We’ve officially made it through a full year of Trader Joe’s Food Finds! Bring on 2022! We tried really hard this month to limit the purchasing of more snacks and frozen foods. We had quite the stash of seasonal goods from the end of last year, so Gary and I agreed that we’d spend this month trying to eat what we already have. Sounds simple, right? When your name is Jennifer, it’s a lot easier said than done! In all seriousness though, for the most part, I stuck by it…until last week š I had to pull through with at least a few Trader Joe’s Food Finds for this month, right?
I’m highlighting 6 items this month. Some are new and seasonal, and others are just new to the Peiffer household. And of course, I started to grab a few Valentine’s goodies early before they sell out, so check out the bottom of this post for a sneak preview of those š
Let’s take a look at my January finds!
For the sake of transparency, I most confess that we have been purchasing and loving this Harvest Apple Salad Kit ($3.99) since November, and I just kept forgetting to take a photo! I truly thought that this would be a fall/early winter seasonal item due to the apple cinnamon vibe. I’m happy to say that they’re still in stock, so I’m guessing that they’ll be around for awhile (or until the next new salad comes out and replaces it). The mix of the unexpected cheddar cheese with the apple cinnamon chips, pecans, and slightly sweet and tart apple vinaigrette is amazing! You could definitely throw some grilled chicken on the top of it for a more hearty meal, or eat it as is. We love having it as a side with sandwiches for lunch, or with fish or poultry for dinner.
How cute are these Organic Pappardelle Pasta Nests ($3.49) I don’t have the faintest clue about whether or not they’ll stay in this shape after they’re cooked, but the presentation in the bag alone sold me. Gary and I make a delicious rosemary chicken dish with pappardelle, so we’ll give these a go and report back. This thick noodle would also be great with a bolognese sauce. The possibilities are endless!
We like to rotate through breakfast options in the Peiffer household. Some weeks are for cereal, whereas others call for toasted bagels. Let me tell you… this Onion & Chive Cream Cheese Spread ($1.99) is delicious! Gary isn’t usually one to rave about toasted breads and spreads (lol at that rhyme), but he actually mentioned this item to me out of the blue after finding it in our refrigerator! I prefer it on plain bagels, but it is also excellent on onion bagels. I highly recommend trying it!
PS – Cream cheese at Trader Joe’s is over by the cheese section, not by the butter. You’re welcome for that hint š
The supply chain issues are real, people! Gary and I had grown accustomed to the Joe’s O’s that have the strawberry yogurt coating, but when I went to the store last week, they were completely out. Bummer for us, but good for you, because it forced me to grab something new! These Peanut Butter Puffins ($3.99) looked intriguing, and Reese’s Puffs are Gary’s all time favorite, so I figured these would be a a crowd pleaser. If you like peanut butter, you’ll like these! I was actually a bit surprised by the size of the puffs…they’re much larger than I imagined for some reason. The taste was pretty good (although quite salty to me), but as I was eating them, I kept getting hints of corn. Well, sure enough, they’re made with corn flour so that must be why! I don’t know that these will be a go-to in our household, but I’m not mad about having tried them. I’m actually sitting here daydreaming about having them in chocolate milk…
Well, what’s a taquito without some guac?? This Organic Chunky Homestyle Guacamole ($3.99) was a no brainer purchase. It’s new in the dip section, and it has great ingredients. I also appreciate that the size isn’t egregiously large for two people to finish before it goes bad. Be sure to check it out and pick it up for your Super Bowl snack spread!
And now for a Valentine’s Day sneak preview…
The Gummy X’s and O’s ($2.99) and these Belgian Chocolate Hearts ($1.49) were too cute to pass up. I think we have some February movie date night snacks ready to go! š
I’m headed off to Trader Joe’s soon (hopefully today), so if I find some more must have Valentine’s Day items, I’ll be sure to post them for you. Word on the street is that there is heart shaped pasta to be found!!
xoxo
Jennifer