Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Ours was good, good and normal. HA! Tomorrow I’m heading out {again} for a week in Kentucky and Tennessee. Today is Katie’s first day of her junior year. We can barely wrap our brains around her being half way through her undergrad work. She’s still has a way to go though. Her plan is to go to Physicians Assistant school after she graduates and that program is a little over 2 years, so in the big scheme of things, she’s not really half way quite yet.
Back in May I did a post with my favorite Trader Joe’s finds, part 1. Well naturally that means there had to at least be a part 2. So today I’m sharing another round of TJ’s treasures. Why didn’t I think of that name for these posts????
I think I first had Farro at Cheesecake Factory and I was immediately in love with it. It’s a healthier alternative to rice and has a great chewy-toothy texture. Barley is much the same, and I use them interchangeably. One of my favorite recipes to eat it with it is Skillet Chicken With Tomatoes and Spinach. Naturally the day I made it and blogged about it, I was out of both of these and used quinoa as a substitute, which is also a healthier alternative to rice.
I tried the Greek Yogurt in vanilla bean and it was yummy. I don’t buy it regularly because it has a little more calories than my Dannon Light and Fit Greek that I eat every day.
Here is one of my all time favorite finds, Asian Style Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette. This has quite a little kick but is oh so good. We eat it on Fish Taco Salad and it’s Delicious with a capital D.
I go through spells of trying to drink more water in any form I can to make it more enjoyable. I’ve never been a water drinker so this is an area that’s a real challenge for me. Some of the TJ’s have this already refrigerated and available by the individual can. It’s a good alternative to LaCroix. Speaking of bubbly waters, another one I first found at TJ’s is Spindrift. Of all the carbonated waters I’ve tried, these are probably the best. The “flavors” are a little stronger and not quite so subtle.
Sugar Snap Peas are so yummy. They are slightly sweet and a great stand alone snack when you want something crunchy. I also love to put them in stir-fry or salads.
Edamame is available both in and out of the shell. In my last post I accidentally bought it in the shell…big mistake. LOL Make sure you grab the right package.
Frozen green beans are a hidden gem. Throw them in a pan with a little garlic and olive oil, add some chutney (see Part 1 post for that) and you’ve got a quick, easy, healthy side dish.
Sometimes I find it hard to find chopped frozen spinach is grocery stores. Weird, right? TJ’s always has it. I like to use it in scrambled eggs and quiche. So good for you, adds vitamins and minerals and bulks it up.
So I only bought these once, not because they aren’t good, because oh yeah they most definitely are. They just have more calories than we like to eat these days. They are definitely yummy.
Bok Choy is something we just recently started eating. My friend Allie sent me a recipe that called for it and I make some version of it regularly, especially on low carb days. (BTW…there’s a new round of Faster Way To Fat Loss starting September 2. You can read about my experience with that here.)
These are so cheap and perfect for throwing on salads. A no brainer.
Everyone raves about flowers at Trader Joe’s. I love to pick up a few bunches from time to time to brighten up the house.
We are big fans of Pirate Booty and these white cheddar corn puffs are a great alternative. Throw them in with some warm popcorn. YUM!
Another cult favorite. Everything But The Bagel Seasoning. I just bought this yesterday, but Katie’s been using it all summer and loves. it.
Chili Lime Seasoning is good for so many things. I use it in guacamole and eggs. It’s really delicious on fish, especially if you brush on some Dijon Mustard first and then sprinkle this on. So good! Sprinkle on roasted veggies or I bet it would be delish on popcorn too.
Whew! That was a lot! Hope you found some new things to add to your next Trader Joe’s list.
Have a great Monday!!!
Oh I always love these suggestions! I bought the Everything But the Bagel seasoning and haven’t used it much – I’d love ideas! I need to add those sweet potato fries to my list – yum! That Asian Peanut Dressing is my favorite! Happy Monday sweet friend, I bet you are counting the hours till you board that plane!
xo,
Kellyann
I used it for the first time Monday night on zucchini. I think Katie uses it on fish. I need to just start thinking of it as Confetti and throwing it on everything. LOL
I want to jump on a plane right now and come shopping with you in TJ’s! Hugs, x.
It’s a date! Come on!!! XO
Gosh, I love Trader Joe’s! I’m always a huge fan of the Everything But the Bagel seasoning, but I got sick off it this pregnancy, and now I’m all turned off it haha BUT I love the chile lime seasoning! So good! And a hugeee YES to flowers!
I just a post on Insta and someone said they have a bigger container of something very similar at Sam’s. The Chili Lime Seasoning is awesome. I want to try it on popcorn. XO
I know so many people who use the everything but the bagel stuff, but WHAT do you put it on?
I used it on zucchini the other night. Katie uses it on fish. I think throw it on anything. LOL XOXO
I just went last week, wish I’d had this list!! Although I did buy many on it and now I feel horrible because I bought 3 bags of the sweet potato fires, lol! And I sat down the edamame and wish I’d gotten it. I get up there about once a quarter, it’s an hour and 10 min drive but sooo worth it!
Bummer that it’s so far away. You just go right ahead and enjoy those fries sweet friend! XO
Dang it! Well now you can buy even more next time! XO
Oh, I wish we had TJ’s around here but no where near. I would love that peanut butter vinagarette.
It’s so good. XO
Great TJ’s finds. I have used about half of these. I need to look for that sparkling water.
Thanks Tanya! Yep, give the H2O a try. XO
I enjoy hearing what people like about Trader Joes. We have them here and go in from time to time. Love farro and yogurt.. mmm. I eat Flip yogurt though as I just love the crunchy with the smooth yogurt…have that everyday. I eat a fair amount of veggies and hubby and I love snap peas too. I am going to have to check out some of these.. that peanut vinegrette sounds delish!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I add fruit, coconut clusters or chocolate chips to my yogurt too. I have to have something to “chew” on. If you get the chance try the Peanut Vineagrette. It’s delicious..but a little spicy! XO
I need to pin this! I haven’t been to TJ’s in FOREVER and I’ve been wanting to go! I have never tried Farro! I would love to try that Everything but the Bagel, too. I love sugar snap peas for munching, I don’t know why! Lol! Great post!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Thanks Carrie! Pin away!? Try the Farro, I bet you’ll like it! XO
That peanut vinaigrette looks so good! I bet it would be a delicious chicken marinade too!
Oooo, good idea! It is spicy though, so it might not be so great for your little sweetie. XO