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

https://www.traderjoes.com/home/products/pdp/garlic-parsley-potato-kit-084039

“Each Kit contains a pound of pre-washed, pre-oiled, and ready-to-cook gold Potatoes, along with a packet of flavorful seasonings that includes dried Parsley, Garlic, onion, and sea salt. Simply mix the contents of the seasoning packet with the Potatoes, then cook, per packaging instructions, in the oven, microwave, or air fryer.”

I saw this yesterday and I had to smile and do a little double take. POTATO KIT??? Is it a sign of how well Trader Joe’s knows their typical (lazy) busy hard working customers.

Anyway I looked inside the box: the “kit” contains about a pound of little red potatoes in a vacuum bag, plus a bag of dried parsley and dried garlic.

I didn’t try this because I make this type of potato dish, frequently. With fresh ingredients. “From scratch”. It’s not terribly harder than this “kit”. I mean you could buy small red potatoes at Trader Joe’s ($2.29?) and some parsley. Hopefully you have some garlic.

GARLIC PARSLEY POTATOES recipe

Boil some small red potatoes cut in half in lightly salted water for 12-15 minutes (?). Cook until just barely cooked through (pierce with knife to test). Throw the drained potatoes with 1 tbl oil into a nice heavy pan (cast iron or non-stick). Cook on medium. Let them brown up a bit (10 minutes or so) shaking or tossing them until evenly browned all over. Then throw in chopped garlic (3 cloves or as you like) and a handful chopped parsley. Toss in a nice tablespoon or so of butter. Salt and pepper to taste. Stir. SERVE

Here’s a fancier recipe.

https://biteswithbri.com/garlic-parsley-potatoes