Seen: Sept 5, 2024 at NYC Trader Joe’s (72nd St & Bway)
Bromeliads in a ceramic pot. $12.99
These looked really healthy and were starting to flower
See link for care guide
Seen at Trader Joe’s: BROMELIAD PLANTS
06 Sep 2023 Leave a comment
in All Natural, DIY, Fall Season, fresh, General, Health & Beauty, Home Goods, New, News, organic, Pantry, Products, Rave, Trader Joes, Uncategorized, update, WhatsGoodAtTJ? Tags: green, live, plants, Seen at Trader Joe's, Trader Joes
Seen (again) at Trader Joe’s: Fresh HATCH CHILE PEPPERS from New Mexico
21 Aug 2023 Leave a comment
in All Natural, New, News, seasonal, Trader Joes, vegetarian, WhatsGoodAtTJ? Tags: Food, healthy, no preservatives, Products, Trader Joes, vegetarian
Kind of a rare find for NYC. Frieda brand Hatch Chiles direct from New Mexico. They are back in stock right now at Trader Joe’s (Aug ’23 – NYC) usually just for a week or two, so if you are interested grab some asap. You can learn how to cook them and some recipes at Frieda’s website (link below)
https://wordpress.com/post/traderjoesrants.com/11916
Trader Joe’s BANANA PUDDING ICE CREAM (it’s a hit)
16 Aug 2023 Leave a comment
in dairy, frozen, General, ice cream, New, News, Prices, Products, Rave, snacks, sweets, Trader Joes, Uncategorized, update, WhatsGoodAtTJ? Tags: ice cream, product, Products, Rave, review, reviewed, Trader Joes
Trader Joe’s ‘BANANA PUDDING ICE CREAM with salted caramel swirl & vanilla wafer cookie pieces” (LIMITED EDITION)
A reader told me I had to try out this new flavor ice cream Trader Joe’s came out with recently, so I did. All I can say is boy were they right. I thought it was SO good. In fact I believe via social media, the word has gotten out about it and it’s become so popular, it seems to be flying off the shelves. Also it was a Flyer Item. When I recently went to my TJ’s to buy some I was crushed to see just an empty row where it should be.
Fortunately though that might have been my Lucky Day. An employee just happened to be restocking the case with it just at that time, and he saw my crest fallen face looking at the empty shelf. He put a pint in my hand and told me to enjoy it. O frabjous day!
After I tasted some I understood why it’s flying off the shelf. It’s quite good, with a fairly unique flavor concoction that reminds me of something Ben & Jerry would come up with. If you love bananas (raises hand) you may love this. Yes it has some kind of really good banana flavor, and they list actual puréed bananas as the third ingredient listed. The taste does kind of remind you of banana pudding. In addition to some salted caramel swirls it even has tiny bits of vanilla cookie bits (‘Nilla wafers) like banana pudding has. It all blends up very well for a unique, subtle flavor combo.
As good as it was by itself I couldn’t help wonder how it might taste if I added some bananas on top! I cut up 1/2 a banana and added that and yes, super Yum with them. Like a banana, banana split. Trust me and try it with a banana! So good.
Still I did have one problem with this ice cream; It was so good the tiny little pint magically vanished so quickly. I put this ice cream into “dangerously good” category. If it’s in the freezer, I’m going to have a hard time staying away. It’s $3.79 pint (well it is a premium custom seasonal ice cream)
I would buy this again. If I can find it, that is. It was sold out when I went back a few days later. And a few days later again I could not find any in the freezer. So consider yourself lucky if you see this, and grab one. You won’t be sorry. Oh and it’s a “Limited Edition” flavor. So don’t expect to see this forever. Maybe it will be seasonal?
https://www.traderjoes.com/home/products/pdp/banana-pudding-flavored-ice-cream-074560
TJ’s says: “Made for us by the same supplier as some of our other (widely celebrated, if we do say so ourselves) seasonal ice cream pints, each bite of Trader Joe’s Banana Pudding Flavored Ice Cream expertly evokes the taste of a classically sweet and creamy banana pudding…We’re not just saying you’ll love it—we’re saying you’ll love it a whole bunch”
Now just in case you can’t find this flavor and want some recommendations for other flavors at Trader Joe’s I’d say you can’t go wrong with the COFFEE BEAN BLAST or MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP ice creams.
Trader Joe’s SMOKY & HOT CHILE POWDER Spicy Spanish Paprika blend
12 Aug 2023 1 Comment
in All Natural, can, condiments, French, fresh, General, hot sauce, New, News, Pantry, Prices, Products, Rave, recipe, Recipes, seafood, spices, Staple, Trader Joes, Uncategorized, update, vegetarian, WhatsGoodAtTJ? Tags: no preservatives, Paprika, Pimenton, Products, Rave, review, spices, Trader Joes
This is a good “new” spice blend TJ’s has recently introduced. It’s two spices, a blend of Spanish smoked paprika (aka “Pimenton”) they’ve carried for some time and added Chile to that to make a spicier Pimenton. The blend is carefully balanced with just enough of chile to make a not too spicy version of the smoked paprika (aka pimenton). Spanish smoke paprika is a fantastic spice, which I’ve always loved and when I tried this version I really liked it as well…. This spicier blend was delicious on many things. For example super tasty sprinkled generously on chicken breasts sautéed in butter with garlic and parsley (a variation on Jacques Pepin’s classic chicken “persillade”, see link below).
This seasoning blend would be perfect on Trader Joe’s ARGENTINIAN RED SHRIMP. Or steak or pork or burgers of any kind. Or probably even tofu.
TJ’s says: “Made with just the right ratio of smoked paprika and chile powder to create just the right ratio of smoke to heat, our Smoky & Hot Chile Powder is super handy for making savory soups, sauces, and stews, and nearly indispensable when creating homemade BBQ rubs and Cajun-style seasonings. It adds a remarkable depth of flavor when sprinkled over scrambled eggs, roasted veggies, or grilled seafood, and can take snack foods like popcorn and potato chips into an entirely new dimension. Here’s a hot (and smoky!) tip: try mixing it with sour cream to make a fun and fiery crema for topping tacos.”
https://www.traderjoes.com/home/products/pdp/smoky-hot-chile-powder-074709
Overall the “SMOKY & HOT” blend is an excellent seasoning worth trying and something I intend to keep in my spices arsenal. A can was $2.49.
FYI, Here’s a link to Jacques Pepin and his classic French recipe for “chicken persillade”.
Seen at Trader Joe’s: JUMBO MONSTERA PLANTS
09 Aug 2023 Leave a comment
in All Natural, fresh, General, Home Goods, New, News, organic, plants, Prices, Products, Rave, Staple, Trader Joes, Uncategorized, update, vegetarian, WhatsGoodAtTJ? Tags: gardening, Home, plants
JUMBO MONSTERA – (NYC Bway & 72nd 8/9/23) I gave them a really close look. These “Monstera Deliciosa” plants looked super healthy and robust with lots of new growth. Different stores may get different items so check your store. These plants were $12.99. A pretty good price for these highly sought after Monstera’s which everyone wanted to during Covid. I’m pretty sure if you repot these asap, you will get a lot of growth. Monstera care tips in the link below…
Trader Joe’s COTTAGE CHEESE (and recipes)
09 Aug 2023 2 Comments
in All Natural, cheese, dairy, fresh, General, hot sauce, New, News, organic, Pantry, Prices, Products, Rave, recipe, Recipes, snacks, sweets, tea, Trader Joes, Uncategorized, update, vegetarian, WhatsGoodAtTJ? Tags: #cottagecheesetoast, cottage cheese, ideas, Jewish, recipe, snacks, toast
For a long time I planned to review Trader Joe’s Cottage Cheese (in short, it’s quite good) but frankly I thought I’d be talking to the wind, reviewing an old fogey food that nobody buys anymore except me. I love cottage cheese and usually have some in the fridge.
I was really surprised to read recently that Cottage Cheese is now a thing. Due to lots of people posting on TikTok, cottage cheese has become a viral phenomenon among young people. Especially with their recipes like how to make “cottage cheese toast” (you need a recipe for that. Gotta laugh). So cottage cheese has gone viral? Funny but now I can write a review and offer my “recipe” for Cottage Cheese Toast:
Cottage Cheese Toast: Lightly toast a slice of bread. Spread with a little butter. Top with a good scoop of cottage cheese. I like to sprinkle on seasoning such as TJ’s AJIKA seasoning and black pepper. Or zing it with a little BOMBA or PERI-PERI (cottage cheese is bland) to jazz it up. A little chopped parsley or scallion on top would be great.
Trader Joe’s cottage cheese is very good. I like the Small Curd 4% version but there are other versions like low fat as well as Organic. The small curd one I get went up from $2.49 to $2.99 (1 lb). Strangely TJ’s sells a 2 lb container (twice as much) for only one dollar more ($3.99)! So the big container is a much better deal at $2 per pound. Nutritionally, it contains a whopping amount of protein (12g in a 1/2 cup serving) with only 110 calories (4% cottage cheese).
By the way, I think cottage cheese is great to eat with the super spiced ORGANIC ELOTE CORN CHIPS or CHILI LIME ROLLED CHIPS as a “dip”. The blandish cottage cheese balances out the spices and they make a great combo together. Obviously its easier to eat and scoop with the corn dipper chips than the rolled chips.
This is a very old recipe my mom used to make and it probably comes from my (Jewish) Grandmother a long time back. I assume its probably Eastern European in origin. Its like the inside of a blintz, minus the blintz. Cottage cheese is similar to “farmer’s cheese” which is drier.
RECIPE: BOW TIE NOODLES WITH COTTAGE CHEESE AND CINNAMON SUGAR:
Cook Trader Joe’s Farfalle (bowtie) noodles and when they are done, drain them and put them back in the pot. Turn the heat to the lowest possible setting. Now add a tablespoon or two of butter and then a good amount of powdered cinnamon (a teaspoon). Next add a few teaspoons of good sugar like Organic Sugar or Turbinado or Coconut Sugar. Stir in a cup of cottage cheese, or more if you like. Stir gently until the cheese just so slightly starts to melt into the noodles and everything is well mixed. Eat immediately. This is delicious as a snack or kind of dessert.
Link for more recipes below
Trader Joe’s ITALIAN SPARKLING MINERAL WATER
06 Aug 2023 1 Comment
in All Natural, fresh, General, Health & Beauty, Home Goods, Italian, jar, New, News, Pantry, Prices, Products, Staple, Trader Joes, Uncategorized, update, vegetarian
Seen at Trader Joe’s NEW ITEMS. “Italian Sparkling Mineral Water” $1.99 (25.3 oz bottle)
Interesting. Compares with to say San Pelligrino? I didn’t try it yet but then I like and drink NYC tap water (well known to be good water!) My wife is the “only bottled water” one.
Trader Joe’s NICARAGUA La Bastilla Estate, Small Lot Coffee
04 Aug 2023 2 Comments
in All Natural, coffee, fresh, General, New, News, Prices, Products, Rave, Staple, Trader Joes, Uncategorized, update, vegetarian, WhatsGoodAtTJ? Tags: #traderjoescoffee, coffee, drip, espresso, estate, gourmet, moka pot, Nicaragua, no preservatives, product, Products, Rave, review, single, Trader Joe's, Trader Joes
“A medium roast Arabica with note of cocoa, pineapple and cherry”
NICARAGUA La Bastilla Estate, Small Lot Coffee
“The coffee beans within this bag are also known as “blueberry candy” on the farm – dubbed so for their unique sweetness and subtle aroma….”
Here’s another recent addition to Trader Joe’s collection of Small Lot (limited edition) coffees that I recently saw on display in New Items. This is a coffee from Nicaragua. I’m pretty sure I never tasted a coffee from there before. After tasting it, all I can say is I was very impressed, and found this small lot coffee to be excellent. The description on the bag in this case was not all hyperbole, it delivers.
The bag says its a “Medium Roast” and in this case that is fairly accurate, with beans a lovely cinnamon color. When I opened up the vacuum sealed bag I got wonderful fresh aroma and the beans looked and smelled really promising. A bit fruity in a nice way. When I ground them up and took a big whiff of the ground coffee, I did get a heavenly smell with yes, “notes of cocoa, pineapple, cherry, blueberry….” I would say pretty much all of that but lovely and subtle and natural. And the resulting brew I made (Moka pot)? It was so good. To me it tasted pretty much like what I would call a “perfect cup of coffee”, hitting all the right notes. I found this coffee really, really drinkable, so much so that when I finished it I wanted to brew another cup. That’s really when you know you found a good coffee. I have a feeling any brewing method will produce a nice brew including espresso machines.
So if you are interested in a very nice coffee, I would say this Nicaraguan one at Trader Joe’s is well worth trying. It was a bit higher in price than other small lot coffees I’ve gotten for around $8.99. Trader Joe’s is selling this Nicaraguan Single Estate coffee for $10.99 (12 oz.) But I bet you if it were some cool Williamsburg coffee vendor they would be selling this for more like $20.
Here’s a link I found to the website of the coffee producer in Nicaragua so you can learn more about the region and the farm (in English)
https://www.bastillacoffee.com/our-coffee-1
(The 360 virtual tour of the estate is pretty cool; check it out)
https://www.traderjoes.com/home/products/pdp/nicaragua-la-bastilla-estate-small-lot-coffee-075204
Trader Joe’s Super Sweet Whole Peeled MARZANINO TOMATOES
24 Jul 2023 1 Comment
in All Natural, can, General, Italian, New, News, Pantry, Prices, Products, Rave, recipe, Recipes, Staple, Trader Joes, Uncategorized, vegetarian, WhatsGoodAtTJ? Tags: Food, healthy, Italian, no preservatives, pasta, pizza, product, Products, Rave, review, sauce, vegan gluten free, vegetarian
Everybody now knows that San Marzano Tomatoes are considered the ultimate canned tomatoes to make an Italian dish. Trader Joe’s came out with these that are “Marzanino tomatoes” (little Marzano) which I guess are in the same family but smaller than the standard San Marzano and possibly sweeter. The can has the small tomatoes in juice, cooked and peeled and ready to use in a dish. I usually get down and dirty and just dump them into a bowl and crush them up with my fingers to prep them for cooking in a sauce or dish.
These tomatoes were very tasty and a little sweet. They are great for making any tomato sauce or dish that calls for tomatoes, including pizza. I did make pizza using these as my fresh sauce. After crushing the tomatoes with my fingers, I used this as my fresh tomato sauce for my own version of a pizza Margherita, with fresh basil and mozzarella. The finished pizza came out terrific*. “Product of Italy” $2.99 a can.
*(Pizza dough – I made my own from scratch but if that’s too much for you, just buy the bag of fresh pizza dough from TJ’s ($1.49) – or you can use the ready to bake rectangular pizza crust there in the breads section.
Mutti ‘Sul Campo Limited Edition’ Tomato Purée from Italy
22 Jul 2023 3 Comments
in All Natural, can, General, Italian, jar, New, News, Pantry, Prices, Products, Staple, Trader Joes, Uncategorized, vegetarian, WhatsGoodAtTJ? Tags: Food, Italian, no preservatives, product, Products, Trader Joes
Seen at Trader Joe’s New Products section (Bway & 72nd St./NYC)
MUTTI TOMATO PUREE “SUL CAMPO”. In a nice glass jar. The sign says, “this is a robust tomato purée made with Rossoro tomatoes. Perfect for shaksuka, curry, marinara sauce and more….”
“Sul Campo” basically means “from the farm”. Meaning they make this right at the fields where the tomatoes are harvested to be a fresh tasting as possible. Unlike us in the US, Italians don’t really buy prepared tomato sauces in a jar. Typically most Italians open up a jar of a tomato purée or “passata” (they bought unless the family put up jars on their own from their tomatos). First you put a few tablespoons of olive oil in a pan, add some garlic, maybe some onion, and pour in the “passata”. Let that simmer for maybe 15 minutes and Voila! They have a fresh homemade tomato sauce in minutes, practically as easy as opening a jar of sauce. But this fresh sauce really tastes homemade.
Of course we can do the same. So when I just saw this I was intrigued enough to do an internet search, as in the past I bought the brand “POMI”, another big Italian brands purée that is well distributed in the US. I wasn’t familiar with this brand, MUTTI. In Itally its as well known as POMI. I’ve now seen MUTTI ads here so they are making a push into the American market.
Now the most interesting thing with this one is this purée is even more special than the regular tomato puree from Italy from Pomi or Mutti. This one says Sul Campo, a special “limited edition” version of Mutti’s regular passata. “From the field (farm)”. Its processed right at the harvest and Mutti labels this limited edition puree as “tasting like tomatoes just picked off the vine”.
This jar was $3.99 for about 20 ounces. PS – I’ve not tried it yet but intend to review it in future. It looks/sounds good! You can read more on MUTTI’s website below.
UPDATE: I went back and couldn’t find any. It seems to be all gone! Oh well. I hope there’s more of this coming someday. Maybe next summer?
Trader Joe’s Rants & Raves (mostly raves, a few rants) 
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