This an easy, versatile and colorful rice dish. The edamame is a nice touch in addition to the usual green peas. I prefer the flavor of TJ’s Japanese-style fried rice better, but this dish provides a nice neutral base that can be seasoned as you wish. Good starting point for a meal with stir fry […]
Trader Joe’s Aloo Chaat Kali Pouches
Well the name is certainly a mouthful! Unfortunately, this is an interesting product that doesn’t quite work. The crust reminds me of a McDonald’s apple pie. The filling is tasty, but visually unappealing (mushy and brown). These would be more appealing if there was some mint or tamarind chutney to dip in. Crisping sleeves are […]
Trader Joe’s Broccoli & Cheddar Cheese Quiche
This is a tasty quiche, but only if you heat it in the oven. Although microwave instructions are provided, both the taste and texture suffer in the microwave. This is a small single-serving quiche that makes a nice presentation served whole with a little garnish (parsley, carrot curl or cherry tomatoes) to add some color. […]
Trader Joe’s Dolmas (vegan)
These bite-size treats are hidden away in the grocery aisle near the olives and artichoke hearts and make a great addition to a Mediterranean plate. If you are use to fresh dolmas you may not like these as much as I do. However, I actually prefer the small size and soft texture of canned dolmas […]
Trader Joe’s Ricotta & Spinach Cannelloni
This is a very rich and satisfying dish. Not surprising given that more than half the calories are from fat. The crepe has a nice texture and the ricotta filling is tasty, but it’s the sauce (béchamel and tomato) that really makes this dish. The serving size is too small for a meal, so you’ll […]
Trader Joe’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
This chilled chocolate chip cookie dough makes tasty cookies. Super fast and easy since the dough is already scored into cookie size pieces. Unfortunately, the baked cookies turn out oddly dark brown and flat so not something you can take to a bake sale. I had hoped varying the baking time and temp might help, but no luck so […]
Trader Joe’s Garlic Fries (vegan)
These are fine fries, but they’re not particularly special and not comparable to what you’re likely to find at a restaurant or your favorite sporting arena. Therefore, I’m giving them a 2 pineapple rating. These are a nice addition to a vegetarian burger, but if I’m eating a burger I feel like I should be […]
Trader Joe’s Crowd Cheeser
These cheese slices are nothing special, but they are really convenient if you have cheese eaters in the house. The 4 cheese varieties are colby jack, swiss, mild cheddar and pepper jack, so something for everyone. A single slice works well for crackers or biscuits. Two slices are needed for sandwiches or burgers. Location: Cheese […]
Trader Joe’s Hamburger Buns
I’m glad TJ’s carries hamburger buns so I don’t have to get them somewhere else. However, these are not great. They’re soft and rather bland like a fast food bun. Location: Bread shelf Quantity: 19 oz bag, 8 servings per bag Calories:200 calories per serving, 25 fat calories per serving Cost: $2.49
Trader Joe’s Spicy Lentil Wrap (vegan)
Trader Joe’s carries a limited number of prepared vegetarian sandwiches and most of these are wrap-style. Unfortunately, all these wraps suffer from too much bread and not enough sauce and therefore receive a 2 pineapple rating. The spicy lentil is the best of the wraps, because the spiciness provides enough flavor to stand-up to all […]