No Trading my Joe’s

Folks, I love me some Trader Joe’s – and so it seems a lot of people do! When I lived in Oshkosh, I would travel nearly an hour and a half to Milwaukee and LOAD up. One of the best perks of living in Los Angeles, besides the awesome weather (Kyla – how is it wearing a coat again?! Sorry…low blow) is that there is a Trader Joe’s on what seems like EVERY block. I know a lot of people blog about their favorite Joe items, but guess what…so am I!

Tosha’s Favorite Trader Joe’s Buys:

1.  4 Almond Croissants – I want to write a love letter to these babies…from my heart, stomach, and wallet. Just stop reading now and go out and buy these for only…wait for it…$3.99 for four croissants (hence the name – clever, huh?). You can find them in the freezer section. I am so glad I took the time to read the preparation directions when I first bought these. These AREN’T a grab and go snack. They take a lot of time to prep. You have to pop them on a baking sheet and leave overnight…uncovered. Weird, but true. When I woke up the next morning they had grown tremendously in size. Then I had to bake them for 25 minutes. So, yeah…not a grab-n-go treat BUT TOTALLY worth it.

2. Organic Brown Rice – Not only is this brown rice good and organic, it comes in a box with three 10 oz. microwavable packets. Throw some veggies on top and you have a good meal. I also used this rice as a bed to Trader Joe’s Broccoli and Beef.

3. Mandarin Orange Chicken – If you love orange chicken from your favorite Chinese take-out restaurant, then you’ll love this! I also prepare this with the next item on my list…

4. Potstickers (both Chicken and Pork) – These puppies are delish! Fry them up in a pan to get them crispy (although you can microwave if you’re in a hurry but they aren’t as crispy that way). Then serve with soy sauce or even on rice – YUM! If you click the title, you’ll be directed to Trader Joe’s website where you can find an awesome soup recipe using these potstickers.

5. Ginger Chews by The Ginger People- I have a bag of these sitting on the coffee table in front of me. They are FANTASTIC treats when you want something sweet and spicy. With about 20 calories a piece, they are a no-guilt treat. One usually satisfies me.

6. Meyer Lemon Cookie Thins – now onto a treat that isn’t so guilt-free because, well, let’s face it – you just can’t stop after eating one of these. They have over a 100 calories for four cookies but the cookies are THIN! It would take about eight to equal a normal sized cookie. Dangit, though. Their buttery and lemony taste are to die for.

7. Spinach and Kale Yogurt Dip – One of my co-workers turned me on to this dip – and my, oh my, am I glad they did. You can get a tub for $3.99. Buy that and a bag of their pita chips (about two bucks a bag) and you’re set for one DELICIOUS snack. Here’s how the big Joe describes it…

“…is a downright delicious, low fat, low calorie dip made with low fat Greek yogurt in place of the more typical sour cream. It’s packed with kale, spinach, water chestnuts, red peppers, carrots, green onions, garlic and other seasonings, with mayo for extra smoothness and just a touch of agave nectar to boost the sweetness a bit. It’s a natural dip for fresh vegetable crudités or crackers and a superstar on sandwiches—whether it’s turkey & cheese, piled high roast beef or an abundance of roasted vegetables. It’s made exclusively for us, so you’ll find it only in the refrigerated case at your neighborhood Trader Joe’s”

8. Flavored Yogurt with Granola or Almond Cups – These yogurt cups, which come in vanilla, pomegranate, and apricot mango, are about a buck a piece. My favorite is the vanilla with almond slivers.

9. Roasted Plantain Chips – Only three ingredients: plantains, sunflower oil, and salt. Pretty simply but more than pretty good. About 140 calories per 20 chips.

10. Kettle Corn Cookies – This combines two of my favorites…kettle corn and well, cookies. About 130 calories for three cookies. Sold yet?

Happy trading,