Pantry | Trader Joe’s Rants & Raves (mostly raves, a few rants)

These looked similar to Ziplock’s silicone storage bags (“Endurables). I had just seen a commercial for those on TV. These look similar. Both are “food storage bags” made out of a sturdy thick food grade silicone that can be used over and over. Green by design. Less waste. The bags have a zipper type pressure seal and are clearly designed to be re-used over and over and over. I like the Eco concept of that.

They’re Oven/Microwave safe, and can go right from the freezer or fridge to the oven or microwave. I even grabbed a few screen shots from Ziplock’s website to show some usage ideas they have, such as a salmon steak going from the freezer to being baked in the oven right in the bag!

Being reusable, one would buy less plastic bags that just become more plastic waste which our planet and oceans don’t need any more of.

Trader Joe’s sells these for $9.99 and you get 3 bags, a small, medium and large one; the large one being a 33 oz size and the small about 8.5 oz size. I didn’t buy them yet but thought I would just point these out if you want to check them out.

These pictures are from Ziplock’s website just to give some ideas of how they are used….

Trader Joe’s THAI CURRY SAUCE

29 Aug 2023 2 Comments

by promacnyc in Asian, can, fresh, General, jar, Pantry, Prices, Products, Rave, recipe, Recipes, spices, Trader Joes, Uncategorized, update, vegetarian, WhatsGoodAtTJ? Tags: curry, dinner, ideas, review, sauce, style, Thai, tofu, Trader Joes

Want to make a Thai Style Yellow Curry yourself? This makes it quite easy.

TJ’s says: “We’ve honored the modern recipe of a zesty, ginger-forward sauce packed full of onion, garlic, red chilies, and of course garlic! All of this is blended together with creamy coconut milk making for the rich, velvety sauce we all know and love. With this sauce you can make a traditional yellow curry dish in no time! Cook up some meat, poultry, tofu, or veggies until done, stir in our Thai Style Yellow Curry Sauce, simmer until heated through, and serve on a bed of rice.”

https://www.traderjoes.com/home/products/pdp/thai-style-yellow-curry-sauce-078557

I made curry recently and used this yellow version, however there is a red version of this curry sauce too. Both are decent. Overall I find the yellow one is slightly better myself but maybe you need to try both and settle on your preference of which you like better.

I usually sauté my protein and vegetables for 5-10 minutes in a little oil, then add this sauce. I rinse the jar out with a few ounces of water to get every drop. Then just let everything simmer for 20-30 minutes.

A trick I’ve learned is I usually also will add about a 1/2 can of TJ’s coconut milk. This helps two ways. It gives me more sauce, enough for a big pot of curry, as when I make this I want to get at least two meals. The other way is additional coconut milk will also tame the heat down a bit, as my wife’s preference is for not too spicy.

This sauce has a good Thai flavor profile. They list lemongrass and galangal for example, both which give authentic Thai flavor. This sauce is moderately spicy. It’s not blow your head off spicy. Again if you had more coconut milk that will mellow things more.

An 11 oz jar is $3.49. Now for that price I wish they gave you at least 16 ounces because honestly 11 ounces is barely enough sauce. Ah well.

You will definitely want some Thai Jasmine rice to go with your lovely curry. As far as your Main, Protein, etc. almost anything will work, like chicken (breast or thigh), Fish, Shrimp, Tofu, Hard Boiled Eggs….

Another way to make an easy Thai curry was taught to me by a Thai friend. This is how many Thais make a fast easy curry at home, by using a good real Thai curry paste. You sauté the curry paste a bit in oil for a few minutes then add your ingredients and then coconut milk. One good brand of Thai curry paste is Mae Ploy. They sell green, red and yellow versions. These pastes are very concentrated. Honestly that tub could last a year.

Thai curries are delicious and worth making. This sauce makes it super easy. The Mae Ploy paste plus coconut milk is going to make a better dish will than this Trader Joe’s “thai style” sauce however just opening this jar is a bit easier and will still turn out something like a Thai curry.

Trader Joe’s ORGANIC ITALIAN ARTISAN PASTA, STRIPED FARFALLINE

13 Aug 2023 Leave a comment

by promacnyc in All Natural, General, Italian, organic, Pantry, Prices, Products, Rave, recipe, Recipes, Staple, Trader Joes, update, vegetarian, WhatsGoodAtTJ? Tags: artisan, Food, no preservatives, pasta, product, Products, Trader Joes, vegetarian

Seen at Trader Joe’s : NEW ITEM – Italian Artisan Organic Striped Farfalline (Bowtie)

Very colorful, from natural coloring’s. It has paprika, turmeric, beet and spinach. I think these would be great for a pasta salad for one thing? $3.49 for a 16oz bag. But then these are Organic and Artisanal.

https://www.traderjoes.com/home/products/pdp/italian-organic-striped-farfalline-pasta-074547

“Farfalline is Italian for “little butterflies,” and these Farfalline certainly resemble their namesake. Each butterfly- like bowtie sports either green and orange stripes or red and yellow stripes—all from organic, plant-derived sources, including paprika, turmeric, spinach, and beet root powders. Cooked al dente, this Pasta becomes a proverbial canvas for an array of colorfully captivating meals. Cook Farfalline in boiling water for 8-9 minutes, then drain, and toss with Organic Roasted Red Pepper and Almond Pesto Sauce, Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce, or Cajun Style Alfredo Sauce for a quick and quite tasty pasta pairing. If pasta salads are your creative outlet, consider adding some Farfalline flair to your picnic fare all summer long.”
-Trader Joe

Trader Joe’s SMOKY & HOT CHILE POWDER Spicy Spanish Paprika blend

12 Aug 2023 1 Comment

by promacnyc 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”.

Trader Joe’s COTTAGE CHEESE (and recipes)

09 Aug 2023 2 Comments

by promacnyc 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

15 Genius Cottage Cheese Recipes

Trader Joe’s MAGNIFISAUCE (aka secret sauce!)

09 Aug 2023 Leave a comment

by promacnyc in fresh, General, News, Pantry, Prices, Products, Rave, recipe, Recipes, spices, Staple, Trader Joes, Uncategorized, update, WhatsGoodAtTJ? Tags: classic, condiments, deli, sauce, sauces

“A tangy sauce of secret proportions”

I’m guessing by phrasing it like that, Trader Joe’s can avoid MacDonald’s suing them but we still get it: “Magnifisauce” is like a certain “secret sauce” that comes on a Big Mac (and on In-And-Out Burgers too I’ve heard).

In reality these so called secret sauces are not secret recipes, they are more or less the classic deli dressing, Thousand Island dressing being some mayonnaise plus tomato (ketchup) and onion and pickle relish. So is Trader Joe’s Magnifisauce any good? It is. I like it.

I found Magnifisauce really tasty, then I’ve always liked Thousand Island and Russian dressings. I put it on as many things as possible to taste test it and found it was good on lots of different foods, it even works as a salad dressing.

First off, on a hamburgers of course. The sauce was really tasty on a burger, they make a great combo. You will also find it works well on many other things. For example I liked it with chicken. You can just drizzle some of this over slices of grilled chicken breast or any chicken and Voila, its looks like you made something fancy. This sauce compliments any kind of chicken quite well. You can even put it on some chicken you are grilling or broiling during the last minute of cooking as a glaze. Its good on plain old chicken nuggets. Shrimp. Its good for making deviled eggs. I just tried it on cottage cheese and I liked it too on it. Sandwiches? Of course. Its pretty much tasty on many things.

Just don’t forget its not shy with calories, though. Its has 100 calories per 2 tbls. so just be aware of that. Magnifisauce was 3.49. It was out of stock for a while. When I saw it back in the store recently (Aug ’23) I realized they raised the price. Its now $3.99 for a 9.5 oz bottle.

Want to make your own (not too) secret sauce? Make some Thousand Island dressing….

Ingredients: Canola oil, Water, Relish, Sugar, Vinegar, Tomato paste, Egg yolks, Salt, Garlic, Onion, Xanthan gum, Mustard, paprika and other spices

Trader Joe’s ITALIAN SPARKLING MINERAL WATER

06 Aug 2023 1 Comment

by promacnyc 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 BLACK BEANS (with recipes)

30 Jul 2023 Leave a comment

by promacnyc in All Natural, can, DIY, General, Mexican, News, organic, Pantry, Prices, Products, Rave, recipe, Recipes, snacks, spices, Staple, Trader Joes, Uncategorized, vegetarian, WhatsGoodAtTJ? Tags: Cuban, Food, healthy, Mexican, product, Products, Rave, review, Trader Joes, vegan gluten free, vegetarian

“High in iron and protein and a great source of natural fiber”

So what’s the best (not to mention one of the healthiest) things you can buy for less than $1 at Trader Joe’s? Probably a can of beans for 89 cents.

Just a few years ago, TJ’s used to have a number of items one could pick up for a buck or less, but these have dwindled to a mere handful, especially over the last year due to price increases at all supermarkets.

However one tasty and healthy food you can still buy at TJ’s for less than a buck at TJ’s are canned beans. Here I will focus on the ever so useful black beans. However TJ’s has lots of kinds, including chick peas (garbanzos) and red and white/canellini beans as well. All are good and I always have a mix of at least a few cans in the pantry.

I especially like having black beans around as I find black beans really useful to come up with a quick meal or side dish. For instance for some fast and easy CUBAN BLACK BEANS.

I’ve been known in the past to make black beans from scratch, meaning soaking dried black beans, etc etc. But sometimes I’m lazy or forgot to soak them the night before, so I just open up a can of beans. However I always doctor them up and you should too. Straight out of the can black beans are OK but boring.

With very little effort you can make them very tasty into Cuban Black Beans.

EASY CUBAN BLACK BEANS – For a fast and easy recipe – sauté about 4 cloves of chopped garlic and 1/2 a chopped onion in a good slug of olive oil for 5 minutes. Then add a can or two of black beans; dump them without draining into the pot. Add dried oregano and ground cumin. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. Before serving I suggest you mash up about 1/3 of the beans with the back of a spoon or a potato masher, as this gives a lovely creamy texture. Voila, you have a nice dish of Quick Cuban Black Beans, a perfect match for a plate of rice or tortillas or what ever you want to serve with these.

They will go great with Carnitas. These will match well with TJ’s CORN TORTILLAS too and of course some Thai Jasmine Rice.

Spend a little more time and you can really make a decent Cuban or Mexican bean dish with a few more ingredients so follow the links below for some recipe suggestions. BTW for a little more you can buy Organic beans, now $1.09.

Quick Cuban Black Beans

Quick Cuban Style Black Beans

Trader Joe’s Super Sweet Whole Peeled MARZANINO TOMATOES

24 Jul 2023 1 Comment

by promacnyc 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.