I have somehow managed to have three consecutive months of spending exactly $50 at Trader Joe’s. Don’t ask me how, I can’t figure it out and I can’t question it for too long in fear it will change. Honestly by the time I am at the frozen foods section I just say it’s in God’s hands and whatever happens, happens.
Let’s get to it! These elote chips and dip aren’t going to discuss themselves.
Elote Chips + Everything But the Elote Dip
This is, in my humble opinion, the greatest thing Trade Joe’s has ever created. Sometimes I wonder if a dip is really worth $4, especially when I tend to make it last just one day, but this, THIS! I will buy two tubs of it next time without question. It reminds me of a dip my friend and I used to make that is kind of a pain (not really but like it requires me to have sour cream on hand and I NEVER have that) and this is just… tops. Just absolutely tops.
Do yourself a favor, do not, do NOT eat this dip with anything but the elote chips. Don’t even think about it. No.
Your dip deserves the best chip. You deserve it.
Mini Baguettes
Okay so it’s exactly as it sounds. Imagine six perfectly tiny, yet somehow not too tiny baguettes, ready for you to devour. They are pre-baked so just a few minutes in the oven and they are toasted perfection. I even cheated once and used my cast iron skilled to “bake” it. (Only do this in a pinch.) They are a single person’s dream and perfect for entertaining.
As a bread enthusiast and single person I have to tell you this is the best solution to those scenarios where you want just a little side of garlic or toasted bread but don’t want to walk home with a baguette for 10.
Mexican-Style Riced Cauliflower
What a delight. Let me tell you, cauliflower deserves this dish and I am here for it. I don’t like rice at home (don’t even try to break that down and study it) and for once I feel like cauliflower is the RIGHT thing to go with. This blend is a little spicy and as I said before, a delight.
I add some corn to it and typically eat it as a side. It’s great with some melted cheese as well as adding in some egg for protein. I’ve eaten this for breakfast, lunch or dinner and I can tell you this goes the distance as far as versatility.
Cheesy Seasoning Blend
Did I buy this just to review it? Yes. Mostly because I find it hard to believe a cheesy seasoning blend can be anything other than the classic parmesan you get from a packet or green round plastic container.
I am wrong.
I get why they called it cheesy, but it’s like more than that.
I put it on said mini baguettes for a perfect pasta garlic bread moment. It also had a moment when I was making Grossy Pelosi’s vodka sauce. It deserves all the spotlights.
Salad Kits
I would say Trader Joe’s salads are basically just Aldi salads that went to study abroad but I tried the Mediterranean one this month. It’s really good. I like the subtle differences between the Aldi and Trader Joe’s items typically, but in this instance I’m happy to pay $1 more for better dressing and some different textures.
My favorite is the southwestern salad kit followed by the mediterranean.
Naan Crackers + Green Goddess Cheese
I bought these two together and I fell asleep thinking about them. Imagine a zesty gouda cheese with a buttery cracker. Okay, I thought that was going to be more evocative, but trust me on this one. It’s a great pairing and put some wine with it. I don’t know what wine, I just know it works really well with wine.
Shelled Frozen Edamame
I have added this to my favorite Trader Joe’s frozen Japanese-style rice for extra protein as well as heated and seasoned with Everything But the Bagel seasoning or whatever hits. (Yes, I also hit it with the cheesy seasoning.) It’s really good and sorry not sorry, I really hate dealing with the shells and this is really affordable so it’s not like a pistachio situation where just the meats cost $4 more.
Standard Monthly Buys
Of course it’s not all new fun and games, I had to buy staple items like I outlined here, here and here. I have noticed that the beloved mango has been out for several months which makes me sad and I refuse to think about a world without their dried mango.
Check out last month’s favorite purchases!
