Trader Joe’s Haul - October Edition
Hello, my name is Sharmaine and I am a Trader Joe’s addict.
For those who are unfamiliar with the utopia of Trader Joe’s, it is an American-chain grocery store that dubbs themselves as a “fresh market”. What I love about Trader Joe’s is the new products they launch every-so-often, the prices you can’t beat for the “healthier” option, and last, but most definitely not least, SAMPLES BABY!
Compared to Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s makes being healthy super affordable. For the most part, they purchase their products directly from a supplier so they can get the best prices possible. When they notice a product moving slow, they take it out and replace it with something new- Which keeps the store fun and fresh.
Here are some of my favorite items from my latest trip and a yummy-recipe you have to try!
Butter Toffee Pretzels. These are dangerous. I’ll admit it was not love at first bite, but boyyy do these grow on you! If you like the sweet and salty taste and are a toffee-lover - These are a must! Be careful not to eat the whole bag.
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese. The only reason why I bought this was because they had a sample which made me try it. Very comparable to mac and cheese and not bad at all! Just to be healthier, I definitely like these to stock instead of the good ole’ Kraft.
Japanese Fried Rice and Orange Chicken. After finding the Chinese frozen food section at TJ, I will truly never look at Panda Express the same way again #truth. I’ve tried quite a few of their food options, but for this haul, we’re going to highlight two of my top items.
Autumnal Harvest Soup. Toast up some sourdough bread, and warm this baby up! The tomato-based pumpkin and butternut squash soup is the perfect meal for a chilly fall day. Super quick to make and very satisfying.
TJ’s Organic Kansas City BBQ sauce. I love me some BBQ sauce. A little on the sweeter side, but still super yummy! I love having this stocked when needed ;)
Bonus meal!
With my most recent haul, I chef’d it up in the kitchen for an easy cheat meal. Check out the quick recipe below!
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients: 6 russet potatoes, 3 cloves of fresh garlic, 3 TB of sour cream, 1.5 sticks of salted butter, ¼ c. heavy whipping cream, salt and pepper to taste
Steps: Cut potatoes into smaller chunks and place in boiling water. Finely chop garlic cloves (I’m a fan of the ninja chopper!)Melt butter. Drain the water from the potatoes and place in a mixing bowl. Use a hand-held mixer to mash the potatoes and slowly add remaining ingredients. I like to add little by little and try as I go to ensure I don’t add too much of something.
Santa Fe Tri-Tip
Ingredients: Trader Joe’s Sante Fe Tri Tip Roast
Steps: Preheat oven to 425º F. Place roast in an open roasting pan. For medium, cook for 45 minutes. Remove roast and let it stand loosely covered for 15 minutes.
Pan-fried Salmon
Ingredients: A dash of garlic powder, dash of parsley, dash of lemon pepper seasoning, dash of paprika, dash of salt and 1 TB of olive oil (sorry there are no measurements for the seasoning!)
Steps: Heat olive oil in pan. Wash salmon and pat dry with paper towels. Add seasonings. Pan-fry on medium-high heat
Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
Ingredients: Asparagus, garlic cloves, parmesan, salt, pepper, and 1 TB of olive oil
Steps: Preheat oven to 350º F. Wash and dry asparagus. Finely chop garlic cloves. In a mixing bowl, toss asparagus, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place asparagus in a 9x13 aluminum pan then sprinkle parmesan cheese. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes
Voila! Now pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy!