The Trader Joe’s hit list - Episode 3
If you're as obsessed with Trader Joe's as I am, you're in for a real treat today (pun intended). In my latest podcast episode, I dive into my absolute favorite Trader Joe's products that make my shopping trips feel like treasure hunts. From snacks that hit just right to meal staples that save me on busy weeknights, I've covered all of the best goodies you need to know about.
Create & consume
What Austen is creating this week: working on some freelance assignments for Byrdie helping them update articles
What Austen is consuming this week: a book called Maybe Once, Maybe Twice by Alison Rose Greenberg
Episode breakdown
Breakfast
Chicken sausage breakfast burritos, will also usually get mango
Raspberries + low fat vanilla yogurt + Joe-Joe’s Cookies + Creme granola
Smoothie: frozen berry medley, yogurt, banana, orange juice, baby spinach
Avocado toast: avocado, sourdough bread, everything but the bagel seasoning, chili flakes & lemon juice
Lunch
Where the frozen section absolutely SHINES
Frozen flatbreads: burrata & arugula, mushroom
Thai shrimp gyoza dumplings paired with chicken fried rice
Chicken spring rolls and the pork shumai also in rotation to be paired with fried rice
Soups:
My favorite is the Tomato Feta soup
Andrew likes New England Clam Chowder
We both like the Lobster Bisque
All of these pair great with a mini pretzel roll
Ciabatta demi baguette, mozzarella, prosciutto, balsamic glaze, tomatoes
Dinner
Lots of ideas in the Trader Joe’s 5 Items or Less cookbook by Anna Lisa and on her Instagram account @traderjoes5itemsorless
Fresh Atlantic boneless salmon filet + frozen pasta (usually penne arrabbiata) + broccoli on the side with the salmon rub seasoning
Chicken pesto bake: chicken breast topped with pesto, mozzarella and tomatoes. Bake and top with TJ’s balsamic glaze.
(Tip: if you do the prosciutto sandwich for lunch, use the mozzarella and tomato for this too)
Ravioli (love the butternut squash, cacio e pepe and four cheese) and add a protein and vegetable. My go-to is sweet Italian sausage and zucchini.
If you’re doing just ravioli get two packages and add a sauce like the cacio e pepe sauce or the limone alfredo sauce
Easy sheet pan meal: spicy Italian sausage, tri-color peppers, 1/2 red onion on a sheet pan in the oven at 425 for 20 minutes and head up jasmine rice for the side
Dessert
Sublime ice cream sandwiches
Fruit Frenzy Bars
Sea salt brownie bites
Chocolate peanut butter cup bites
Assorted (Sides/Snacks/Drinks)
Frozen broccoli florets
Jasmine rice
Roasted potatoes with peppers and onions
Olive oil spray
Ginger shots (ginger is the best, don’t get the tumeric)
Coffee concentrate for iced coffee
Salmon rub
Everything but the bagel seasoning
Everything but the elote seasoning
Buffalo chicken dip
White truffle potato chips
Peanut butter filled pretzels (Andrew’s fave)
Seasonal/Florals
Yogurt-coated pumpkin shaped cookies
Pumpkin banana bread
Mini pumpkins
Peppermint bark
Flowers
Petite bouquets
Seasonal bouquet + one filler
Summary
I hope you enjoyed this recap and found some new items to add to your shopping list. Whether you're a longtime TJ's fan or a newbie exploring their aisles for the first time, there's always something exciting to discover.
Don't forget to check out the full podcast episode for even more delicious details and pro tips. I'd love to hear about your Trader Joe's must-haves too, so drop a comment below or hit me up on social media.
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