Trader Joe's blog and cooking.
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 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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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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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.…
This peppery Arugula Pesto recipe 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 a bright green color and peppery in taste. 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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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.…
I love crab cakes. They are expensive whether you buy them at the store or order them out. This is not your traditional Maryland style crab cake recipe. This is a very savory rendition that will allow you to add much flavor to canned crab, crab in the freezer case, or in the refrigerated case. I tend to use a lot of Penzey’s Spices. If you don’t have a location near you they take orders online. Their stuff is high quality and their stores are awesome. You can actually go into the store and sniff each and every spice they have. It’s also worth it to be on their mailing list. If you aren’t using Penzey’s, then by all means substitute what you can. I’ve included fresh and dry measurements so depending on what you have available so you can switch things out….
The pros: Trader Joe’s Semi Sweet Chocolate Chunks is almost 60% cocoa, rich cocoa taste, great for baking.
The cons: If you need uniformity in your chocolate then reach for the chips and not the chunks. These were meant to be uneven on purpose.
The verdict: …
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….
My sisters favorite restaurant of all things is IHOP. Why? The syrup. They offer syrups that many people do not keep at home. But all of those syrups (other than maple) can be easily made at home. Here is a quick recipe for homemade raspberry that might compliment recipes like Overnight Yeasty Goodness Waffles or perhaps Trader Joe’s Chocolate Chip Waffles that deserve something special. Even pancakes or even a dessert would work with this as its a perfect balance between tart, sweet, and acidity. My Homemade Raspberry Pancake, Waffle, and Dessert Syrup is a recipe to make some special raspberry syrup at home and it doesn’t require a lot of fancy ingredients….
So you bought Trader Joe’s Umami Paste. Now for the next question: What the hell do you use this for? I wondered the same thing when I bought it. Out of the tube the primary flavor you’ll get is tomato paste. Within the tomato paste flavor you’ll get hints of parmesan cheese, olives, capers, garlic, mushroom powder, vinegar, and anchovy. There is a lot going on in this one little tube. The next obvious problem is that they don’t include any recipes, which they should have. It’s a product I’d like to see kept on the shelves as a permanent item. It should add a lot to anything with an existing tomato base to it. Where is the best place use it? Here is my recipe for Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with Trader Joe’s Umami Paste….
