas for things to make (I'm a cheapskate mainly)

What are your favorite ingredient/staple type foods?
- 2 buck chuck for cooking wine
- goat cheese
- the elusive 5 grain blend (they're out every time I'm there!)
- hummus (which I've tried to make but fail miserably :p)

[mgrace]

Has anyone seen the veggie egg rolls? They have been out of them the last 3 or 4 times I've been there.

[chinita]

Has anyone seen the potstickers lately? I'm wondering if my TJ's is the only one that stopped carrying them, or if it's a chain-wide thing. I'm looking for the ones that used to be in the clear bags, if that helps.

I was told by one of the stocker that the company that makes it for them folded and they haven't found a new one yet. Luckily for me, I prefer the authentic Chinese potstickers from our local Chinese supermarket 99 Ranch (http://www.99ranch.com/Default.asp)anyways. For anyone interested, the O'Tasty brand ones are my favorite.

[JamBray]

Has anyone seen the veggie egg rolls? They have been out of them the last 3 or 4 times I've been there.
Are you talking about the ones with tofu and (I think) sprouts in them? If so, I just bought some about a week ago.

[mgrace]

Thanks JamBray! I actually found them at our store on Saturday.

Has anyone seen acai products? I heard that they have acai juice and sorbet, but didn't see it, aside from mango acai juice.

[Adaya]

Thanks JamBray! I actually found them at our store on Saturday.

Has anyone seen acai products? I heard that they have acai juice and sorbet, but didn't see it, aside from mango acai juice.

I haven't yet, but I hope they start to carry more. I'll be on the lookout the next time I go which will be this weekend.

[miel]

We've been eating the salmon patties and they were surprisingly good!

My pre-schooler LOVES them. I was so surprised. She ate one and a half and then smelled like salmon for a day or two. Ew! I'm still feeding them to her though because salmon is so good for you.

One time she ate three TJs garlic chicken sausages and REEKED of garlic for days. But she's so cute we forgave her. The girl loves her protein, that's for sure.

[LeslieR]

I went to TJ's today with some friends and loaded up on items we've never tried. I made the vegetable tempura, chicken potstickers, chicken fried rice, and chicken stir fry for dinner tonight. So, so, so yummy. I am stuffed. Tomorrow we're going to have artichoke tortellini. Can't wait to try that!

I almost bought the flounder stuffed with crab meat, but I chickened out. lol Now after reading this thread, I wish I would have bought it. I did buy some frozen mahi mahi, though. We'll see how that goes.

[miel]

The breaded tilapia filets are good. But almost all breading. Still, it's really crunchy.

[LittleFredPunkinHead]

I can't leave Trader Joe's without some dried fruit and nuts. I love making up a salad with butter lettuces, spring mix or spinach and tossing in some dried cranberries, blueberries, and/or cherries, and then topping it with goat cheese or feta and some chopped nuts. It's my one guaranteed way to get DH to eat some greens.

The other day I picked up some dried, unsweetened, unsulfured pineapple rings, but I don't think I can do that again... I thought they'd be good in a salad but I can't stop eating them plain!

[LeslieR]

TJ's Chocolatey Coated Chocolate Chip Dunkers...pure evil!

[Maggie8202]

TJ's Chocolatey Coated Chocolate Chip Dunkers...pure evil!

I totally agree!!

[chinita]

I can't leave Trader Joe's without some dried fruit and nuts. I love making up a salad with butter lettuces, spring mix or spinach and tossing in some dried cranberries, blueberries, and/or cherries, and then topping it with goat cheese or feta and some chopped nuts. It's my one guaranteed way to get DH to eat some greens.

The other day I picked up some dried, unsweetened, unsulfured pineapple rings, but I don't think I can do that again... I thought they'd be good in a salad but I can't stop eating them plain!

Totally agree! I do the goat cheese and nut salad regularly too. I use walnut, dried berries and sometimes fresh grapes or apples.

The "Just Mangoes" are great too. No added sugar or sulfur either. They make another version that has sugar. Too sweet for me.

I also buy the unsalted almonds for a heart healthy snacks and to put in my yogurt.

[Sevilla]

Wonton chips rock! The Chinese Mustard flavor in particular is just such a great snack.

I also am enjoying the new Sweet Potato Chips - they taste just like sweet potato.

And their mini cinnamon raisin bagels :).

[LeslieR]

I made the mahi mahi for dinner last night. It was soooo good! I grilled it for 7 minutes on each side just like the directions said, but it stuck to the grill quite a bit.:( I was surprised that it stuck so much since the package itself was full of olive oil (and seasonings). Any tricks?

[dana b]

we make that mahi mahi in foil pouches w/ some of the marinade in there -- either in the oven or on the grill.

[Adaya]

I bought carne asada yesterday. Does anyone know if I cook it in the oven, what temp I would cook it on and for how long?

[diam124]

Doesn't it say on the label? I seem to remember there being cooking instructions (very small writing).

[Adaya]

Doesn't it say on the label? I seem to remember there being cooking instructions (very small writing).

It only gives instructions to put it on the grill it and for a number of reasons, I either can't or don't want to grill it. It's gonna be around 94 degrees today and tomorrow, plus I can't grill on the balcony where I live. I usually drag my grill downstairs to the grassy area, but I'm really not in the mood for that b/c I haven't used this particular grill in a loooooong time and I'm gonna have to wash it and all that jazz.

So I'm feeling the oven for my carne asada.

[diam124]

Oh, ok. I grill it, so I knew there were instructions for that.

[kugrrly]

I really wish there was a TJ near me. All of the food sounds quite tasty!

[eponymous]

Today I tried the Organic 3-cheese pizza for the first time - sooo good!

[mgrace]

Today I tried the Organic 3-cheese pizza for the first time - sooo good!
That is pretty tasty. I like the spinach, too.

I like the Mango juice with Acai. Tasty!

[SiValleySteph]

I finally tried the Korma simmer sauce and I'm in love.

We had it with cubed tofu and fresh tomato. So good, I let it cook down nice and thick and served it over rice. Next time I will add even more tomato.

[Lizzy]

You all have given me so many ideas for things to try...

My additions:
-Last night I tried the tuna steaks and wasn't too thrilled.
-A few nights ago we had the gorgonzola gnocchi with vodka sauce, that was pretty good.
-The pinot grigio they had was also tasty (can't remember the name, it was the cheapest one though!)
-I haven't really cared for any of the chicken sausages I've tried. Just not enough flavor.
-Have tried several varities of salsas, all have been great.

Has anyone tried the mojito salmon they have right now?

[Adaya]

Love love love the profiteroles! They are in the frozen section. The chocolate sauce that comes in the box is delish too. :)

[chefker]

TJ's has some olive tapenade (not the glass-jarred stuff--this stuff is in the refrigerated case) that is SO freaking good...I could eat a LOT of it, spread on ciabatta. Mmmm!

What's everyone's favorite appetizer/finger foods from TJ's? I'm having a few of the girls over for some wine this weekend, and we'll need some snacks, to be sure. :)

[laura]

I am currently hooked on chocolate covered cashews from TJ's - so good! We also have the korma sauce in our pantry - got roped in when it was the featured sample a few weeks back. My favorite sauce is the red thai curry, though - yum!

[venezia]

Lizzy,
I made the mojito salmon last night, and it was delicious. I wasn't expecting it to be that great because it was frozen, but I was pleasantly surprised. I served it with the Cuban style black beans and canned corn, and voila, dinner!

[Gatsby]

The Mango Vanilla Soy Cream is yummy :p Reminiscent of the old orange creamsicles from back in the day.

[joanne511]

Oh, I'm so glad to hear a positive review of the mojito salmon! I haven't bought any yet because our neighbors gave us quite a bit of salmon they caught this season that we're working through.

Our usual favorites are:
Pizza dough - DH makes a mean pizza and calzone
Toppings for pizzas/calzones: spinach, mushrooms, cheese, etc.
Frozen garlic naan
Battered halibut and shrimp
Garlic fries
Pineapple and mango salsas
Hummus (my fave is the tomato basil)

Yesterday they were giving samples of their mango lemonade. Delish! I bought a bottle of it and am exercising my willpower. I haven't opened it...yet. ;)

[mgrace]

Right now, TJ's has quart sizes of Cherry Garcia for the price of a pint. I also picked up some frozen chocolate croissants. Can't wait to try them!

[Adaya]

Right now, TJ's has quart sizes of Cherry Garcia for the price of a pint. I also picked up some frozen chocolate croissants. Can't wait to try them!

I saw those chocoloate croissants the other day, but stuck my old regulars...profiteroles. Please let me know how they are. I've been thinking about them ever since I left the store. LOL!

[Pine Tree]

I drive an hour and a half once a month just to go to Trader Joes. We go with coolers and freezer packs so we can stock up!

Favourites:
refrigerated ravioli -- love them all
ready to eat Indian meals and frozen naan - some of them are quite spicey
Indonesian green beans in the freezer - come with a sauce packet
Indian relish, red pepper/eggplant dip
dried mango with chili - weird but addictive
mango nectar
mingling olives - sooooo goood - they're in a jar
peanut butter stuffed pretzels
Tawny Port - only $5.99 and so good
frozen risotto

[polarama]

Has anyone seen the Peppermint Jo-Jos in their stores yet? Last year they sold out pretty quickly at the stores near me--this year I want to get them early!

[Smillow]

Polorama - I was just there (Mannasas, VA) Sun. evening and no Peppermint JoJos - I plan on stocking up when I see them - they are soooo good!
I wish they still made the ginger jo-jos.
I always stock up on raw walnut, almonds & cashews & am loving their raw almond butter. And their citron spread - addictive on their sourdough bread.

[Bastille]

I think I saw Peppermint jojos with ice cream...

[TOMama]

Okay, I have to ask-- What are peppermint jojos?

[alisong]

They're chocolate cookies with peppermint cream in the middle. Sort of peppermint Oreos. Very tasty!

[chefker]

Mmm, Jo-jo's. They don't make the ginger ones anymore!?
Crap. I remember eating those when I was PG. :)

Has anyone seen the Winter Blend Coffee at TJ's yet? I LOVE that stuff...IIRC, it usually shows up in stores close to November.

[wine_o_girlie]

I bought the frozen chocolate croissants yesterday - I cannot wait to try them this weekend!

Also, re-stocked on the Apple Blossoms. OMFG, those things are amazing with vanilla ice cream. Seriously, you must try them.

I also got a bunch of stuff for my son who is starting to feed himself (9 months) - turkey meatballs (loved!!!), frozen edamame, hummus, pita, garbanzo beans, black beans, whole milk Greek yogurt, o shaped whole wheat pasta.

Lastly, I bought several bottles of the sparkling Cranberry and Pomegranete juices - these make fabulous hostess gifts for all your holiday season gatherings! :) Especially if you have lots of pregnant/nursing mommas in your crowd who aren't imbibing too much - it's nice for them to still have a "fun" festive drink. Not too mention, they taste darn good mixed with Champagne. :o

[Smillow]

I took a few bottle of TJ's sparkling juices to my parents last year for New Year's. We made ice cream floats with the leftovers - Yummy!

[lilo]

Lastly, I bought several bottles of the sparkling Cranberry and Pomegranete juices - these make fabulous hostess gifts for all your holiday season gatherings! :) Especially if you have lots of pregnant/nursing mommas in your crowd who aren't imbibing too much - it's nice for them to still have a "fun" festive drink. Not too mention, they taste darn good mixed with Champagne. :o

what a great idea. thanks for posting this!

Not sure if this has been posted yet but I've recently bought a few frozen pasta & gnocchi packages and they were pretty good. Heat them up for 3 minutes in the microwave and dinner is done! :)

I've also tried the frozen risotto and the mushroom risotto was pretty good.

[dana b]

Has anyone seen the Winter Blend Coffee at TJ's yet? I LOVE that stuff...IIRC, it usually shows up in stores close to November.

not yet, i've been looking for it every week.

seems like there's much more desserts this year. we've been getting the panna cotta and the double rainbow ice cream is tdf -- i'm eating the pumpkin right now.

[miel]

Winter Blend is sooooo good.

Darn it all why don't they make a decaf version? I'm TTC right now and can't drink reg coffee.

[jenjunum]

cilantro & pecan dip in the refrigerated section is amazing.

oh, and I had an individual broccoli & cheddar quiche that I thought was terrible. no good at all.

[KitKat]

I really like the sausage pizza with cornmeal crust in the "individual" pizza size.

[KitKat]

Pate, anyone?

I love pate and have been curious about the selection at TJs -- it's about half the price of the pate I usually get. Don't want to compromise on quality but their selection looks pretty good!

Anyone tried TJ's pate?

[wine_o_girlie]

We tried the frozen chocolate croissants last weekend and OMFG they are delicious. I left them out to rise overnight and baked them on Saturday morning. Holy crap. I am sure they are terrible, terrible, terrible for you but damn they are good. :)

My son (9 months) is crazy for their turkey meatballs. Great finger food.

[soxgirlie]

I just bought the chocolate croissants this afternoon. I'm so excited to try them now!:D


Has anyone tried the frozen raspberry and brie in phyllo dough appetizer? I was thinking of picking them up for the holidays.

[Adaya]

We tried the frozen chocolate croissants last weekend and OMFG they are delicious. I left them out to rise overnight and baked them on Saturday morning. Holy crap. I am sure they are terrible, terrible, terrible for you but damn they are good. :)



Thanks for the review on those. They are so coming home with me next time I go there.

[Sevilla]

I am loving the frozen Veggie Masala burgers ('fake indian food' according to Dh). When I want a late-night snack, they are so fast and really pretty healthy!

[luvnbeng]

DH and I recently tried their cioppino (sp?). It is so good!!

[Amuse Bouche]

I got a tip to make their pumpkin bread mix subbing in their pumpkin butter for the oil in the recipe. It's SO good -- and low fat, to boot!

[mgrace]

Still haven't tried the chocolate croissants. Must do that!

I love their frozen pineapple. It is sooo sweet and yummy. I was also happy to see Annie's Microwaveable Mac N Cheese.

[j*east]

I'm looking for appetizers for a crowd, so I went through this thread and made a big list. Here it is in case anyone else wants it.

Trader Joe’s Appetizer List

frozen crab cake bites
frozen shrimp wraps, mushroom turnovers, spanikopita
vegetable samosas (frozen)
TJ mini chicken tacos
Spinach Tofu Eggrolls

Soy + Flax Seed Tortilla Chips
Soy Barbeque Crips
Pita Chips
Low Carb Doritos
-cheddar potato chips
-soy & flax seed chips
flavored nuts
sea salt pita chips
crackers

Tzatziki Sauce
blue cheese pecan dip
kalmata olive hummus is to die for!
-pico de gallo (used to be cilantro salsa)
fat free chili con queso dip
original hummus
60% brie
Smoky Black Bean Dip (fat free)
creamy spinach artichoke dip (frozen)
5/6/7 (?) layer dip

I'm not getting all of this stuff, but the list was helpful in forming an appetizer menu.

[LeslieR]

I'm looking for appetizers for a crowd, so I went through this thread and made a big list. .

What a great idea! Now can you make a list for all of the other food categories?:p

[Adaya]

Can someone tell me about the blue cheese pecan dip? Sounds interesting and possibly yummy.

[Sevilla]

I just bought the Peppermint Jo-Jo's (basically candy cane oreos) and they are SO good. Wow. I wish they had those year-round!

I also like their Mojito Salmon.

I will no longer buy tilapia from them though b/c it is farm-raised in China and I don't trust the quality of what the fish are fed based on articles about chinese fish farming that I have read. (you can google it and find Consumer Reports articles about things like the carcinogen Malachite Green fed to fish in China).

[polarama]

I tried the Sea Salt Brownie Petites last week and those are delicious! The brownies are moist and the sea salt adds a nice dimension. The pieces are way too "petite" for me though...

[jki]

I can't stop eating the Peppermint Joe Joe's. Someone stop me!

A good hot appetizer is the feta/carmelized onion tarts... they're in the frozen section, 12 to a box and they are VERY tasty!

I bought a box of the chocolate croissants - can't wait to try them!

[dana b]

I bought a box of the chocolate croissants - can't wait to try them!

oh yum, i ate all four :o

[mgrace]

Sevilla, I haven't bought the fish for the same reason as you. That said, I did read an article about a month ago (I'll see if I can find it) that said that TJ's is phasing out China products.

[LittleFredPunkinHead]

I picked up dark chocolate covered edamame the other day- yum!
Dark chocolate, 7 grams of soy protein and 5 grams of fiber per snack, and it tastes like chocolate covered peanuts but crunchier... Wonderful!

[diam124]

I made TJ's frozen latkes for the first night of Hanukkah and I thought they were delicious (and easy too)!

[princesse]

OMG this thread is giving me the motivation to get there again! They have great chocolate covered, filled strawberries.

[Adaya]

I stopped in the other day to pick up a dessert to take to a Christmas party, but there were so many yummy looking ones to choose from. So I asked a store associate for a suggestion and he said Key Lime pie b/c a lot of holiday desserts are really sweet and this would be a nice change.

He was right and it was soooooooo good! He also suggested serving it with whipped cream to cut the tartness and it was a perfect compliment. Everyone at the party raved about that pie all day. It's so fresh tasting, and just so darn delish. Even the crust is awesome!

[alisong]

Can someone tell me about the blue cheese pecan dip? Sounds interesting and possibly yummy.We bought this for Thanksgiving appetizers, and it was delicious! Highly recommended. It's probably a little too thick to dip - we spread it on crusty bread.

[Adaya]

We bought this for Thanksgiving appetizers, and it was delicious! Highly recommended. It's probably a little too thick to dip - we spread it on crusty bread.

Thanks for the review. When I was there the other day I asked if they had it. The guy told me that it was a west coast product and wasn't sure if or when they'd get it here. Boooooooo!! :(

[diam124]

Another yummy thing I bought lately is the Organic Lentil Soup in the microwave containers. I think it's really good and filling and perfect for rainy/snowy days when I want to eat at my desk and not go outside.

[{b}]

We must have the tiniest TJs ever. I can't ever find half the stuff you all rave about! Wahhh!

[maybebaby]

Ooh--the TJs latkes are good.

Lately, I've been loving the frozen mangos.

[mgrace]

I love their mozzerella string cheese. :) I buy my Preserve toothbrushes there and just bought their laundry detergent to try.

[mgrace]

The chocolate croissants are soooooo good. Must buy another box.

[MsRo]

Afternoon ladies! I'm making (basically) my first trip to Trader Joe's tonight and I'm looking for 5-10 suggestions on things to try. Throw them out!

Thanks!

[mar5195]

The Gnochi is great.
Mac & Cheese (the frozen kind) is yummy taste homemade!
I love their steelcut oatmeal (again frozen)
Shepard's pie
Green Chili Cheese Tamales
Orange Chicken


That's all I can think of. :)

[Adaya]

Mac & Cheese (the frozen kind) is yummy taste homemade!



Darn, I was in there tonight and looked at the mac and cheese. I almost picked it up. Next time....

[wine_o_girlie]

I think TJ's cheese selection is fantastic - both in price and quality. It's vastly superior to my other local supermarkets. I am a huge fan of their truffle cheese. :)

In terms of prepared food, we love their hummus (roasted red pepper), apple blossoms, latkes (frozen), tarte d'alsace, frozen quiches, and frozen french toast. The frozen chocolate croissants are to die for! The frozen lava cakes are also good for a special Valentine's Day treat. :) I also like their meat selections. We also buy a lot of their soups in the carton and free range organic chicken stock.

The only thing I am not crazy about is their produce. I prefer a local organic market for that. HTH. Have fun!

[Adaya]

IThe frozen chocolate croissants are to die for! The frozen lava cakes are also good for a special Valentine's Day treat. :)

Oh snap, I don't think I came back to report on the chocolate croissants. Lawd ha' mercy! Those things are killer.

And I can't get enough of those lava cakes w/ vanilla ice cream. No wonder I can't lose any dang weight. ;)

[MsRo]

Here's what I can remember picking up last night:

Chicken fried rice
Gorganzola Gnocchi
Steel Cut Oatmeal
Chicken Potstickers
Chocolate croissants
Salty, Sweet and Nutty Trex Mix
Banana Crisps
Potato and Cheese Perogie

I feel like I got more than that...but can't remember!

[diam124]

I love the sweet & salty trek mix! It's addictive.

[dana b]

ooh, we've had the raspberry creme brulee a few times now -- it's awesome. they come in terra cotta ramekins, straight from france! you have to broil/torch the sugar yourself though.

[mar5195]

Darn, I was in there tonight and looked at the mac and cheese. I almost picked it up. Next time....


I never made the blue box stricly homemade, I gave him some and he told me it was the best I ever made!

[ausi2b]

I had their turkey chili (from a can) last night and it was really good! I added some shredded cheddar and sour cream and both DS and DH loved it. It is only like $1.50 a can (I used 2 cans) so I'm definitely going to buy some more to stock up for those nights where I just don't feel like cooking, but don't feel like going out either. Plus, scooping it up with fritos always helps! :)

[wine_o_girlie]

We had the frozen garlic naan last night and it was amazing. Seriously, it seemed impossible that it had been previously frozen. We had it with chicken thighs marinated in greek yogurt and cumin, rice pilaf with red peppers and onions, and cucumber slices. OMG, it was so good!

[lawgirl4]

"We had the frozen garlic naan last night and it was amazing."

isn't it the best? I lived in India on 2 occasions and had a live-in cook both times, and this naan is as good as anything I ever had there. I am addicted! :)

[Anna Low]

Can anyone recommend another simmer sauce besides the curry one? We love the curry but want to try something a bit different.

[Sevilla]

The Cuban Mojito sauce is great!

[Surftraitor]

Our TJ Loves...

Frozen:
Penne Arabiata
French Toast
Naan
Chicken Enchiladas
Mini Tacos--beef or chicken
Mochi
Soy corn dogs

Not Frozen:
Hummus--the BEST!
Mozzerella stuffed chicken
Cranberry Pumpkin Bread
"The worlds best mix"--almonds, cashews, cranberry, cherry
Enchilada sauce
Curry simmer sauce
Balsamic Dressing
Carrot Orange Juice
Whole Wheat Tortillas
chicken Lasagne
Joe Joe's cookies - Try the peppermint ones at Holiday time.

I only have one dislike...
Vodka sauce

[steelcitymama]

just discovered this thread and will have to try some of your favorites!

i love the cheese selection
chianti salami (in sage colored butcher paper in the meat section)
sweet & spicy pecans --addictive
sharon's coconut sorbet
multigrain & flaxseed water crackers
greek yogurt

when i was there a few days ago i picked up some organic frozen veggies to puree for DD (way cheaper than anywhere else) and some frozen mango pieces...a ton of other things too, but now i can't remember..

[Sevilla]

multigrain & flaxseed water crackers

I love these with TJ's hummus!

[mgrace]

I love the frozen naan, too. Yummy.

They were out of frozen pineapple when I went last time. Boo.

[wine_o_girlie]

Another recent find is the lobster bisque. In my store they had it heated up and served over tortellini. It made a good sauce and I never would have thought to do that. I simply eated up the bisque, added in some chopped basil, and served it over some fettuccine. Really good and easy for a weeknight dinner!

[charmcitygirl]

the tomato bisque makes a nice sauce for tortellini or ravioli too.

[Adaya]

Another recent find is the lobster bisque.

Lobster bisque? I didn't think I could find another thing to add to my list. I can't wait to go back.

[Rose]

This is a silly one but I love there organic pre sliced apples. I need all the help I can get with eating fruit & veggies and they are so crisp and sweet. They last a long time as well.

[bethnjim]

We recently tried the french toast and chocolate croissants...we are addicted!! Not great for my diet!:rolleyes:

[mgrace]

i just bought some Thai Yellow Curry simmer sauce. Can't wait to try it!

[meggiedarlin]

I had the lobster bisque and thought it was only so-so.

Has anyone made the mushroom risotto (sp?)?? I made it (making chicken stock from the soup cubes) and it was waaay too salty. I ended up throwing it away.

[yby1]

I had the lobster bisque and thought it was only so-so.

Has anyone made the mushroom risotto (sp?)?? I made it (making chicken stock from the soup cubes) and it was waaay too salty. I ended up throwing it away.


The one in the freezer section? I've made it twice. I don't think it's very good. It's actually really really awful.

[meggiedarlin]

No, actually, it was in a box. So, I guess the news of the day is that TJ doesn't doe risotto well.

[alisong]

No, actually, it was in a box. So, I guess the news of the day is that TJ doesn't doe risotto well.We eat the box risotto all the time - it's wonderfully foolproof, and doesn't require constant stirring! I think perhaps it was a mistake to make the stock from cubes - aren't they usually pretty high in salt? I use boxed broth, and I am careful not to add anything salty. I also add a bunch of extra vegetables, which probably helps to absorb some of the sodium. I guess you could try not adding the entire flavor packet as well.

[Anna Low]

We've tried the frozen risotto. It was ok - a bit bland - but decent as a side dish. Definitely not something I would make a special TJ trip for. The simmer sauces and chocolate croissants are a different story entirely! I also bought some of the thai yellow curry. Can it be used in the same manner as the other simmer sauces? In other words, simmered for a few hours on low in my crockpot?

[Mooshie]

The frozen mushroom risotto is good is you add more mushrooms. You can saute them all together in one pan. (with a little more butter)

[meatpie]

Went to a cooking class and she used mainly Trader Joes items.

This dish was AMAZING and I'll be making it for Easter

Pasta dish with bacon and butter
Pasta (dry in bag, comes in spirals, can use fettucine), eggs (use yellow yolks for better presentation), prosciutto (3-4 oz of imported from Italy if possible from TJs).

4 oz (115 gr) butter
1 large scallion, finely chopped
4 oz (115 gr) prosciutto, diced
3 eggs
4 oz (120 gr) parmigiano reggiano cheese, freshly grated
2 tablespoons heavy cream

salt and pepper

For a lamb roman style dish she used "salt pork" or cubed pancetta (and then trimmed the fat some) from TJs.

And finally she used artichokes from TJs (4 to a pack) for this AMAZING recipe:

Artichokes Roman Style
1 large juicy lemon, cut in half
4 artichokes
1 bunch of Italian parsley
2 cloves of garlic
salt and pepper
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 glass of waterChop the parsley and the garlic very finely and mix them together.Clean the artichokes as indicated on my webpageThe artichoke season in Italy begins in December, with the first produce arriving from Sicily, and the season ends in spring with the last artichokes coming from the country around Rome. The artichokes from the area around Rome are large and tender, and one variety in particular, called “cimaroli” (literally “those that grow on the top”) are the best ones. Large, globe-like, full of pulp, and with tender leaves, they are picked early, before they develop the unpleasant tough chokes inside.

This dish is good when served warm or lukewarm. If cold, let the artichokes come to room temperature. Avoid warming them for a second time, otherwise their taste will have an unpleasant tang.

Artichokes Roman Style generally are dressed with Mentuccia (Calamintha Officinalis), a type of mint with very small leaves that spontaneously grows in the Rome area. Difficult to find in the United States, the mint can be substituted with parsley instead.Fill a large bowl with fresh water. Squeeze half lemon in the water. Reserve the other half.
After cleaning each artichoke, as indicated in my webpage, rub the outside of the artichoke with the rest of the half-lemon and then place the artichoke in the bowl. Placing the artichoke in lemon water will prevent it from discoloring.
Repeat the step until all the artichokes are clean.Uncover the pan and turn the heat to high. Fry artichokes for a few minutes, turning them carefully on all sides, until the outer and bottom leaves of the artichokes are brown. Serve warm with the cooking oil.Rinse the artichokes in fresh water to remove the lemon flavor, drain well, shake away the excess water, and pat them with a cloth.Rub the outsides and the insides with salt and pepper. Insert the mix of parsley and garlic uniformly among the leaves. Place the artichokes in a large saucepan with stems up and leaves down. Add the extra-virgin olive oil and the water. Cover the pan, place paper towels between the pan and the lid, closing it as tightly as possible. Steam will form in the pan while the artichokes are cooking. The paper will prevent the steam from escaping and the artichokes will cook uniformly. Turn the heat to medium and cook for about 20 – 30 minutes. Cooking time may vary, depending on the quality and size of the artichokes. After about 20 minutes test for readiness. When the artichokes are ready, you will be able to easily insert a fork in the thick part of the stem.

[cela-bela]

We tried the curried chicken tenders a few nights ago. BARF!! Oh my God, they were SO disguisting we had to throw them out after the first bite. I was so disappointed :(.

[ausi2b]

Dropped a small fortune at TJ's this weekend since DH will be in Vegas most of the week. Got my usual faves:

fettucine alfredo (from the freezer section)
spinach and ricotta ravioli
turkey meatballs
citrus chicken with veggies and cashews
mandarin orange chicken
teriyaki bbq chicken

And a few other things that I can't remember.

[mgrace]

I went to Trader Joe's over the weekend to pick up a few things and ended up spending $80. :o We had mandarin orange chicken and veggie egg rolls last night. For some reason the veggie egg rolls weren't as tasty as normal.

[Mooshie]

Had to seek out this thread to rave about a new thing I found at TJ's!

Trader Joe's Barbeque Popped Potato Chips

They are so yummy! I'm having trouble not wolfing down the whole bag.

[Rosebud]

My favorite new discovery at Trader Joe's:

Soy Creamy Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream

OMG, it is incredible. I'm not a big soy ice cream person, but this doesn't taste like soy at all and is filled with big chunks of chocolate and cherries. I might have eaten the whole carton if my DH hadn't intervened. :o

[Cr8nme]

I moved back to MD and there is a TJ's 5 minutes from my job!

I love:

Meatballs
Chilli marinated talapia
Frozen mixed veggies with balsamic glaze
Raosted potatoes with onions and peppers
Bags of boneless skinless chicken thighs/breasts
BBQ/Terriyaki chicken(frozen)
Cheeses
Heat and eat veggies
Low fat organic yogurt
Maple-pecan granola
Vanilla cluster granola
gnocchi
Marinated chicken breast(frozen)
Enchilladas
croissants(bake and eat)
Fruit bars
honey sesame coated cashews
southwestern salsa
sun dried tomatoes
feta/olive tapenade

Thats all I can think of for now but I love it there!

[Ellyn]

My favorite new discovery at Trader Joe's:

Soy Creamy Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream

OMG, it is incredible. I'm not a big soy ice cream person, but this doesn't taste like soy at all and is filled with big chunks of chocolate and cherries. I might have eaten the whole carton if my DH hadn't intervened. :o

Question for you - is this dairy free? DS is allergic to dairy and we've found Trader Joes to be a lifesaver for unusual products (like Snapeas and freeze dried fruit)

[jarm]

Has anyone ever had the steamer clams in the freezer from Trader Joe's? Just wondering how they are before I buy some. TIA!

[Rosebud]

Question for you - is this dairy free? DS is allergic to dairy and we've found Trader Joes to be a lifesaver for unusual products (like Snapeas and freeze dried fruit)

I'm not sure. We eat it because DH has some trouble with dairy-- but he's not actually allergic or intolerant so I've never looked through the ingredients carefully. Sadly, we ate our last carton and I can't go check the label for you. Sorry to not be of any help. The next time we get it I'll post. :)

[cactus]

I love TJs in general, but both DH and I think the one product we cannot live without is the White Cheddar Soy Crisps. OMG, they are addictive! Other brands at other stores have similar things, but they are far inferior, IMO. We buy about 3 bags at a time. :rolleyes:

[Ellyn]

The trader joes closest to us is over an hour away. We'll have a chance to go there next Thursday and would like to get some things... I see that many of you have mentioned the sauces - are those frozen or refrig? Where do I find them? Any certain one we should try? What do you put it on?

TIA!

[Ellyn]

bumping this up...anyone? we're going on Thursday. :)

[Anna Low]

Ellyn, here is what I normally get:

Chocolate croissants
Simmer Sauces (except the masala - DH hates that one)
2 buck Chuck (otherwise known as the Trader Joe's wine)
any other wine that looks interesting
trail mix (almonds, cranberries and cashews)
almonds
granola bars
steel cut oats
naan (lots of naan)
hummus
pita
Jo-Jo's (chocolate with vanilla center)
anything else that looks interesting

Have fun! We live a long way away and bring our cooler for the perishables!

[Pine Tree]

Simmer sauces are just on the shelf near things like beans.

[yby1]

Most of the sauces are jarred in the aisles. I'm fond of the korma simmer sauce. It's especially good with eggplant, frozen naan and India relish (though I fear that TJ's has discontinues the India relish, I haven't seen it in awhile :(). The pinjur sauce is a favorite too, it's good in a stew or on top of a slice of french bread with a bit of goat cheese (which you can get at a great price in TJ's :)) The Thai yellow curry sauce is tasty with some chicken, chunks of pineapple and cilantro, over jasmine rice. I like the vodka pasta sauce with the parpadelle pasta and sweet Italian sausage. The mediterranean hummus is tasty too. You can get FAGE yogurt at a good price too. I love the frozen chocolate croissants (proof overnight and bake).

Just stroll in and see what catches your eye, that's the best way to shop at TJ's. :) They usually have a "fearless flyer" near the entrance where the describe new goodies.

[Renrel]

In the frozen foods section, near peas and vegis they carry herbs frozen into teaspoon size squares,I forget the brand name but I think it starts with a "d". They have garlic, basil and cilentro and maybe dill. We use the garlic all the time. So convenient and I don't find that off taste I do in the prechopped bottle versions.

The waffle butter cookies (near the ice cream) are delicous and the ingredients are all things you would have in your own pantry and fridge. I made some somores a few weeks ago with these and a slice of banana, a few mini marshmellow and a few chocolet chips, oh man were they good.

I liked the mixed dried fruit bits, so much less expensive than the smaller name brand kinds in the supermarket, when I can find a mixed bag in the supermarket. I love these in cereal and for trail mix.

DH does not like their eggs. He thinks the shell break to easily. Too bad, the price is good.

[Rosebud]

Question for you - is this dairy free? DS is allergic to dairy and we've found Trader Joes to be a lifesaver for unusual products (like Snapeas and freeze dried fruit)

We have some now and I looked at the ingredients. No dairy in the listed ingredients, but there's a note that says the product is made on shared equipment that touches dairy and eggs. So, maybe not best if there's an allergy to consider. Bummer!

[Sevilla]

I just bought a bottle of their new Wild Blueberry Syrup. It is soooooo good. I've been mixing it with plain yogurt and it's delicious.

I was shocked at how expensive their maple syrup has gotten - six months ago it was 10.99 or 11.99/bottle and now it's 17.99/bottle!

[Sarah]

I just bought a bottle of their new Wild Blueberry Syrup. It is soooooo good. I've been mixing it with plain yogurt and it's delicious.

I was shocked at how expensive their maple syrup has gotten - six months ago it was 10.99 or 11.99/bottle and now it's 17.99/bottle!

Does your TJs have an explanation? Ours has a little sign up explaining something about bee shortages or tree problems or bears or something and that their wholesale price has gone way up.

[Sevilla]

I didn't notice an explanation when I was there this past weekend - but it was really surprising to me.

[Ellyn]

So we went to TJs yesterday and picked up quite a bit of freeze dried fruit, some snack mixes and rice crisps, a simmer sauce, and some dried fruit and fruit bars...so nice to go somewhere that we can easily find dairy free stuff. :)

We have some now and I looked at the ingredients. No dairy in the listed ingredients, but there's a note that says the product is made on shared equipment that touches dairy and eggs. So, maybe not best if there's an allergy to consider. Bummer!

THanks for looking...we found some fudge swirl soy ice cream at our local supermarket. We usually ignore the "shared on" labeling for things because DS's allergy is a level 2 on the scale of 0-6. We do not buy "may contain" items, though. MOst of TJ's stuff is "made in a facility that processes..." label, and that's ok IMO.

[mgrace]

Sevilla, wow on the syrup. I have a bottle of blueberry maple syrup that I bought a long time ago and just opened. It's good.

[mgrace]

I just recently made more of the chocolate croissants. Oh my. Best thing ever.

[steelcitymama]

i'm visiting my parents and 5 min from a TJ's...i need to check out the chocolate croissants. i used to live here too and they were always out of them whenever i went! it's been awhile since i checked though...i'm preg and could sure use some chocolate croissants! :)

[Adaya]

I just recently made more of the chocolate croissants. Oh my. Best thing ever.

They really are. I just bought some over the weekend.

~~~~
Not sure if I ever mentioned how much I love their key lime pie and sweet potato fries. Soooo good!

[Sposa06]

The closest grocery store to the house DH and I just bought is a TJ's. This could be dangerous! I will definitely have to get a key lime pie this week to celebrate. I loooove key lime pie--thanks for the tip!

[wine_o_girlie]

Some new favorites for us:

Frozen pepper strips medley - red, green, and yellow pepper strips. They are fantastic!!! I used to buy peppers and would oftentimes have them go bad before we would use them up. I usually HATE frozen veggies but these are awesome. I use them in stir fries, quesadillas, tacos, etc. Very, very handy for us.

Frozen chicken shumai - SO good! We only have one restaurant in the area that does good dim sum and it's only on the weekends. Sometimes a girl gets a mid-week dim sum craving. ;) These are great. I steamed them for 6 minutes and then quickly pan sauteed them in a touch of olive oil. Fabulous!

Frozen Korean short ribs - yummy! Fantastic marinade and they grilled up in a flash and were very tender.

Pumpkin bread mix - I modify this a bit and give loaves of it to friends in the fall. To the mix I add a half cup of pumpkin puree, one egg, a whole zucchini that has been shredded/minced in a Cuisinart, a couple tablespoons of water if too thick, and lots of semi-sweet chocolate chips. So good! Great way to get veggies into my son.

Their little 4 oz. whole milk yogurt cups are soooooo good for young kids learning to self-feed. They are *so* much thicker than Yo Baby and cheaper too. My son makes a gigantic mess with Yo Baby but a minimal mess with TJ's. :p It only comes in two different flavor packs - bluberry/vanilla and banana/strawberry. There are 6 in a package. I do not buy Yo Baby yogurt anymore.

My son loves the snap pea crisps in the snack aisle. Great quick snack for him.

[Anna Low]

Hmmm. I've not had the Key Lime Pie. It is in my top 5 of all-time favorite desserts! Is it frozen? In what section should I look for this new treat?

[Adaya]

Some new favorites for us:

Frozen pepper strips medley - red, green, and yellow pepper strips. They are fantastic!!! I used to buy peppers and would oftentimes have them go bad before we would use them up. I usually HATE frozen veggies but these are awesome. I use them in stir fries, quesadillas, tacos, etc. Very, very handy for us.



Thanks so much for that tip. I didn't know TJs sold frozen peppers. It's so true about the peppers going bad before using. I buy them, but usually only need half or a little less and the rest would go to waste.

I can't wait to go back to TJs and get some.

[Adaya]

Hmmm. I've not had the Key Lime Pie. It is in my top 5 of all-time favorite desserts! Is it frozen? In what section should I look for this new treat?

It's in the frozen section. And I swear it's about the best I've ever had. It's not too sweet, but more on the tart side. I swear it tastes homemade with a buttery graham-cracker crust and fresh squeezed limes. OMG, it's so good.

[jarm]

That sounds good...I'll have to check it out next time I go. Thanks for the heads up!

[BusyBee21]

Snapea Crisps are my new favorite snack. Hopefully DS will like them, too! thanks for the tip, wine o!

[yby1]

I heard they discontinued the key lime pie in September. :(

[Sevilla]

I heard they discontinued the key lime pie in September. :(
I went to TJ's last week and it was gone and discontinued :(.

BUT - i picked up a peppermint joe-joe's cheesecake instead for just $1.99. :)

[steelcitymama]

i love the snap peas too! i'd never had them before, but my parents happened to have some around while we were visiting and they were so yummy! DD and i both loved them, so i picked up a few bags for us. :) of course, as always, they were out of the chocolate croissants so i have yet to try them!

[Sposa06]

I went to see about key lime pies the other day, and didn't see any. Bummer! On the plus side, the vegetable shu mai are delicious! They come 18 to a pack for $2.99 a pack, and I got three lunches out of one package--a dollar a day for lunch! That's gonna be so hard to beat that I am thinking I'll just get them again this week. :)

[laura]

Has anyone noticed the quality of the fresh items has fallen off lately at your local TJ's? Maybe it is just ours, but the fruit and veggies at TJ's lately has been horrible. We generally go to the Farmer's Market to get local stuff but we couldn't make it this week; we had to go to Whole Foods b/c we couldn't find any good looking fruit at TJ's. We have also recently found things like garlic, onions, etc to be on the strong/old side. Anyone else?

[apoppy]

I've noticed that at mine for quite awhile. I rarely buy produce there as a result.

[diam124]

Has anyone noticed the quality of the fresh items has fallen off lately at your local TJ's? Maybe it is just ours, but the fruit and veggies at TJ's lately has been horrible. We generally go to the Farmer's Market to get local stuff but we couldn't make it this week; we had to go to Whole Foods b/c we couldn't find any good looking fruit at TJ's. We have also recently found things like garlic, onions, etc to be on the strong/old side. Anyone else?

YES! I usually don't buy a ton of produce from them because so many things are sold in bunches rather than individual pieces, but I bought a large bag of potatoes and a little thing of 4-5 avocados during my last trip. Only half of the potatoes were usable and one at the very bottom even had bugs on it (unfortunately I didn't realize that until I had already made the dish I was making!). Every single one of the avocados was moldy inside. I was really disappointed and will definitely avoid buying produce there in the future!

[laura]

We bought moldy cheese there too, recently - so frustrating.

[yby1]

Produce has never been TJ's strong point. The cheese is usually good though.

[kindermom]

Make sure you mention these things next time you go in. They will give you a refund without having to bring in the produce. I have had to do it a few times. They also gave me my money back on cat food I bought. My cat threw up after eating it bso I threw the bag out.

[cactus]

I have found that TJ's fresh items are so hit or miss--a couple of times I have been about to buy something in the produce section only to check the "packed on" date to see that it was packed like 3 or 4 days before...no wonder it's not so fresh when you get it home!

I have also had a similar experience with the little bocconcini fresh mozzarella balls in water...we've opened the sealed package to find that they're already bad (way before the sell-by date).

But we've also had delicious blueberries and peaches and organic strawberries from there too in the last few months, so I can't really say it's all bad.

[Adaya]

I heard they discontinued the key lime pie in September. :(

A few months ago, I was told that they were trying to find another company to make it b/c the other one went belly up. They said to check back in a few months and when I did, it was back. I found it maybe about 2 weeks ago.

Hate to hear that it is or may be discontinued.

[kindermom]

...only to check the "packed on" date to see that it was packed like 3 or 4 days before...no wonder it's not so fresh when you get it home!
Spoken only like someone from California! Where we come from, being packed 3-4 days before would be great! We do not have the luxury of fresh produce year round.

[cactus]

kindermom, ah yes, that's probably true. I suppose I am a bit spoiled. :) But the TJ's produce definitely seems more "tired" than stuff at other stores sometimes.

[yby1]

I will add that I would buy produce at TJ's before I would buy from most grocery stores, except Whole Foods and other natural foods stores.

I mostly buy my produce at our local farmer's market, but sometimes I will buy the prepacked salad mixes at TJ's on the way home.

[laura]

Yeah - that's the thing though. About a month ago my husband bought produce at Safeway rather than TJ's b/c he said it was all "nasty". (I was home sick, so I don't know what he considers nasty.) At our store, their produce used to be really good (we bought produce there all last winter b/c I am a rain pansy @ the FM :p) but lately it has been downright funky. I guess it is just really hit or miss. I just never noticed before.

ETA: I should clarify that I am just whining b/c I hate to go shopping at multiple supermarkets.

[diam124]

Come to think of it, I've had moldy cheese from TJ's too (way before expiration date).

Honestly, the produce is always fresher at my local grocery store (which is a Bloom - a re-branded Food Lion, so not high end by any means). You California girls are lucky to have farmer's markets available year round.

[kindermom]

I do agree, cactus, though that their produce has gone down hill. Then again, when I have had problems, I have had no problems telling them that it has gone bad and getting a refund. Ditto with cheese, which was an issue last winter.

oh, and that is one reason I miss living in SoCal. I miss the year round quality produce. Oh well.

[Sevilla]

I rarely buy produce from TJ's except for bagged organic apples (and recently the pie pumpkins b/c i roast and puree them instead of using canned pumpkin). Otherwise I buy at the regular grocery store b/c the prices are a lot better.

TJ's is my convenience food store along with dairy products. I get staples and ingredients for recipes at Meijer or Woodman's - I don't mind going to different grocery stores b/c I drive by each once a week or so.

[dana b]

Anyone else?
yes! i thought maybe it was just my store. i've thrown out quite a bit of food as i was putting it away. i rarely check dates anywhere, but at tj's i always grab from the back.

[steelcitymama]

i almost never buy meats at TJ's, but once i picked up a pkg of chicken breasts while i was there and they smelled SO NASTY when i got them home -- i was repulsed. the date was fine, but they were greenish tinged and disgusting.

[mgrace]

BUT - i picked up a peppermint joe-joe's cheesecake instead for just $1.99. :)
I grabbed one of those, too! Have you tried it yet? I mean, $1.99? What a steal.

I don't normally buy a ton of produce at TJ's, because we go to the farmer's market. I do get bananas at TJ's and they have always been good. I do buy the salad mixes sometimes, especially in winter and I've had luck with them.

Honestly, most of the stuff I buy at TJ's is frozen, canned or boxed. Oh, and bottled. ;)

[Hello Kitty]

Funny to open this up. I just told DH last night that he's got to eat the gouda I bought there because it's on the fritz. I never get produce at TJs, and it's too bad a lot of us are finding the fresh stuff not so good as well.

[Sposa06]

I never buy fruit from TJ's anymore--it was bad too many times. I buy veggies there on occasion and have never had a problem. But ditto mgrace--most of the time, what I bring home from TJ's is frozen, boxed, canned or bottled.

[bluberry]

I just made my first full-fledged visit to TJ's yesterday and so far, I love the garlic naan and masala sauce. I'm going to try the orange chicken for dinner tomorrow night! They have such good frozen dinner options!

[Maggie8202]

I just went today and the produce looked great. I bought a lot to make into my dd's baby purees and it all looks and tastes great. I have never had a problem with the produce there and am always very pleased. I am in the North East if that makes a difference.

[polarama]

A couple things we've tried lately that have been really good...

Crustless Quiche--these come 2 to a box in chorizo/cheddar and bacon/feta. I am (sort of) on the South Beach Diet so these make a really good lunch, I usually eat one with a salad. They are about the size of a thick burger patty. They are in the frozen section.

Chicken Shu Mai and Veggie Shu Mai--toddler-tested and approved! I served these at playgroup and the kids loved them. They are a good size for kids but there are enough in the box that they'd be a substantial lunch for an adult.

Tomato Chutney--spicy and so good!

[wine_o_girlie]

Another new TJ's creation - for dinner last night we had the lobster ravioli with a bit of the lobster bisque as the "sauce". SOOOOOOOOO quick and yummy. The ravioli take like 5 minutes and the bisque I just heated up in the microwave (:o) but you could do it on the stove. I served it with steamed green beans and garlic bread. I am eating the rest of the lobster bisque for my lunch right now. :)

[Sarah]

Another new TJ's creation - for dinner last night we had the lobster ravioli with a bit of the lobster bisque as the "sauce". SOOOOOOOOO quick and yummy. The ravioli take like 5 minutes and the bisque I just heated up in the microwave (:o) but you could do it on the stove. I served it with steamed green beans and garlic bread. I am eating the rest of the lobster bisque for my lunch right now. :)

I love the lobster ravioli. I have them with alfredo sauce. So bad for you, but so good.

[Amuse Bouche]

I have had the experience with things at TJ's going bad before their sell by date, but they have a great return policy -- if you tell them that you had the experience of bad meats or cheeses (or produce) they will give you a refund (and you don't have to save the nasty stuff to bring back into the store). I find myself looking pretty carefully at stuff I buy from TJ's -- I almost always buy the arugula bagged salad because it seems to hold up better than the baby greens, but I hate shopping at multiple stores, so I often get produce there. Their pears are usually good -- I like that they're packaged in plastic, because it saves them from bruising. And they get the good kind of apples (NY State Honeycrisp and Empires) in the fall. I usually buy meats there as well, and again, I usually take a look at how fresh it looks in the package. I also realize that things like their breads tend to have fewer preservatives than grocery store breads, so they'll mold faster unless I store them in the fridge or eat them quickly. Some stores I've had better luck with than others w/r/t freshness. My local TJ's is very clean and well run and has a high turnover, so I've had good luck. There's one near my parents' that is awful.

[Grenouille]

I was at TJ's today and they are selling the Candy Cane JoJos now :D

I was told they will have chocolate covered Candy Cane JoJos this year too :eek:

[adamseve]

Another vote for the Korean Short Ribs - mmm, so good!

[charmcitygirl]

i make the lobster ravioli with the tomato bisque... pretty freakin' good.

right now, i'm loving the fat-free yogurts (no splenda-yay!), dark-chocolate covered graham crackers, big & chunky applesauce, and chicken chile verde.

[Anna Low]

Good news for us in the Atlanta area! The new TJ on Peachtree in Buckhead is now open!

[mgrace]

right now, i'm loving the fat-free yogurts (no splenda-yay!),
does the yogurt have an artifical sweetner in it?

[Anna Low]

does the yogurt have an artifical sweetner in it?

Not directed at me, but we've found the Oikos yogurt (greek, made by Stonyfield Farm) is both fat free and not sweetened artificially. Granted, you do need to add something to the plain in order to have it not taste like sour cream, but that can be diner's choice. I don't think this brand is sold at TJ's, but I had to mention it for a FF/no artificial sweetener alternative.

[charmcitygirl]

nope, no artificial sweeteners. it's the trader joes nonfat yogurt.

[wine_o_girlie]

We had the buffalo burger patties last night. Very good. They come frozen and I just defrosted them a bit in the microwave, salt & peppered them and put them on the grill. So easy and better for you than beef. :)

[diam124]

Oh, I love the buffalo burgers. The first time I bought them I didn't realize they were buffalo and I was kind of grossed out by it (totally irrational I know since I do eat meat). But, they are really good!

[MollJay]

I was also hesitant about using buffalo burgers, but my husband really liked them. They look and taste like beef with less fat and cholesterol.

My husband and I are planning to move from the mid west to Arizona when I finish school next December. One of my requirements is that we live within easy driving distance of a Trader Joe's and there are several in the Phoenix area. :D

[mayiko]

I love the frozen bowl meals. I keep a couple of them in the freezer and bring them to work if I'm too lazy to pack a lunch. I had the vegi pad thai with tofu. I was so good and I usually don't like frozen meals.

[granada]

i make the lobster ravioli with the tomato bisque... pretty freakin' good.

I'm just reading this now. Where do you find the lobster ravioli? I've never seen it at Trader Joe's.

[Adaya]

Yummy new finds:

-lobster bisque (thanks to a pp for mentioning this)
-dark chocolate covered mini pretzels
-apple/grape juice in 4-can pack (I'm not a big juice person, but this stuff is sooooo good with no sugar or sweetners added. It's on the juice aisle.)
-spinach and sour cream dip (saw it in the recent flyer)

[charmcitygirl]

actually, i haven't had the lobster ravioli in a while... it could be discontinued. it was with all of the other fresh raviolis in the refrigerated section.

[Rosebud]

Not sure if this has been mentioned here before, but did you know that there's a cookbook devoted to cooking with Trader Joe's products? I just stumbled across it.

Cooking with All Things Trader Joe's (http://www.amazon.com/Cooking-All-Things-Trader-Joes/dp/0979938414/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2361GPO05CIQ2&colid=1T0QDKF2XMG0X)

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k284/rosebud03_2006/Misc/tjs.jpg

Love Trader Joe's? This new independent cookbook features recipes that use ingredients all from Trader Joe's. By combining Trader Joe's unique products with fresh ingredients, Deana and Wona create clever shortcuts to quick and easy gourmet meals that are delicious and exciting. The recipes in this book treat Trader Joe's like a "prep kitchen"--using the great selection of unique sauces, mixtures, and prepped items to make flavorful, natural, homemade food in a snap.

[mgrace]

Rosebud, I have that book on my Paperbackswap wish list. :)

[Rosebud]

I was at Trader Joe's this weekend and looked everywhere for that lobster bisque you all have been talking about. It was nowhere to be found! I even asked an employee and he said they didn't carry it. Bummer!

Oh well. I stocked up on booze, instead. ;)