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DEL.ICIO.USMade any great meals with Trader Joe’s products?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A year or so has passed since Trader Joe’s descended upon metro Atlanta, and the resulting euphoria has cooled (somewhat). But in that time, the store’s army of followers has put on its collective thinking cap and begun experimenting with the various sauces and other products on offer. Have you made any noteworthy dishes using Trader Joe’s ingredients? Found any hidden gems that add personality to an otherwise average meal? Let us know.
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Comments
By FCM
November 7, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
You bet! There red sauce (the 0.99 one)has spoiled it for me….it has no sugar and is the best. The brushetta (sundried tomato) topper is a good start to dips….speaking of which the Spinach/Artichoke in the freezer section taste’s like Houstons…..mix it with the above red sauce and bake with chicken tortellini sprinkled with mozzarella.
Beer cheese grilled cheese sandwiches with homeade chili…..
In a hurry? Orange chicken in the freezer section….white rice and green peas….as good as takeout and less cost!
By Leen
November 7, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this
I don’t buy a lot of their frozen foods, but never go there without picking up a couple of boxes of eggplant cutlets, for an easy parmesan dinner. My husband swears by the kielbasa, and it’s one of the few places he can find chorizo for his chili. They have great prices on cheeses too.
By Rodney
November 8, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
I’m a TJoe’s devotee, that’s for sure! I think my favorite item for easy-not-wanting-to-cook meal is the “Tarte d’Alsace” … a frozen, very thin crusted tarte/tort/pizza with carmelized onions, ham and gruyere cheese. FANTASTIC.
I’ve found a website, TraderJoesFan.com to share ideas, good finds and other recipes!
By Alex T.
November 8, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
Their goat ear shavings are amazing. Sprinkle them on anything including salads and ice cream! I could eat a whole bowl!
By Benton
November 8, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this
Their minced sweetbreads are to die for. Smothered with effusion, they’re a meal unto themselves!
By The Mutter
November 8, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
2 buck chuck!!!!! For those of you who don’t know, Charles Shaw wine sells for $2.99 (it is $1.99 out west, and called 2 buck chuck) This wine has won mulitple blind taste test awards.
By Doug
November 8, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
Try their Chinese mustard-flavored won ton chips. They are fabulous! I could make a meal out of them.
By JT
November 8, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
Trader Joes has been an absolute God send! I do the majority of my grocery shopping there now. However, several of the items that I am really nuts about are frequently out of stock. So if you think I’m going to tell you what they are, you’re crazy! However, I will say this much: They’re coffee selection is primo and many of their foods are marked with country of origin, so you can safely avoid the fish raised in China (and their frozen fish is quite excellent and much cheaper than you’ll get at Kroger or Publix - which the majority of I discovered was simply thawed out frozen fish).
They have an awesome cheese selection that is way cheaper than Harry’s. Their wine selection while not vast is certainly deep. And I’m not talking about the two buck chuck. I’ve bought many different brands there and by and large it’s really excellent and a discount (wine is so subjective it would be unfair for me to cast a shadow).
If you’ve never been, you MUST go! And honestly - I don’t work at Trader Joes…..
By DK
November 8, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this
Trader Joes has the best milk prices - $3.19/gallon. This is their every day price.
By FCM
November 8, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this
OH yeah, I am sooooo spoiled on the coffee!!!!!!! $5-8 a can and its better than Starbucks!
By JimDog
November 8, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this
SURE WISH WE HAD ONE HERE IN PEACHTREE CITY. AT LEAST WE CAN GET THE 2 BUCK CHUCK AT THE KROGER STORE HERE.
By FM Fats
November 8, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this
Two Buck Chuck sucks.
By mae
November 9, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this
This store is amazing! Great story too.
By TDJ
November 12, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
The carne asada and the seasoned butterflied leg of lamb are both soooo delish! The price is right and they are very easy to prepare.
In terms of dessert, you have to try the chocolate crossaints, profiteroles, and warm melting chocolate cakes. I can’t pick a favorite b/c they are all so good. Also, in the frozen section, they have a number of beautiful tortes and cakes that are nice to pick up to take to a potluck dinner or to give as a hostess gift for a dinner party.
Love Trader Joe’s!