Today, though, I went to TJ's with a list. I remember seeing a list on Facebook or Buzzfeed about the most popular items at Trader Joe's, so I Googled it and found this list on Foodbeast.com. I didn't buy all 17 things (today), but I did come out of there with almost half of the stuff on the list, none of which I've ever had before. I sampled some of the things today and I'll be trying the others over the next week or so.
Want to know what I bought and what I thought about it? I know you do! Here we go:
1. Triple Ginger Snaps
Of course I had to buy the number one thing on the list. I have to admit I'd never noticed them before, but there were A LOT of them at the store. They are tiny little cookies that taste like Christmas. The cookie made me want to have a cup of tea. They are crunchy and ginger-y, not too sweet but just sweet enough to make you feel happy.
2. Speculoos Cookie Butter
Cookie Butter? I have seen this item at TJ's, but I've always passed it by without a thought. Since it was number two on the list, I decided I had to give it a shot. What really sold me, though, were two little boys standing in front of the Cookie Butter display. They were probably three and four years old, pushing their little "Customer-in-Training" shopping carts. Their mom was getting some healthy stuff and the boys looked at her hopefully and asked, "Mommy, can we please have some Cookie Butter?" The mom said yes, and the oldest boy carefully reached up and got the glass jar which he then gently and lovingly placed in his little cart. Then, and I'm not even lying to you, he did this awesome little Cookie Butter dance right there in the aisle! His little brother wriggled his little tushy around too and that sealed the deal. Anything that can make a couple of kids dance around like that must be fantastic. I somehow managed to wait until I got home to try it. The first taste was kind of strange. It has the texture of peanut butter, but tastes like creamy gingerbread. I had to go in for another taste. Pleasing, really, but not enough to make me dance.
I upped the ginger ante a bit by spreading just a smidgen of Cookie Butter on a Triple Ginger Snap, turning the cookie into a Ginger Quad. I admit to a little shimmy when I did that!
I skipped item 3 and went to item 4.
4. Reduced Guilt Chunky Guacamole
I don't actually feel guilty when I eat guacamole. I feel happy. Still, I decided to try this stuff and it's good. The guilt is reduced with the addition of Greek yogurt to lighten up the guac, so it makes it more like a guacamole-flavored dip. Still, there are chunks of avocado and tomatoes and it has a really good flavor. MT liked it too.
Number 5 on the list is the wine, which is not sold at TJ's in Salt Lake City, UT. Liquor laws and all that. So I went with number 6.
6. Frozen Mac and Cheese
There are two versions of mac and cheese: regular and reduced guilt. I went with the latter. I haven't tried it yet, but I'm pretty sure it will be tasty.
Skipped 7, went straight to 8.
8. Chili Lime Chicken Burgers
I'm absurdly excited to try these. They just sound good. I will top them with a little RG chunky guac and some sriracha like the article says and I think my taste buds will be in flavor heaven. My friends bought a package of these too. We might have a new lunch favorite.
Skipped 9, 10 and 11.
12. Rosemary Marcona Almonds
Well, of course Marcona almonds are the best because they are from Spain, right? The TJ's variety ups the flavor quotient by sprinkling the already delicious nut with rosemary. Flavor win!! I didn't even bring these home. I don't want MT anywhere near these almonds. They are in my office where I can nibble on them in peace. I'll just have to hide them from Kelsie! The almonds were the most expensive thing I bought at $6.50 for the package. Worth.Every.Penny.
Skipped 13, 14 and 15 (this time)
16. Mandarin Orange Chicken
T loves orange chicken from Panda Express. I know this won't be the same for him, but it was a lot less expensive than going to the restaurant. I think I've had this before, but it's been awhile. It is nice to have something in the freezer that is easy and quick for those nights when I don't feel like cooking but I know we should eat at home. I bought some of TJ's quick-cooking frozen brown rice to accompany the chicken. I'll let you know what we think about this.
Skipped 17.
I do have a few favorite things that I bought while I was there. I really like the Organic Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper soup. TJ's red salsa is quite good so I got a bottle of that. I got a bag of RG corn tortilla chips (I had to try the RG guacamole right away!) When we go to TJ's at lunch time, I usually get a small package of salami and cheese and a pretzel roll to make a sandwich. Nom nom nom.
On Pinterest I'd seen a pin about Trader Joe's Cowboy Bark, so I picked up a bag of that, too. It's good! It's dark chocolate with pieces of pretzel and JoJo cookie bits and toffee and nuts. Nice little sweet/salty bite.
I did buy a non-food item, too: a lavender dryer bags. I almost did a load of laundry tonight because I'm so excited to see if this little thing will make my clothes smell like beautiful lavender. Nicole swears by them, so I know it will be great. I also got some citrus room spray. I have used that already in the house and I like it. I may buy a bottle for my office next time I go to TJ's.
And I bought myself a plant, a cute little flowering plant. It looks like a miniature sunflower; it starts with a K. I can't remember what it's called; I left it on my desk to brighten my day. Here's a pic:
I really like Trader Joe's! I had fun today :)
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| I finished a couple of books. Check out the 2014 Reading page for info! |
1 comment:
I go to TJ often. Only thing I had in your list were the Marcona almonds, and yes they are great! :)
Oh yes I had the orange chicken too.
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