A Post! My Favorite TJ’s Products and 2 New Recipes

I realized today that I haven’t done a “regular” post in nearly 2 weeks!  My goodness, I knew something felt off.  Here is my redemption post….

Even though I’m still a bit out of sorts, I do have a few notable things to share with you all.

First up, my “favorite” Trader Joe’s Products.

On the way back from the beach, Toly surprised me by asking if I wanted to stop at Trader Joe’s.  Who was he kidding, that is like asking a drug addict if he wants coke.  (Haha, excuse my extreme analogy)

Thrilled I was, but totally caught off guard, I quickly determined a list in my head of my “must haves” so that I was sure to remember these things upon exiting the store.

So what are they?  Well, I’ll show you…

Sunflower Seed Butter

My "crack"

It’s a little embarrassing how fast I go through this stuff.  I find myself putting sunflower seed butter on just about anything these days.  I guess it’s my love of the sweet/savory factor that has me inhaling this nut butter but the creamy consistency paired with the salty bite has hooked. I’ve tried other varieties and Trader Joe’s wins hands down for taste and for price.  This stuff usually goes for around $9 in the health food store.  TJ’s sells it for $4.

Edamame Hummus

I recently tried this hummus and feel in love.  Dare I say it’s even better than Sabra!!  I swear it tastes like creamy avocado with a spicy kick.  It would make an incredible base for a sauce on your favorite noodles.

Hummus Salad Dressing

Brilliant!

This was a brand new product to me but one that has quickly become a must have.  How many of us use hummus for our salad dressing?  Well Trader Joe’s has once again catered to our eclectic taste and made our lives 10x easier. Just pour, minimal mixing required.

Soft Multigrain Rustico Bread

Earthy, Nutty Goodness

I’ve tried many kinds of TJ’s breads but this one remains my favorite.  It’s deeply earthy and full of grain, seeds, and nuts.  I tend to only be drawn to breads with a hearty texture and one that has a lot to offer.  This one does the trick.

And now, just for fun, Toly’s favorite product….

Shortbread Cookies

He is known to put down the entire container in less than a week.  The boy ALWAYS requests these when I do my stock up trips.

Orange Chicken

Self explanatory.

Those are just some of my staples.  I probably have a handful or two more but I’ll save those for another trip.

Aside from the blog work, traveling, and maintaining an overloaded work schedule, I’m still finding time to cook.  Let’s face it, this girl has to eat and eat well so cooking is right up there in my high priority list.

Some worthy meals this week…..

Sweet and Sour Tempeh

Adapted from Eat, Drink and Be Vegan

• 1 package of your favorite tempeh
• 2 sweet potatoes (peeled, cubed)
• 1/2 yellow pepper
• 1/2 orange pepper
• 1/2 large eggplant (cubed)
• 1/2 C ketchup
• 2 T apple cider vinegar
• 1 T brown sugar
• 1 T maple syrup
• 2 T Tamari (or soy sauce)
• 1 T minced garlic
• 1 T orange juice

Zucchini Banana Bread Oats

Adapted from Oh She Glows

Name your FAVORITE Trader Joe’s Product, if you had to pick just one.