Monday, December 19, 2016

Trader Joe's Christmas Finds

You may remember a few months ago I shared My Top Ten Favorite Trader Joe's products.  Today, I'm back on the Trader Joe's bandwagon, BUT with a bit of a holiday twist.  I'd be lying if I didn't admit that one of my favorite aspects of Christmas is...eating.  I mean, every get together, party and gift exchange revolves around food, right?  (Side note...it should all revolve around Jesus first...then family...then food).

Here are a some of my favorite Trader Joe's seasonal products this year:

Let's face it, mom's, Christmas break means ALOT of mornings...home.  These frozen blueberry waffles are easy to pop in the toaster, and much tastier than the ones you buy at your average grocery store.  


Look how thick they are!  They were a big hit with my kids.  And, incase you care; they're made with whole grain flour.  Which totally balances out all the sugar cookies they're eating later in the day.  


 How many parties are you attending this week, where you'll need to take an appetizer?  Or, are you hosting and would love to have a few snacks around while your guest wait for dinner.  These Mini Brie En Croutes are the perfect solution.  Just pair with your favorite fancy jam, and you're done!


I forgot to take a picture of my own bacon, but I grabbed this one off of the Trader Joe's website.  This bacon is may be the best I've ever had.  It is thick and flavorful.  I added it to a corn chowder this weekend, and it totally held it's own in the chowder and didn't whittle away like some bacon does.  Just trust me on this one.  I would not steer you wrong on something as serious as bacon.  


I know some people like to go all out for breakfast Christmas morning, but around here I want simplicity.  I want to savor my time with my family, and my cup of coffee, and not spend my morning in the kitchen.  That's why this Christmas, I'll be popping these babies in the oven.  We've all had those yummy little quiches from Sam's, but these are better.  You have GOT to try these!!  


Speaking of my morning cup of Joe, this coffee is becoming one of my favorites.  I laid down a new "law" recently and declared "We're only brewing Starbuck's coffee in our home," BUT we were running low, and it was a COLD day here in North Texas and I decided to give this a try.  Besides the fact that it is almost half the price of Starbuck's, it was full of flavor.  


Another beverage that's worth a try; Winter Wassail!  This wassail has all the favors of the one my mom use to simmer on the stove on Christmas Day.  It tastes just like Christmas!



While we're on the topic of beverages, if you're looking to serve the right wine this Christmas, or perhaps deliver one to a neighbor or hostess, let me help you!  These two vino's are full of flavor and inexpensive.  If you're a red fan, try Terrain.  It's a Red Blend that is smooth and light.  If you're dreaming of a White Christmas, try the Chardonnay Churn.  It is buttery and oaky without being an overkill.  The best news, these are both under $10 each.  


If you're going to buy the wine, buy the cheese.  This Black Diamond Cheddar has been aged for five years.  Oh my goodness, it's creamy and salty with a bit of a bite to it.  Buy the cheese, people!



During one of my first Trader Joe's trips I bought a spaghetti sauce and really disliked it.  So, it was with great caution that I decided to taste the sample meatball that the friendly associate at TJ's was handing out marinated in this sauce.  It was delicious, and reminded me of a sauce I had recently at Buca di Beppo.  If you're planning a Christmas Dinner with an Italian twist, I definitely recommend this sauce.  


 Be sure to check out my other favorite Trader Joe's products, too.  Are you a Trader Joe's fan?  If so, what are some of your favorite products?  

I'm linking up with some of my favorite bloggers for Tuesday Talk today.






14 comments:

  1. Oh TJ's, how I love and miss you. My next visit will be in 2 months and I CAN'T wait.

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    1. I love all the seasonal finds! You'll have to let me know what some of your favorites are!

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  2. Thank you for all the recommendations! I'm having a "appetizer" Christmas Eve after a very full day. So I am planning to just hit the TJ's frozen and cheese aisles to get all my supplies!

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    1. We do appetizers on Christmas Eve, too! I always love seeing what TJ's has, but I've learned if I fall in love with something to buy a few; they sell out fast & don't always restock!

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  3. You had me at the cheese. Ok, you really had me at the waffles and everything else but that cheese looks amazing. What is Wassail? I have never heard of it before? The closest TJ I have is over 2 hours away so I have never been. Have a great day!

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    1. Wassail is kinda like a mulled cider with a citrus flavor. I have a really good recipe I'll share with you.

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  4. I haven't stopped at Trader Joe's in months. Partly because lack of time but mostly because I spend too much! Love your recommendations!

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    1. I can totally relate! I always go into TJ's just needing one or two things and come out $100 later....

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  5. Now I really really want a TJ's!! Our closet one is 2 hours away!! Now I'm hungry!!

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    1. You need to make a road trip to the closest one & just browse one day! Take an ice chest, they have some fun cheeses and freezer products.

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  6. I wish we had a Trader Joe's nearby! Love all your finds - especially the Brie bites! Yum!

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    1. I love anything with Brie! I'm already wishing I would have bought more!!

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  7. These posts always make me so sad because we don't have a TJ's... WAAAAHHHH!

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  8. Love Trader Joe's but unfortunately I don't have one close to me! I get to partake in all the goodness though when I visit me sister!!

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