Trader Joe’s has quickly become one of my go-to stores since it first opened here in September.  My husband commented the other day that I go far too often.  I stopped to correct him but realized he was right.  I go at least once a week, just to see anything new and different. 

Here is a list of the products I buy from Trader Joe’s on a regular basis:

1. Coconut Coffee Creamer: Ever since I went Dairy Free (which you can read about here, here, and here), I needed a good replacement for half and half.  This delightfully inexpensive creamer does the trick!  I don’t like almond milk in my coffee because I feel like it tastes burnt.  And no, the creamer doesn’t taste like coconut!  (I wouldn’t mind if it did, though).
2. Almond Butter: I love the taste of Trader Joe’s almond butter.  My mom suggested I try the Kirkland’s brand from Costco, which I’m about to break open since I ran out of my Trader Joe’s brand.  I buy the unsalted and use it on almond butter and jelly sandwiches.  I also dip apples in it for a quick and healthy snack. 
3. Fresh Veggies:  Their produce section is limited, but what they do have is great.  I’ve purchased shaved brussels sprouts and roasted them for a great soup topping.  Recently, they had chopped sweet potatoes, which were easy to roast and make a delicious (and quick) mash.  There were bags of Meyers lemons for $2.99 as well.  You just can’t go there expecting to get certain produce.  Instead, go there and be inspired by what’s available. 
4. Nuts and Dried Fruit: They have so many different kinds of these and for inexpensive prices.  I stick to individual packets of nuts and raisins for quick snacks when I’m teaching dance in the evenings.  My mom is all about the dried fruit.   I’ve also purchased almond meal and coconut flour for much less than at comparable stores.
5. Wine: Yep, I’ll go ahead and add this one.  I’ve never purchased the “Two Buck Chuck” variety yet ($2.99 per bottle) but I’ve had some awesome wines between $3.99 and $5.99.  We have two bottles already for our Thanksgiving meal, and I’m debating purchasing one more.

Now just because I buy these things regularly doesn’t mean I don’t pick up some random things on occasion. 

Here’s 5 things I’ve gotten recently that are a little out of the ordinary for me:

1. Buffalo Butter:  Butter made from buffalo’s milk?! I bought it because it’s super strange (at least in New Orleans) and I can’t wait to come up with something crazy with it.  **Just so you know, I do not eat cow’s milk products but I don’t have a problem with goat’s milk in very small quantities.  I think the buffalo butter will be the same, but I won’t know until I try.
2. Bacon Jam:  To me, a jam is supposed to be sweet but bacon doesn’t fit that description.  But ya’ll.  This jam is no joke.  I put it on roasted veggies (brussels sprouts again) and a little goes a long way.  I’m going to do an appetizer for Thanksgiving that uses a little bacon jam as well.  It’s sweet, tangy, and delicious.
3. Goat cheese Brie and Rolls: I bought a goat cheese brie for Thanksgiving that we’re going to wrap in Filo dough and drizzle with pecan praline sauce.  They also had prepared logs of goat cheese, and I bought one rolled in dried cranberries.  I really like the flavor of goat cheese, but I can only have it occasionally.  I figured this was a good Thanksgiving treat and different from what we normally have.
4. Chicken Sausage:  This isn’t an odd item, but it’s odd for me.  I don’t really eat sausage because we don’t have pork often.   The chicken sausage was a great quick meat to eat for lunch during the week.  It’s free from pork skin, preservatives, and most of the flavors are also dairy free.  My two favorites are spicy italian and sun dried tomato.  Serve it up with a salad or some steamed veggies and you have a delicious lunch!
5. Strawberry Rhubarb Pie: I LOVED THIS PIE.  It’s low calorie (as far as pie goes) and it’s super fresh.  If you haven’t tried this pie at Trader Joe’s, you should!  it tastes a lot like summer but is available in the fall.   It’s like magic!

What things have you picked up at Trader Joe’s that I should try?  I love going and checking out new stuff! 

Until next time ya’ll!

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