Some folks feel that Trader Joe’s should pay me to pimp them, but TJ’s doesn’t have to pay people because people have been in love with their brand since day one. In Fact, there are entire cook books and web sites dedicated to Trader Joe’s that are not related to Trader Joe’s at all.
Trader Joe’s is not perfect. No company is and no person is, but if Trader Joe’s was a person, I would hope they would be my friend and I would do anything for them. If you are not familiar or are already a fan, check out their site. http://www.traderjoes.com
MY TWO NEWEST TJ’S CRUSHES
num num.
DARK CHOCOLATE HONEY MINTS (Peppermint Patty’s cousin who studied at Berkeley)
I first tasted a honey mint at Cheese Plus, the lovely cheese and speciatly food shop down the street from my house. They tasted even better than Peppermint Patties to me. The other day, I saw a similar product at Trader Joe’s and had to buy them. They taste exactly like the fancy ones and I hope that it is the fancy company that is producing them for TJ’s, cus I feel kinds guilty liking the cheaper and delicious TJ’s variety. These little guys literally contain THREE ingredients… Honey, Chocolate liquor and oil of peppermint. They are perfect for putting on your guests pillow or even your own pillow. $3.99 for about 18 pieces.
EXTRA VIRGIN CALIFORNIA ESTATE OLIVE OIL 16.9 oz
Not all olive oils are created equal and as far as I am concerned, there are entirely too many on the market and most are overpriced. I am lucky to have been introduced to Spanish olive oils years ago and my favorite varietal of olive oil is Arbequina. Sorry Spain, but California now produces some beautiful Arbequina oils and Trader Joe’s is selling their, nutty and peppery oil for a mere $5.99!!! I have tasted REALLY expensive olive oils, some that have blown my mind. This olive oil tastes like a $20 olive oil. It is perfect for drizzling, dipping and finishing. I would not use this for cooking. Their everyday Spanish olive oil is good for that. Try this easy recipe and really enjoy the flavor of this oil the way they do in España. Ole!
From Marga’s Blog
TOMATO SMEARED CROSTINI RECIPE (A.K.A Pa amb tomàquet)
Toast up some bread. You can either do it crostini style for a party or in big hunks for the party in your mouth
Rub toasted bread with a clove of raw garlic
Rub bread with a slice of very ripe tomato
drizzle with arbequina olive oil
sprinkle with sea salt
(for an Italian option, sprinkle with dry oregano and pop in toaster oven)
I hear a lot about Trader Joe’s. Here in the UK, obviously, none exist but I really think we could do with a high profile, recognised store brand like it.
Thanks Juls. What is so amazing about Trader Joe’s is that they make premium and exotic products available at really reasonable prices. They also take the packaged comfort food from our childhoods and make them healthy, but still tasty.
I too love the California Estate olive oil, interesting to know its background. And will put the honey mints on my shopping list for my sweets loving hubby!
Yeah, those honey mints are good!
You may want to try these ones too:
http://www.heavenlyorganics.com/ListItemsHO.aspx
Way better, more flavors and ORGANIC!