Trader Joe's blog and cooking.
If you like quick and easy recipes, this is the place to be.
From seasonal cocktails like Holly Jolly Peppermint Martini to Winter Wassail Cocktail to appetizers like Prosciutto Wrapped Stuffed Dates.
You'll find an ever expanding list of items to satisfy your cravings.
My Chocolate Martini recipe uses three simple ingredients: vanilla vodka, Godiva chocolate liqueur, and creme de cacao to make a deliciously balanced vodka martini. Modifications are listed if you wish to make this recipe dairy-free and still have the best homemade chocolate martini without the bar bill or a cab ride home.
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My Blueberry Scones with Lemon Glaze recipe is quick, easy, moist and uses lemon to add another dimension of flavor. This is a perfect breakfast, brunch, or dessert item to share or to freeze for fresh scones in the morning. I’ve included lots of ways of adapting this recipe to make it even more delicious.…
My vodka gimlet recipe requires three simple ingredients: vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup. This classic gimlet cocktail is a twist on the original gin based recipe, but you might find yourself wanting to make this by the pitcher. My how to guide will show you how to order and make your own in a martini glass or on the rocks.
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This quick and easy Mussels in White Wine Sauce has a delicious butter, garlic, shallots, white wine sauce that is quick, easy, and delicious. This is a perfect dish for Lent, Summer when it is too hot to cook, or whenever the mood is right for a seafood dinner.
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If you like the taste of chocolate chip cookies, but wish for a more chocolate taste, then look no further than these rich, deeply chocolatey cookies that are the devils food of the cookie world. These cookies are easy, soft, and delicious.
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Whether it is St. Patrick’s Day or you just need a little something extra with your coffee, a classic Irish Coffee should hit the spot between a bit of a buzz and delicious coffee. My recipe gives a bit of history and lots of options to please most palates even if you aren’t a whiskey fan.
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If you enjoy a fruity, but strong cocktail, then look no further than this Red Russian. It’s a stark contrast from the traditional from the more common Black Russian and White Russian that are Kalhua based. For those who enjoy a sweet and strong cocktail, this is a perfect drink. As an added bonus, if you find you are missing an ingredient, then I have you covered so you can have THE most amazing bar setup ever.
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Don’t you hate it when you go to the store and one of your favorite items is sold out? I do. Interestingly enough, the ingredients to make these delicious bites are commonly available at the store. With a couple quick steps you can make your own. These can be ready in about 15 minutes and are a great match to the customer favorite. My copycat Trader Joe’s Oven Baked Cheese Bites recipe is also gluten-free and keto friendly, so if that is why you pick those items up, then keep this recipe handy! Parmesan Crisps like this are truly easy to make.…
A sweet, but not too sweet drink that is the ideal balance of pineapple, cranberry cocktail, and coconut rum. This easy beginners drink to make at home is visually stunning as your can enjoy the layered effect from this cocktail. Plus it is the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors that will remind you of summer time.
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This peppery Arugula Pesto deviates from the classic pesto with the substitution of arugula for basil and almonds in place of pine nuts. The result is just as tasty, but bright and peppery. This recipe is also gluten-free, low-carb, and keto friendly. With one substitution, this recipe can also be made vegan.
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This top shelf Cadillac Margarita uses premium ingredients of tequila and orange liqueur to ensure a top shelf margarita. This recipe is ready in 5 minutes or less and is perfect for Cinco de Mayo, National Margarita Day (February 22nd), or just a day when you need a classic yet high-end drink, but don’t want to go out.
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Here is a recipe straight from my Mom’s cookbook. This Crumb Cake recipe is super simple, but always impresses who ever tries it. This recipe features lots and lots of that amazing cinnamon spiced crumb topping that wows every time. Perfect for entertaining and sharing.
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This colorful and seasonal Blood Orange Margarita is perfect for when you see Blood Oranges available in your local grocery store. This is a colorful variation of the classic margarita recipe uses fresh, seasonal ingredients, as well as premium tequila. A perfect way to use this gorgeous seasonal fruit with a show stopping cocktail.…
Light as a feather and rich in the taste of fresh strawberries, this Strawberry Scone recipe is lightened up in time for the New Year. You don’t have to wait until strawberries come into season to enjoy this recipe. I’ve even included ways dozens of flavor suggestions to inspire you more to play with the flavors here.…
School is back in session and it is only a matter of time before the bake sales and holidays are upon us. I’m always looking for other ways to use cookie butter aside from eating it straight from the jar. You gotta share the love, right? Even those yummy little Speculoos cookies are worthy of being elevated right?
Plus, if you are reading this and turning on an oven sounds like a terrible idea there are plenty of no bake options posted here. Some items here are best enjoyed ice cold. Some are perfect for the over 21 crowd too….
The pros: Trader Joe’s Wasabi Mayonnaise is perfect for those who love Japanese inspired flavors.
The cons: This might not be for everyone. Spice junkies might not think this brings enough heat.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Uncured Extra Thick Cut Maple and Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon is new to store shelves and did not appear to be marked as “HOL” on my receipt which might indicate this might be sticking around.
The cons: It’s bacon and sugar. Just don’t look at the nutritional info. Just don’t do it. This is also just a spin on candied bacon.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s White Chocolate Baking Chips will stand up to most cookie recipes and keep their shape. While I enjoy a good white chocolate bar more, these were well done baking chips.
The cons: This is a seasonal item, so if you discover you like these then understand they are not on shelves forever.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Organic Ginger Zinger tastes like a combination of lemonade and flat ginger beer. This is also going to be polarizing item where you love it or hate it.
The cons: Unless you like flat ginger beer, then you might not like this. You’ll also have to shake this as a good amount of the product settles towards the bottom of the bottle.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Sparkling Limeade is imported from France and has a strong lime taste.
The cons: For soda, this is a pricey item at almost $3.
The verdict: …
So, you purchased Trader Joe’s Organic Jalapeno Limeade. Now what? Well, I didn’t love drinking it plain. However, mixed with some simple (adult) ingredients it was much improved. I made a Spicy Jalapeno Limeade Margarita out of it. I found the product was improved with the addition of some time ingredients. For the easiest rimmed glass, use agave or corn syrup around the rim and dip in coarse salt. The salt will stay put and the sweetness won’t come through….
So you bought this, Trader Joe’s Winter Wassail, but don’t want something cold like Winter Wassail Cocktail. You want mulled wine but can’t go to Upstate New York and buy Fruit Yard Winery’s Funvalia Spiced Wine and you have no idea where to start in terms of a recipe. Well, here is a basic recipe that can be sized up or down depending upon how many people you are looking to serve. …
I took a class a few years back at Sur La Table. I honestly haven’t taken a bad one yet. Maybe a couple of recipes weren’t my absolute favorite, but for the most part they have been amazing. Quite a few of those recipes have been added into my regular repertoire. If you are lacking in cooking skills or want to learn something new, this is one of the most accessible places to start….
This Winter Wassail Cocktail recipe is perfect for those who love a fruity drink with the slight kick of cinnamon, cardamom, and orange peel. This 3 ingredient cocktail can be ready in 5 minutes as is perfect for your winter cocktail desires.
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