What I Got This Month for $50 at Trader Joes

One of the things I’ve been working on in my self-discipline is resisting the urge to grab stuff “just to try” when I haven’t gotten my staples. Because of this, Trader Joe’s is in my fun and optional category for categories. I used to think about Trader Joe’s being a place I had to go to and now it’s a place I get to go to. It’s been nice to actually use everything I have in my fridge and I’ve experienced reduced stress by placing a million grocery orders all over town.

Let’s see what I got this month!

Atlantic Smoked Salmon

I hate the texture of lox which is unfortunately what most smoked salmon is. This is fully cooked, you can SMELL the smoke and is perfectly sliced for your morning breakfast sandwich. Put this on an everything bagel and thank me later. I don’t get this every trip but I had a little extra money in the budget so I found a package for ~$11. I typically eat it pretty fast, especially over the weekend as I throw it on bagel sandwiches, salads, toast, etc.

Cheddar & Gruyere Cheese

One of my neighbors turned me onto this and got me HOOKED when she layered it with a super tart apple. Seriously, one of the best cheese and apple parings I’ve ever had. It’s a medium-soft cheese that melts well, is incredible on anything and just is silky. I can’t wait for fall when I pair it with a grilled cheese, apple and caramelized onion sandwich. I am already dreaming of it.

Cacio E Pepe Sauce

Trader Joe’s knows they have a market on lazy people who are too lazy to make literally the easiest sauces in the world. Hence, they created cacio e pepe sauce in a jar. Honestly though I can’t hate it. My only compliant is that you really should make this sauce from scratch but that’s a different situation. That and you are supposed to use the entire jar up within three days of opening it up. But I just put in the fridge and I’ll make it last a little longer.

Hatch Chile Cheddar Popcorn

Ahhh, we are entering hatch chile season! The best time of the year! I almost forgot that it that time because in Kansas hatch chiles just like invaded everywhere and we had a festival dedicated as well. Anyway, I have yet to find that enthusiasm in Chicago. I was THRILLED to find this popcorn and will be going back to buy multiple bags of this to stock up for the next few months. This makes an amazing late-night snack. But just plan on eating a gigantic bowl, no one small handful situation.

Elote Corn Chips

If you haven’t had these, imagine Fritos but so much better and the absolute BEST thing in the world to pair with salsas and summer dips. I don’t always get these because I eat them so quickly. I’ve made corn salsas but also just been lazy and gotten some Foxtrot dips like elote guacamole or pimento cheese. I’ve also used these as chips in nachos when I’m in a bind and have no regrets.

Trek Mix – Just a handful of Simply Almonds, Cashews & Chocolate

I love these grab and go packages for a breakfast (I add in some dried mango to balance out the dark chocolate) or a snack in the afternoon. I like this one because it’s much higher in protein than other ones and actually fills me up and gives me a good protein/health fats mixture. It’s nothing exciting but I think a better alternative to boring trail mix or avoiding the candy feel of ones that can make you crash after eating.

Japanese Fried Rice

I talked about this before here. I really do try and buy it every time I go and pair it with the orange chicken. I have been making it extra crispy lately, just cooking longer in my cast iron skillet and adding in two over easy eggs. You can also add in more edamame to make it go a little further and a protein boost.

Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries

These are a total impulse buy and I regret it because they are DELICIOUS! I try to limit myself on these but I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t have to put them away so I didn’t keep reaching for them. They are a delight.

Shishito Peppers

I love grabbing these! Sometimes I blister them, throw some balsamic drizzle, pine nuts and smoked sea salt and call it a meal. Other times I use thinks like spicy mayo and toss them in it for a snack. I just love that they are so easy and fun to work with, especially in the summer when I don’t want to do a ton of cooking and heat up the condo. They are about $3 for package of them and they are perfect for 1-2 people.

Somehow all of this, Chicago tax(es) included, got me to under $48 for the month!

Feel free to persuade me to put your favorite items on my next Trader Joe’s list! I have heard the brownie coffee ice cream sandwiches should be my next buy so let me know if you have a strong opinion on them.