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Trader Joe’s Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings

156 · Jan 2, 2019 · Updated April 7, 2019 · 6 Comments

Happy New Year! I hope 2019 is off to a good start for everyone. I spent a bit of the last week relaxing on the couch and spending time with Netflix, Hulu, and my other streaming services.

Last night I had found a new series on my Amazon Prime membership that I had not seen before. I grew up watching Emril Lagasse when I was a kid and a teenager. I think he is one of the many Food Network stars that helped inspire an entire generation of Foodies.

If you happen to be a prime member, the name of the show is Eat the World. It’s episode 2 that I got to watch last night which just happened to be about Shanghai Soup Dumplings. In the episode, they focused more on the traditional pork flavored dumpling: Xiao Long Bao. …

Trader Joe’s Spicy Shrimp Appetizer Duo

29 · Dec 3, 2018 · Updated April 7, 2019 · 8 Comments

For about a month, I’ve been putting together a list of the worst things I’ve had from Trader Joe’s. If this wasn’t seasonal, it would make the list. How bad was it? Well, the conversation in my household went something like this:

“How was lunch, honey?” my husband asked me.

“I’m making a new one,” I responded.

“Why?” he inquired.

“This was the biggest Trader No’s I’ve had in a while.” “Seriously?” “Seriously.”

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Trader Joe’s Crispy Vegetable Pouches

32 · Nov 29, 2018 · Updated April 7, 2019 · 12 Comments

My husband and I are suckers for having appetizers in the place of dinner. However, this box became just my dinner. I didn’t want to share these. Now, don’t judge me to harshly when I say, I like Chinese food better cold rather than fresh out of the takeout container. And there is a connection here.

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Trader Joe’s French Onion Soup Bites

29 · Nov 24, 2018 · Updated April 7, 2019 · 13 Comments

It’s cold as anything since Thanksgiving. We were just talking the other day at work how in New York we feel like we are down to having 2 seasons instead of the normal four. We all feel like we have summer or winter.

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Trader Joe’s Herbaceous Cheesy Bites

45 · Nov 23, 2018 · Updated April 7, 2019 · 9 Comments

The dessert aisle this year is killing me. So I’m taking a much needed break from it. So far I haven’t seen a ton of new appetizers yet. Perhaps it is too early to say, but I thought they would be out by Thanksgiving. Shelves in my local store have already been packed with Bacon Wrapped Scallops and dates and we’ve even seen the return of the Lemon Ricotta Cheese and Fondue in the cheese aisle.

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Trader Joe’s Bite Size Everything Crackers

11 · May 14, 2018 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 8 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Bite Size Everything Crackers are a light and flavorful cracker combination.

The cons: If you are like me and think that caraway seeds are culinary kryptonite, they are present here.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Chipotle Black Bean Dip

49 · May 12, 2018 · Updated October 29, 2018 · Leave a Comment

The pros: Trader Joe’s Chipotle Black Bean Dip is a smokey and thick dip.

The cons: The smoke flavor is very strong with this one.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s 5 Cheese Greek Spiral

45 · Apr 13, 2018 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 6 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s 5 Cheese Greek Spiral is crispy and cheesy.

The cons: If there were 5 cheeses in this, then they became indistinguishable once they were baked together.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s 27 Layer Sesame Croissini

18 · Mar 23, 2018 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 4 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s 27 Layer Sesame Croissini is new to shelves and if you enjoy snacking on breadstick, you’ll find this enjoyable.

The cons: I’m not sure why the package says eat while warm. It was good warm, but the flaky layers were much improved at room temperature. Not many of my croissinis were twisted out of the box. I’m not sure if this is a defect or something to expect.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Brie en Croute

82 · Mar 1, 2018 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 2 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Brie En Croute makes for a pretty tasty and melty appetizer. This came out of the oven in a more attractive way that the mini brie en croute did.

The cons: Mine was not as melty as the package makes it appear. This is not a quick appetizer either.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Spinach and Kale Bites

19 · Feb 11, 2018 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 3 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Spinach and Kale Bites make for a tasty side, appetizer, or single vegetarian meal.

The cons: Mine were stuck slightly to the paper box.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Brioche Toasts

28 · Jan 25, 2018 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 1 Comment

The pros: Trader Joe’s Brioche Toasts are a two to three bite size slice of brioche that are crisp and delicious. At under $2 it’s a great deal. It also might have some interesting other applications beyond just appetizers.

The cons: If you are using this in place of crackers, then consider making sure you have napkins or plates because there will be crumbs from this toast.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Truffle Mousse Pate

141 · Jan 8, 2018 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 6 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Truffle Mousse Pate is a truly unique product that will have its raving fans. For those with a curious palate and not a big wallet, it’s a neat item to try.

The cons: This is neither a taste nor texture that everyone will appreciate. If you’ve been curious about pate and can stomach the flavor of truffle, this is a well made one to reach for. Pate is not diet food, so don’t be surprised by the calorie count.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons

185 · Dec 18, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 7 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons make for a quick and easy snack or meal.

The cons: You’ll still want a bit of dipping sauce as these are a bit bland on their own.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Turkey Pot Pie Bites

12 · Dec 16, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · Leave a Comment

The pros: Trader Joe’s Turkey Pot Pie Bites has made an appearance just after everyone has finished their turkey dinners. This is a decent appetizer.

The cons: Not one of the best appetizers that Trader Joe’s sells. Also, this item is seasonal.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Vegetable Pastry Puffs

14 · Dec 6, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 2 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Vegetable Pastry Puffs are a good appetizer.

The cons: This is a very simple appetizer that can easily be replicated at home. Mine did not come out quite as cute as in the picture on the box. If you have food allergies, there are some unexpected allergens mentioned.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Mini Cheese Crepes

14 · Nov 30, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 4 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Mini Cheese Crepes are new, seasonal, and are a bite sized snack or appetizer.

The cons: Seasonal and reminded me more of eating an omlet.

The verdict:

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Trader Joe’s Creamy Roasted Cauliflower and Onion Dip

26 · Nov 25, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 6 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Creamy Roasted Cauliflower and Onion Dip is a new and delicious dip found in the freezer section of Trader Joe’s.

The cons: This item is labeled HOL on my receipt which usually indicates it is a seasonal item. Unfortunately, I strongly disagree with this being seasonal. This would make an awesome addition to Trader Joe’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip that is available year round. I also disagree with there being 8 servings. I believe this to be closer to 2-3 servings at most.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Shrimp and Salmon Trio

13 · Nov 24, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · Leave a Comment

The pros: Trader Joe’s Shrimp and Salmon Trio is a nice variety pack of appetizers.

The cons: This is a seasonal item.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Langostino Tails

178 · Oct 28, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 4 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Langostino Tails are frozen, precooked, and ready to be added to a dish where you might use shrimp or another seafood. This also requires less prep as they are already cooked.

The cons: I think too many people pass these buy because they don’t know what to do with them. That’s a shame because this is a good product. If you really, really like these then buy them at Costco because they’ll work out much cheaper.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Parmesan and Garlic Pita Chips

14 · Oct 12, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 2 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Parmesan and Garlic Pita Chips are tasty chips perfect for snacking on their own or enjoying with dip. They are also priced well.

The cons: Nothing really comes to mind.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Fig and Olive Crisps

34 · Oct 6, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 2 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Fig and Olive Crisps are a very well done appetizer crisp. These are far more flavorful that crackers and are crisp enough to hold up to dip and toppings.

The cons: The flavor combination might not be for everyone, but as someone who does not really like the taste of olives, I did not mind them here.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Japanese Style Fried Rice

23 · Sep 12, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 6 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Japanese Style Fried Rice is vegan, super flavorful as long as you are willing to embrace the distinct seaweed flavor here in addition to the other Asian ingredients.

The cons: Not a lot of tofu in this so you might want to supplement it with your own.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Chicken and Vegetable Wonton Soup

16 · Aug 11, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 6 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Chicken and Vegetable Wonton Soup makes for a quick and low calorie meal. The wontons are the highlight here.

The cons: You will still need to add water and I wasn’t crazy about the veggies in the broth.

The verdict: …