Kitchen

[sfnative]

For the nay-sayers, this is not a regular market.  If you go in and just walk up and down the aisles without actually taking a look at items, you've wasted your time.  There are treasures to be found.

1st on my list:  And best to be found anywhere is Trader Joe's Kosher Brined Turkey available during the holidays.  This is by far the best turkey I've ever roasted  - Ever!

I always purchase gluten free frozen waffles, frozen bags of tiny wild blueberries (to put on my cereal), small plastic "bottle" of Stevia with teeny spoon inside (absolutely no aftertaste), sublingual B12 teeny pills in a tiny bottle (they DO work as evidenced by my labs), pumper bottle of gentle liquid facial soap, various cheeses when entertaining, box of really little crackers (2 together with chedder in between - GD loves them), milk, butter, sour cream.

Have been shopping TJs since the first store opened in Northern California in Marin County in the 70s, so drove over from SF to shop there with my stepmother who lived in Mill Valley.  That was a loooooong time ago.

(What I don't purchase there: produce, ready-made wraps and salads.  I've had really bad luck with the produce, as in so not ripe.  And have been badly sicked by 3 different take-homes mentioned above.)

[Rochelle69]

The mushroom seasoning, multipurpose umami seasoning is amazing!!! I'm sprinkling it on everything! Made some amazing spaghetti sauce with it tonight, sprinkled some on my green beans.... oh wow. Just wow. No leftovers. Highly recommend!

[Rochelle69]

I can't tell you just how much I love Trader Joe's. First and foremost I will mention that I volunteer at our local foodbank and they by far donate more to the foodbank than any other store in our area. For that alone, they are worth me spending some time and money in their store.

Their spices and seasonings are 1.99 to 2.99 for full size bottles! The Everything but the Bagel Seasoning is supreme! I've conjured up many recipes that include it. Their Tomato Basil Marinara sauce is only 1.79, and holds it's own against all the other pasta sauces out there. The cheese selection is amazing. The frozen food section is unique and truly not priced any more outragesly than the frozen foods of big corporations. The nut and dried fruit selection is superb, and the quality is above most of the quality that I find in supermarkets. 

The wine. The beer. You can create your own six pack of beer by mixing and matching one of whatever beer you desire. It's pretty amazing, and their "house" beer, Boatswain is 4.99 a six pack, and extremely tasty. 

Really and truly stop and check Trader Joe's out. They aren't paying me for my review, so I'm leaving out their amazing plants and produce. Haha! I will tell you that a Wisconsin girl like me gets a kick out of getting Kringle in Washington though! Really pay attention to their products, and their wonderful employees. You'll be hooked!

[Yahooey]

The store is always crowded - the lines may get really really long. I have to lug what I carried onto the subway in NYC. Do I still shop there ABSOLUTELY!

I don't do my majority of shopping there - since I live over an hour by subway but I do carry a small tote every week. 

As another poster mentioned - there are hidden gems. My go to - frozen pork gyoza. Boiling water with 6 pieces - add veggies and seasoning - warm comforiting and filling. Over a pound bar of semi sweet chcolate - very reasonably priced.

Their employees are the best.

oooh, meyer lemons - I believe 5 in a bag for 1.99

[Yahooey]

@Lyttlewyng

I saw those bulbs - how do they grow? Do the roots come out of the wax? Or do you just leave it in a vase with no water or soil?

I got a regular bulb at Lowes and 1 flower may bloom in the next day or so. It is a double stalk so I"m really looking forward to the blooms. I continue to water them until the bulb is replenish for another season.

[ValuSkr]

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@BunSnoop wrote:

Can you do all of your weekly shopping at Trader Joes?

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I don't think anyone does all their weekly shopping at TJ's.  As you've probably surmised from the comments, TJ's is good for one-off items that you can't find anyplace else, that are less expensive than elsewhere, etc.  Shopping there is a bit of a treasure hunt.  It's kind of fun if you have time and don't mind dealing with a crowded store, narrow aisles, and limited parking.  Most everything is TJ's own brand.

I like their $0.99 greeting cards.  I don't care for their produce; local supermarkets have better.

[Lyttlewyng]

@Yahooey

I have my 3 in my bay window.  No vase, just on the bay.  They are growing nicely, although at different rates.  It's a race to see if the gold wax will bloom first, then silver.  The red is in 3rd place.  I do nothing to them.   Nature seems to be taking care of them. 

[2zbeach]

If you have a gluten allergy like me, I find Trader Joe’s has some of the best gluten-free items anywhere.  I’d choose their bread over Udi’s any day. We love their gluten-free choc chip cookies,too,plus much more. They keep expanding their gluten-free offerings , so every trip is a treasure hunt!

Although they were only available for the holidays, one of our favorite items was the champagne gummy candy.  Tasted like the real stuff but gummier than their “ Scandanavian Swimmers” ( TJ’sversion of Swedish fish).  When I went to get another package a week later, alas, they were sold out! You can be sure I’ll be watching when the Valentine’s seasonal stuff arrives. 

[jannabelle1]

TJ's is not my weekly shopping destination for basics, but I love shopping there occasionally. They have wonderful bread products and the best Lobster Bisque soup in their freshly prepared foods/cheese section. Their frozen foods are so unique, and their wine section is diverse in the prices available. I have never, ever walked into TJ's and not left without a bag full of wonderful items. Be prepared to spend a little time looking at all of their offerings - it's a unique experience and I always leave with a smile on my face and a bouquet of fresh flowers!

[Coquille]

@momtochloe As you might know, I used to cook all the time. Now, it's only my husband and I so I don't cook that much anymore. The one thing I never made was a turkey breast. People would say that it always turned out dry when they made it. I never would have thought to buy one at T Joe's, I'm there once a week, so it would be great to get it there. Would you please if you can, post a recipe for your turkey breast. If you want, wait until one of the ingredients is listed on your January Recipe thread. I would love to make one and I would absolutely use your recipe. Thanks as always.😉

My husband and I used to eat a lot of scallion pancakes. I'm pretty sure I ended up getting Gall Stones from all of the pancakes (really ate a lot). What a way to go! Take care my friend. 😉