Trader Joe's Shopping List

I'm back from my weekend getaway and my pantry is full and happy, as am I.  As promised, here is my typical Trader Joe's shopping list.  I really like to stock up while I'm there both because of the deals and quality of some of their items.  As you'll see, I don't buy a lot of fresh produce since the closest store is 2 hours away and I think that trip is a lot to ask of certain fruits and vegetables.  Therefore, when I bring a cooler I go wild with the frozen veggies but I prefer to spend my money on kitchen staples.  This list contains items I buy again and again.  What are some of your must-have Trader Joe's items?

Dairy:

Greek Non-Fat Yogurt (Mango, Strawberry, Vanilla)

Jarlesburg Part-Skim Milk Cheese

Fruit:

Cherries

From the Cooler:

Butternut Squash Triangoli x 2

Organic Sprouted Extra-Firm Tofu

Avocado’s Number Guacamole

From the Freezer:

Mushroom Ravioli with Mushroom Truffle Sauce

99% Fat Free Bean and Rice Burrito

Shelled Edamame x 2

Green Beans x 2

Grilled Asparagus x 2

Snacks:

Roasted Seaweed Snack x 2

Dark Chocolate Covered Powerberries

Popcorn with Herbs and Spices

Organic White Corn Tortilla Chips

Inner Peas (Baked green bean snack)

Shelf Stable:

*Barbara’s Peanut Butter Puffins

Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce x 2

Italian Farfalle

Speculoos Crunchy Cookie Butter

Organic Creamy Salted Peanut Butter

Chia Seeds

Organic Black Beans (made with sea salt) x 2

Organic Garbanzo Beans (made with sea salt) x 2

Double Roasted Salsa

Organic Tomatillo & Roasted Yellow Chili Salsa

Drinks:

Medium-Dark Roast Coffee a Cocoa

*Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original Almond Milk

*Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Chocolate Almond Milk

Seltzer Water (Mandarin and Lemon)

Charles Shaw Sauvignon Blanc

Les Portes De Bordeaux 2013 Sauvignon Blanc

Cocobon 2012 California Red Wine

Already In My Pantry:

Frozen Roasted Corn

*Aria Women’s Protein

Balsamic Vinegar of Modena

Imported Olive Oil

10 Minute Barley

Things I have bought before and liked:

Savory Thin Mini Edamame Crackers

Next to Godliness Tea Tree Lavender Dish Soap

Antibacterial Hand Soap Fresh Linen Scent

*Gouda Cheese

Frozen Tuna Steaks

Sushi

*Not Trader Joe’s Brand

Ch-ch-ch-Chia!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!  I am headed to Portland, ME Saturday for some Trader Joe’s shopping.  Actually, really for some regular shopping and time at camp but it’s hard not be excited about your favorite store on the planet!  If anyone is interested in a Trader Joe’s shopping list when I return I may post one.

One item I like to stock up on while at TJ’s is chia seeds for one of my favorite breakfast recipes, Chia Seed Pudding. This pudding is light, satisfying and great for you. The addition of chia seeds packs in some added fiber and omega-3 antioxidants.  My chocolate version is delicious and serves up an additional 2g of Protein per serving.  It does best when prepared the night before and served for breakfast in the morning with fruit and chopped nuts. One less thing I have to prepare on crazy Monday mornings is always welcome!

Chia Seed Pudding

Serves 4

Ingredients:

I cup unsweetened almond milk

6 oz. non-fat vanilla Greek yogurt

¼ cup chia seeds*

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 ¼ tbsp. agave nectar

1/8 tsp. sea salt

Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 cup chocolate soy milk

6 oz. non-fat vanilla Greek yogurt

¼ cup chia seeds*

1/8 tsp. sea salt

In a medium bowl, whisk together all ingredients except for chia seeds.  Add in chia seeds and whisk to incorporate. Let stand for 30 minutes in the refrigerator, whisk again and return to refrigerator over night or for several hours.  Serve with a dollop of jam or top with fruit such as blueberries, raspberries or mango.

*You may add additional chia seeds for a more pudding-like consistency, up to 1/3 cup.

Nutrition Facts:  Chia Seed Pudding - 103 Calories, 4g Fat, 12g Carbohydrates, 6g Protein, 4g Fiber, 126mg Sodium, 49mg Potassium

Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding – 104 Calories, 4g Fat, 10g Carbohydrates, 8g Protein, 4.5g Fiber, 111mg Sodium, 71mg Potassium

Avocado Bean Salad

This weekend we had some friends over for yard games and snacks before heading to the annual “street dance” in our town.  My roommate made everyone’s favorite, buffalo chicken dip, and I decided to whip up a close second place, my Avocado Bean Salad.  For me, it never turns out exactly the same but it’s one of those party snacks that is so yummy you might not notice it’s actually good for you.  I can say there are always black beans, always tomatoes and always avocado.  Other than that, I use what I have and rarely measure.  Gatherings are supposed to be fun after all so enjoy this no-stress dish that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Avocado Bean Salad

Makes about 8 servings

Ingredients:

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

3/4 cup of corn (I used frozen grilled corn from Trader Joe’s)

1 shallot or half small onion

1 avocado diced small cubes (not too ripe)

1/2 orange pepper diced (optional)

¾ cup cherry tomatoes quartered (or can use diced canned tomatoes)

Dressing:

Lime juice (or lemon juice)

Garlic powder

Chili powder

Salt and Pepper to taste

Dried or fresh herbs like cilantro (optional)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients mixing gently.  Add a small amount of seasonings at first and alter to taste.  Store in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.  Serve with tortilla chips.

Blueberry Walnut Salad with Goat Cheese

Summer is officially in full swing and that means fruits and vegetables are easy to find and even easier to eat on hot, hot days.  You’ll probably see a few more salad posts before this glorious season is over.  I just can’t get enough of them.

That said, could we all just take a moment to enjoy how pretty this salad is?  I almost had a hard time eating it…almost.  It tastes even better than it looks, if that’s possible, and it is so easy to prepare and will impress your friends (I believe the words Domestic Goddess were used). 

Goat cheese can be somewhat pricey which is why I bought a small log.  However, it really is the pinnacle that puts this salad over the top and both my green beans and organic blueberries were crazy on sale.  Serve as a main course or as a beautiful side salad.  I did both.  (Yes, I prepared this two nights in a row, it was that good).

Recipe for Avocado Bean Salad here

Blueberry Walnut Salad with Goat Cheese

Serves 2

Ingredients:

2 cups of your favorite greens

½ cup fresh string beans

½ cup blueberries

1/3 cup walnuts

1 oz. goat cheese

Olive oil

Balsamic vinegar

Directions:

Wash and pat dry greens.   Place in medium serving bowl.  Break off ends of green beans and cut in half.  Place in bowl on top of greens with blueberries and walnuts.  Break up goat cheese with your fingers for a more rustic look.  Drizzle olive oil and vinegar (about a tablespoon of each) on top just before serving.

Nutrition Facts:  241 Calories, 17g Fat, 13g Carbohydrates, 11g Protein, 101mg Sodium, 4g Fiber