Trader Joes

skidderdo · June 2014

I'm not even sure I can use the name of a store here but whatev. So life is slightly more hectic than usual and I'm looking for quick and easy dinners. For the most part we steer clear of highly processes foods and try to cook things from scratch. But mama don't got time for that right now!! I was just wondering how people felt about TJ's foods in general, and if your LO has any go-to favorites?

JSS1002 · June 2014

I adore trader joes. It isn't convenient to me anymore, so I have to make a big trip out of it, and just did a big stock up there last week for things that make life easier -- frozen brown rice, frozen jasmine rice, frozen quinoa... I love the balsamic and lemon pepper marinated chicken breasts that are near the deli meats... I heat them up as entrees or chop up for chicken salad or on top of a green salad... I bought a package of chicken tenders marinated in sun dried tomato flavor and put them in the crock pot on Sunday, shredded and will toss with penne, kalmata olives,feta, roma tomatoes, basil, and pine nuts for dinner tonight... you can buy pre-cooked, frozen pasta to make that endeavor even easier, or batch cook some pasta to have on hand (that's what I did)... bought a bunch of interesting frozen vegetable and potato side dishes to easily add to grilled meats, etc... I bought 4 pre-made salads that I had every day for lunch at work last week... I haven't bought many of their frozen MEALS, except a few lunch-type things (individual servings of lasagna, enchilada, etc), but everything I've had has been really good. I understand the need for easy - I feel like, while not perfect eating, TJ's is a step above other frozen / convenience foods. Plus, the store is so damn cute, how can you resist?!

JSS1002 · June 2014

PS: my favorite lunch for like the last 5 years is that I make a big batch of quinoa chicken salad on the weekend and then portion it out all week for lunch:

Balsamic or lemon pepper marinated chicken breast, chopped / shredded

Container of crumbled feta

Chopped scallions

Chopped celery

1 package of frozen quinoa, microwaved

Handful of craisins or sliced grapes

Toss together with newmans own creamy balsamic dressing.

DELICIOUS. I eat it with a pita!

ceamac0127 · June 2014

jenbee829 said:

TJ's is amazing. We go there about once a month and stock up. They have tons of frozen fruits that are great for smoothies, and lots of frozen veggies too. MH likes their fish and crab cakes. Like @jss1002 said, I've had their individual sized frozen meals and they are all good. They also have frozen gnocchi that's good, and Emmy likes that. I don't think I've ever gotten something at Trader Joe's that I didn't like!

this! all their stuff is so good and their organic brands are waaaaaay cheaper than Annies, Amy's, etc

tondraluv · June 2014

All I can say is; their creme brulee..........BOMB

[Deleted User] · June 2014

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arschm02 · June 2014

Mmmm their chocolate covered coffee beans! Although not recommended for LO.

ceamac0127 · June 2014

knitfaced said:
Yummy frozen potstickers and gyoza, frozen flatbread pizzas, frozen gnocchi if you are looking for quick meals.

Mmmmm potstickers

JSS1002 · June 2014

cece2682 said:

They opened one up the road from me, I was stoked, and after like 3 years, I still haven't gone! What's wrong with me??

Ha! I can't believe you haven't at least checked it out! I'm a foodie though so I can't resist. I actually just wrote to the company to ask them to consider putting one in in my city because it is so inconvenient to get to the other ones... really, it isn't anything earth shattering but they have lots of unique ingredients and offerings, and it is SO reasonably priced. Great selection of fresh flowers too and I love having flowers in the house!

Kate_C · June 2014

I've never been either. What's so great about it?

JSS1002 · June 2014

Kate_C said:

I've never been either. What's so great about it?

Just lots of cool products at good pricing. Check it out. The parking lot at the one in St. Louis Park will make you want to kill yourself, so I highly recommend Edina. :-)

ChicagoBroad26 · June 2014

The only cornbread worth eating is their Trader Joe's cornbread mix. To. Die. For.

Erin10408 · June 2014

Kate_C said:

I've never been either. What's so great about it?

Oh...you gotta go. Seriously. The parking lot at the Maple Grove location will also make you want to stab someone, so check out Edina. Great prices, quality food, lots of options for quick,easy, healthy weeknight dinners.

shadysladyWed98470 · June 2014

Ok ok I'm going to trader joes!!!! I've never been but I just googled it and there's one about 30 minutes from me!! Thanks for the tips!

JSS1002 · June 2014

Erin10408 said:

Kate_C said:

I've never been either. What's so great about it?

Oh...you gotta go. Seriously. The parking lot at the Maple Grove location will also make you want to stab someone, so check out Edina. Great prices, quality food, lots of options for quick,easy, healthy weeknight dinners.

Or the one on 395 is a good parking lot too. ;-)

shadysladyWed98470 · June 2014

I am completely aware of my impulsive behaviors! And @chicagobroad26 I am taking your word on the cornbread and making it with dinner tonight!

shadysladyWed98470 · June 2014

ChicagoBroad26 · June 2014

shadysladyWed98470 said:

You will NOT be disappointed. It's practically dessert!

ChicagoBroad26 · June 2014

Oh and also, I think it's seasonal, but their pumpkin bread mix is unreal.

minerswife17 · June 2014

I feel left out. I don't have one around me.

shadysladyWed98470 · June 2014

@Luckey4 I thought you were in Ohio ?

hatroopes · June 2014

Don't forget their $2 wines! I used to live down the street from one but havent been in several years.

MKC12/22/2006 · June 2014

I looove TJs. I used to live near one, but now I'm almost 3 hours away. When I go to the cities, I stop at the one in Maple Grove right before I head home - I bring a cooler and bags just for that!

24ladybug · June 2014

Brownie mix is yummy! Cheap eggs and bananas.
Great salsa. ..
Now I'm just hungry... So everything sounds great

We get the frozen orange chicken and green package of potstickers for a quick cheep Chinese night.

24ladybug · June 2014

hatroopes said:
Don't forget their $2 wines! I used to live down the street from one but havent been in several years.

Yes but the $5-$6 are so much better!
Honey moon viognier is great for the summer.

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