A Local's Guide to the Best of Trader Joe's

Who doesn’t love ? The music, the familiar faces and of course, the free samples.    

At a recent get-together with friends, the topic turned from kids and soccer practice to our favorite Trader Joe’s products. Everyone had something to add; a product they can’t live without, or a delicious recipe.  

Here is a list from our conversation ... Enjoy!  

Blue Ribbon Winners

TJ’s Pumpkin Butter. This creamy spread is a perfect substitute for jam or butter.  Spread it on sandwiches with cream cheese, add it to homemade vanilla ice cream or stir into plain yogurt. Try pumpkin pancakes topped with chopped pecans.    

Edamame Hummus. This item also got some oohs and aahs because of its versatility, rich taste and nutritional value. It's also relatively new, low in sodium, low-cal and low in saturated fat. It is great with crackers, as a dip for veggies or even as a topping for tacos. Yes, a substitute for guac! It is THAT good.  

Raisin Rosemary Crisps. I love, love, love these crackers! Serve with Manchego cheese or brie. Whole Foods carries a similar version of these crisps, but TJ’s sells them for $3.99, a fraction of the Whole Foods price.

Party Must Haves

Wild Mushroom & Black Truffle Flatbread wins first prize here. It is more of a pizza than a flatbread. This guaranteed hit will have guests thinking you spent all day baking. Even better, you can buy it for less than 5 bucks.

Hummus, hummus, hummus among us. There was no clear winner here because all of Trader Joe’s hummuses are delicious, but there are some standouts. We love the Mediterranean and the Cilantro Jalapeño varieties. For a little variation, serve with triangles from TJ’s Multigrain Tandoori Naan and it’s a done deal.  

Trader Jacques La Fondue is made with three cheeses I can’t pronounce. OMG, let’s just say it is sinfully delicious. Perfect with ham, veggies or try raisin bread cubes for a sweet-savory bite. Great for kids or adults who want to play with their food.  

Seasonal & Holiday Faves

Trader Joe’s Whole Fresh Cranberry Sauce tastes like it came from Grammie’s kitchen. With 25 people for Thanksgiving this year, someone (not me) substituted their made-from-scratch cranberry with this TJ’s specialty. No one noticed a thing. I know it’s bad, but at least they didn’t use “can-berry.” 

Again, the Pumpkin Butter. I eat it directly from the jar.  

Dark Chocolate Shortbread Stars. This suggestion came directly from the store manager of our Los Gatos Trader Joe’s. Perfectly fattening, star-shaped, short bread covered with high-quality dark chocolate ... Yes, please. Leave a plate out for Santa and the reindeer.   

Kitchen Staples

Organic Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup. It is smooth and silky, sweet and savory. I like to heat it up and top with a sliced avocado and some croutons for an instant bowl of Winter deliciousness. Paired with a grilled cheese, this soup is great for a chilly day.  

Banana Bread Mix. Add just about anything to this mix and it is absolutely amazing. Really, it tastes homemade. I use an older banana and just a dash of cinnamon. Try including dried cranberries, walnuts, zucchini, etc.    

Pomegranate Seeds. My mom always has these in her fridge. She makes a fab salad with these seeds, a sliced green apple, goat cheese, a Cutie orange and candied walnuts. Just drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette and voila!

Did I miss something? Do you have some creative Trader Joe’s recipes or suggestions? Our readers would love to hear from you.  

Happy Holidays!