TRADER JOE'S SUMMER FINDS

Yep, I did it again, I made a trip up to Trader Joe’s, my 3^rd and I love it more each time!

With this third trip, I wanted to get several things that were new either to the store itself or to us. So, I’ll share a few of those and my thoughts on them as well as some favorites that will always be repeats each trip. I literally about screamed when the checkout girl told me that there is talk of getting one closer to where we live. I would be in heaven!

Cheese Tapas

Not only are these cut in cute little triangles, but these white cheeses are going to be perfect for the red white and blue charcuterie board I’m going to be making and sharing with you all soon. 

Assorted Crackers

And of course, you have to have crackers to go with that cheeseboard. This box of assorted crackers is so much cheaper than my regular grocery store.

Unexpected cheddar cheese. 

 I have been hearing everyone raving about this and the other day my mom asked me if I had tried mine yet and she didn’t really care for it. Please note it crumbles like crazy, but the flavor is, well, I am not sure...unexpected!

Egg Frittata

I am obsessed with the egg white bites from Starbucks and I heard that these are reminiscent of those. While they are not quite as good as the Starbucks I version, they are mighty tasty and make for a perfect protein filled breakfast or snack.

Lemonade

My boys absolutely love lemonade. However, what I don’t like about it is all the sugar. Starbucks has this and a pink lemonade version that are sweetened with the all-natural Stevia and it’s the blend of tart and a tad bit sweet. Little too tart but good. Another Purvia packet please...lol

Butternut Squash 

I have really been into roasting vegetables. My favorites are sweet potatoes and a cauliflower broccoli mix. However, I recently heard someone say that butternut squash is delicious roasted.I am not a fan of cutting up butternut squash because it can be hard. This solves my problem and these little chunks are perfect and so tasty roasted with some olive oil, salt and pepper.

Cauliflower Gnocchi

This is a new favorite because I used it for me and saved some calories this way. Be sure to sauté it in butter for crispness or it will be soggy.

Bruschetta and Marinara 

These are two of my favorite Trader Joe products and often go hand-in-hand. The marinara is perfect for my turkey meatballs, or spaghetti, or if there’s no time for homemade lasagna sauce, etc. Often times, in addition to using the bruschetta for Italian bread toast, I love put it on top of all of these dishes for a very fresh tomato taste.

Brookie

My family is in heaven combining a brownie and a chocolate chip cookie! Mr. Nine had one on the end and just said it was OK and that I could probably make a better version but the second day we both had one from the middle and they were utterly delicious!

Oat and Greek Yogurt Sandwich Cookies

I am a sucker for any creme inside a sandwich cookie. I thought that these sounded delightful with a yogurt filled cream and the girl at the checkout said they are very delicious. The cookie itself is a little crisper than I would like but with a cup of tea in the afternoon, these hit the spot with just the right amount of sweetness.

Meyer Lemon Cake Mix

Again, another item very reminiscent of Starbucks and their lemon pound cake. However, this one takes the cake so to speak as it is even better! The perfect taste of lemon with a wonderful sugary glaze top! Another sweet treat great with Tea or coffee! This is also great for company.

Lemon Cookie Thins

And since we love Lemon, my mom got these and shared with me. Again, so delicious with a cup of afternoon tea.

Almond/Peanut Butter Cups

I was completely sold on the dark chocolate peanut butter cups from a trip before, especially when kept in the refrigerator. However, I’ve been hearing a lot of people talk about the almond butter cups. They are absolutely delicious, but I have to say the peanut butter ones are still my favorite. And you get a lot more in the container, LOL!

Peanut Butter Cartwheel Cookies

Another delicious cookie from Trader Joe’s! My family is peanut butter crazy, so these are right up their alley.

Guilt Free Guacamole

And I don’t think I’ll ever be able to do a Trader Joe’s post without mentioning my favorite item there and probably one of my favorite things to eat on the entire planet! The guilt free guacamole is out of this world. Made with Greek yogurt, the taste is absolutely divine and the calorie, and fat content kept very low. Unfortunately, it’s perishable and doesn’t last more than a few weeks in the fridge so I can’t stock up on too many. And I could kick myself because I had three tubs of this in my car but put one back. Since I can pretty much eat this entire tub in 2 sittings with salty tortilla chips, I so wish I had gotten that third tub of this amazing guac! 

My other top 5 favorites would be the sweet potato fries the cookies called Pinks & Whites, the Spinach-Artichoke dip and the Mandarin Orange Chicken, but I usually don’t that but my family LOVES it!!

A bit of TJ trivia. The company was started as an Aldi in Germany by the father of two brothers, but they got in a fight and instead of combining one unified franchise, they each operate their own…Now one has Trader Joe’s and the other has Aldi. They are not owned by the same parent company and word on their connection is tight lipped.

I literally had 8 bags full. If you have products you love, drip them in the comments for my next visit. If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s near you, I am sorry, and I feel ya. But keep a running list, like I always did because you never know when one may pop up!

  

HAVE A SUPER HAPPY DAY!

LINKING-UP with Inspire Me Monday// Lou Lou Girls Fabulous Party // Creative Monday's // Creative Muster Party // Wonderful Wednesday's Blog Hop  // Metamorphosis Monday// Friday Favorites Link Party // Tuesday Talk with Erika and Ashley

xo