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Trader Joe’s Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

28 · Jan 22, 2019 · Updated April 7, 2019 · 5 Comments

Confession time: It’s the second time in two days I’ve been to Trader Joes, forgive me, I went on a Sunday and it seems like food was going out of fashion, especially in the frozen section. I wasn’t actually there for this product. I was actually looking for Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter and Sage.

I adored it.

But like many things at Trader Joe’s they like to tease you with great items and come back and try something new every time. So, this is my new bag of gnocchi: Trader Joe’s Gnocchi alla Sorrentina. In plain English it’s regular gnocchi with tomato sauce and some cheese….

Trader Joe’s Reduced Guilt Mac and Cheese

14 · Jan 7, 2019 · Updated April 7, 2019 · 5 Comments

Well, it wouldn’t be the beginning of the year without looking at the lighter options available at Trader Joe’s. Now, I’ve had my fair share of Mac and Cheese offerings from the Pepperoni Mac and Cheese, Truffle Mac and Cheese, Gluten Free Mac and Cheese, Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese, and Hatch Chile Mac and Cheese. And yes, they are mostly pretty good.
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Trader Joe’s Uncured Bacon Wrapped Porchetta Pork Roast

44 · Dec 12, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 8 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Uncured Bacon Wrapped Porchetta Pork Roast is a great seasonal find that makes for a presentable roast.

The cons: This is a seasonal item so if you want to try it, grab one as soon as possible because when they are gone they are gone.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Turkey and Stuffing En Croute

25 · Nov 5, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 19 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Turkey and Stuffing En Croute is a Thanksgiving dinner (minus the mashed potatoes) in one single frozen box. It’s a massive time saver and is super presentable.

The cons: If you like this product, it appears to be a seasonal one. While most of the turkey was evenly distributed, I did have one slice that did not have any. I’m also not sure why this is about 8 servings. I think 4-6 is a more reasonable number (more on this issue below).

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Classic Hamburger Buns

1 · May 17, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 2 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Classic Hamburger Buns are basic buns.

The cons: These are completely average hamburger buns.

The verdict: …

Stew Leonard’s Potatoes Au Gratin

0 · May 13, 2017 · Updated April 7, 2019 · Leave a Comment

One of my favorite dishes is Potatoes Au Gratin. Usually, I buy it around Thanksgiving as it’s more of a family dish and not something that you would make for just one person. The greatest sin in anything Au Gratin is having it sit in a watery or milky liquid. I love it when it’s rich and cheesy. When I came across Stew Leonard’s Potatoes Au Gratin I was intrigued. I noticed no extra liquid floating around. That can only mean one of two things: it’s cheesy or dry….

Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Fries

17 · Apr 7, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 2 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Fries (Frites) are crispy and delicious from bag to oven. They have a crisp outside and a tender inside. The flavor on these was really good. Most fries are (mostly) evenly cut to ensure even cooking. Considering these are coming from a freezer bag, they are pretty good.

The cons: Bag of Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Fries is not resealable. No microwave allowed on this product. You might want to add your own seasoning here as these are just plain sweet potato fries.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Lemon Pepper Pappardelle

12 · Apr 5, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 4 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Lemon Pepper Pappardelle is thick cut pasta that has a nice lemon taste.

The cons: Flavor might not be for everyone. Best served with olive oil or butter. Expensive compared to regular boxed pasta.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Beefless Ground Beef

46 · Apr 4, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 3 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Beefless Ground Beef has a texture that is pretty close to ground beef. This is a blank canvas that will take well to your cooking abilities. This product does need your love an attention.

The cons: This probably will not make a good “hambuger.” It needs something to be added to make this product better. Strongest flavor present is onions.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Pizza Dough

9 · Apr 2, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 2 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Pizza Dough is inexpensive, can be frozen and is a good item to keep on hand.

The cons: Watch the shelf life. It’s a fresh item and won’t last forever. This item can be frozen if you are not going to use it right away.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Microwavable Mac and Cheese

1 · Mar 31, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Velveeta and Kraft have nothing to worry about with Trader Joe’s Microwavable Mac and Cheese. The taste of Trader Joe’s Microwavable Mac and Cheese was just ok. Most importantly, you’ll have to bring your own dish.

The pros: Trader Joe’s Microwavable Mac and Cheese is only 230 calories per serving.

The cons: You might need to add additional water beyond what the instructions call for as my pasta came out dry every single time.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche

8 · Mar 29, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 1 Comment

During the winter holiday season I noticed Trader Joe’s Mini Quiche Duo . As quickly as they appeared in the freezer aisle, they seem to have disappeared like so many other well done products. Sadness about that product aside, I decided to be adventurous and try the much larger Trader Joe’s Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche. It’s closer to being full sized. Good enough for 1 person or two if you have a side that you’ll serve with it.

The pros: Trader Joe’s Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche had a nice flaky crust out of the toaster oven, loaded with broccoli and had a nice cheesy taste.

The cons: While the directions for Trader Joe’s Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche say you can put this in the microwave, I think you might end up sacrificing the quality of the pastry crust here. Nutritional information is a bit of a bummer after knowing it tastes so good.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Penne Arrabbiata

7 · Mar 28, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 3 Comments

Sometimes you just don’t have the time boil a whole big pot of water to make pasta. Maybe you also don’t want to dirty a pan for a sauce either. Trader Joe’s Penne Arrabbiata is a decent choice in the freezer aisle, but may need some adapating to what you like.

The pros: Trader Joe’s Penne Arrabbiata is al dente pasta with a slightly spicy tomato sauce. Out of the microwave was pretty good for freezer food.

The cons: Don’t expect the Arrabbiata sauce to blow you away. It’s just ok because there is one classic flavor missing.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Handmade White Tortillas

7 · Mar 26, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 2 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Handmade White Tortillas are super tasty and very fresh tasting. These are imperfectly shaped which makes them seem a bit more homemade.

The cons: I wish these were available in more sizes and I wish I could find this on a more consistent basis.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Coffee Rubbed Spatchcocked Chicken

2 · Mar 20, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 2 Comments

Trader Joe’s has taken on a new theme in the month of March: coffee. Maybe it’s day light savings time and everyone needs a buzz. Now they placed that caffeinated food item into your dinner with Trader Joe’s Coffee Rubbed Spatchcocked Chicken.

The pros: Moist chicken ready in about an hour. A very different taste from Trader Joe’s Spatchcocked Lemon Rosemary Chicken.

The cons: The coffee flavor may not be for everyone.

The verdict: …

Stew Leonard’s Garlic Bread

0 · Mar 15, 2017 · Updated June 11, 2019 · 2 Comments

The pros: Stew Leonard’s Garlic Bread is super convenient, has the nutritional information, bread was very fresh

The cons: Under buttered (margarine) and not quite enough garlic

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Garlic and Basil Linguine

4 · Mar 8, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · Leave a Comment

The pros: Trader Joe’s Garlic and Basil Linguine is tasty and cooks almost as quickly as fresh pasta. Tastes pretty close to fresh pasta as well.

The cons: The bag is only half a pound so the per pound price is premium for a pasta product. Not the sturdiest packaging choice for a delicate product.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Grilled Eggplant Wrap

1 · Mar 8, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 2 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Grilled Eggplant Wrap is a decent wrap but the star was the spicy tahini sauce.

The cons: For a vegan dish, this has quite a bit of fat in it. Sitting in the refrigerated aisle did the bread on this no favors.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Soy Chorizo

31 · Mar 6, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 4 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Soy Chorizo is spicy, tasty and happens to be vegan and gluten free and inexpensive at $1.99.

The cons: If you are looking for it to hold it’s sausage shape you will be disappointed. Meat lovers will miss exactly two things about this “sausage:” the casing and the fact that this really isn’t sausage and will not hold itself together. Might be a bit spicy for some. Will leave that familiar red grease stain anywhere the chorizo touches.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Yuzu Hot Sauce

7 · Mar 6, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 5 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Yuzu Hot Sauce tastes like lemon and can compliment anything lemon based by adding a touch of heat.

The cons: Trader Joe’s Yuzu Hot Sauce is a bit pricier than other hot sauces.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Beef Cabernet Pot Roast

94 · Mar 3, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · Leave a Comment

The pros: Trader Joe’s Beef Cabernet Pot Roast is well seasoned, well trimmed and tasty overall.

The cons: You might want a gravy with this, or at least make your own gravy out of the juices. No actual red wine in this.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Garlic and Herb Pizza Dough

15 · Mar 2, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 4 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Garlic and Herb Pizza Dough is inexpensive, quick, easy, little wait time, you are only limited by your own creativity.

The cons: Short shelf life but can be frozen.

The verdict: …

Trader Joe’s Fully Cooked Baby Back Ribs

17 · Feb 27, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · Leave a Comment

The pros: Trader Joe’s Fully Cooked Baby Back Ribs are tasty, tender and ready in under 20 minutes.

The cons: If you are hoping for championship level BBQ, this isn’t it. Doesn’t mean that it’s bad either. It’s just not the best BBQ I’ve ever had. You’ll also want a very sharp knife in order to separate the ribs. Some were no problem, some were a bit of a challenge with a very sharp knife….

Trader Joe’s Chicken Enchiladas Verde

23 · Feb 25, 2017 · Updated October 29, 2018 · 2 Comments

The pros: Trader Joe’s Chicken Enchiladas Verde are pretty close to what you might expect in a Mexican Restaurant without having to go out or pay restaurant prices.

The cons: Calorie count is higher than expected. Each enchilada is one serving. Don’t get me wrong, they are filling and nicely sized. The taste might convince you that eating all of them is a good idea….