Stuff you Should Buy at Trader Joes- Part 3

Now that I am budgeting and trying to do better money wise, I have been doing more grocery shopping at Trader Joe's.  They seriously have some great prices.  It can be really overwhelming there so I always appreciate recommendations from others.  These are some new items that I have tried lately and love.  They all seem to make their way to my basket every time I am in there!

PARMESAN PASTRY PUPS

These are the best pigs in a blanket ever.  I love the puff pastry aspect it pairs so well with the hot dogs.  I seriously prefer them to regular pigs in a blanket.   Perfect easy app for entertaining or meal for your little one, Sterling gobbles these up.

SPICY BLACK BEAN DIP

This literally cost a $1.50 so I figured why not try it out.  It was way better than I expected it to be, even Matt loved it.  It has incredible flavor.  I served with sliced fresh veggies and lavash chips.  A great healthy snack to keep on hand.

WHOLE WHEAT LAVISH CHIPS

If you are getting tired of pita chips try these out.  They are thinner with great crunch and salty flavor.  I dip them in hummus or the black bean dip.

 CHILE RELLENOS
I have to admit I am not a big frozen meal person.  Most are disgusting and I can easily whip together something way tastier.  However enter pregnancy number two and I am just plain exhausted come dinner time, I just can't cook every night.  I decided to give these a try- I liked that they were vegetarian, frozen meat grosses me out (I have meat issues).  They were actually really good.  Filled with lots of cheese and the salsa on top was very flavorful.  I did have to add more salt and hot sauce.  But overall a great easy meal and only 350 calories.  I would make them again.

  MANGO LEMONADE

I got sucked into tasting this last time I was shopping and I loved it. I have been on a real lemonade kick and this hit the spot with pulps of fresh lemon and not too sweet.  Sterling loves it too, great for kids.

 SPINACH KALE BALLS

My mom and sister raved about these and for a long time our store didn't have them in stock but they are back in and so good!  A great meal served with a side salad or as an appetizer.  They are delicious served with marinara or roasted red pepper sauce.

MAC AND CHEESE BITES

I don't think I even need to describe these.  Mac and Cheese Balls enough said.

TEMPTING TRAIL MIX

Thanks to my sister I am addicted to this trail mix.  I keep a bag in my purse or car at all times.  It is the perfect combo of salty and sweet filled with nuts, dried cherries, chocolate chips, and pb chips.  Such a great snack.

SALSA AUTENTICA
I mentioned this the other day but wanted to add it to my list.  This salsa is only $1.99 and I buy several each time I am at Trader Joe's that is how much I am addicted to it.  I heard the Salsa Verde is great too so I need to try it next time.

 MARINATED FRESH MOZZARELLA BALLS
With cherry tomatoes in prime season right now, I have been really into caprese salads.  This small mozzarella balls cost a small fortune at other grocery stores but at Trader Joe's they are $4.99.  You really can't beat any of the cheese prices at Trader Joe's.   I love that they are already marinated with tasty spices.  I use them in pasta salads, to snack on, or caprese salads.

 What else should I add to my Trader Joe's shopping list?
xoxo

Easy Weeknight Dinner | Naan Pizza x 4 Ways

As much as I love cooking, I get lazy and like to have a few meals that can be whipped together quickly.  These Naan Pizzas are super easy, I would say they take less than 10 minutes to assemble and about 15 minutes to cook.  All in all this is a meal that can be made and cooked in under 30 minutes.  

There are a million different toppings and flavor combos for pizza but these are few of our favorites.  2 are vegetarian and 2 have meat.   I love that they each have a different base : pesto, hummus, fig preserves, and marinera.  There is a pizza everyone will like.  These make a great appetizer too if you cut them into bit size pieces or strips.  It is also fun to let the kids help you assemble them and put the toppings on.

I really like the Tandori Naan bread from Trader Joes for these pizzas.  It is the perfect size for mini pizzas.  But if you don't have a Trader Joes nearby most grocery stores have naan bread in the fresh bread section.  You can make these ahead and reheat at dinner if you prefer. 

Enjoy!

|| A S P A R G U S   P E S T O + P E A S  P I Z Z A ||

- 1 naan bread

- pesto

- fresh mozzarella

- a few stalks canned asparagus sliced (you can also use fresh that has been cooked)

- handful cooked english peas (I like the Trader Joe's  kind in the produce section.  You can cook them in 2 minutes and they make a great side too)

- fresh parmesan cheese

Layer the Naan with pesto, then mozzarella, then asparagus and bake at 350 degrees about 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.  Sprinkle on cooked peas and then grate fresh parmesan over the top.

|| H U M M U S + V E G G I E  P I Z Z A ||

- 1 naan bread

- hummus any flavor

- diced cherry tomatoes

- diced cucumber

- diced orange bell pepper

- diced red onion

- feta cheese

- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Spread the hummus on the naan bread and top with a sprinkle of feta cheese.  Bake at 350 degrees about 10 minutes.  Toss tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and bell pepper with a few drizzles of red wine vinegar and salt and pepper.  Pour veggie mix over hummus and add additional feta if desired.

|| F I G + B R I E + B A C O N   P I Z Z A ||

- 1 naan bread

- fig preserves

- brie cheese sliced

- crumbled bacon 

Spread naan bread with fig preserves and layer on brie cheese. Bake at 350 degrees about 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and melted.  Remove from oven and sprinkle on crumbled bacon.  This is also amazing with caramelized onions.

|| M A R G H E R I T A + S A L A M I   P I Z Z A ||

- 1 naan bread

- marinara or pizza sauce

- fresh mozzarella sliced

- 1 tomato thinly sliced

- basil, chopped

- salami cut into strips

- red pepper flakes

Layer the naan bread with marinara or pizza sauce then top with mozzarella slices.  Add tomatoes and salt and pepper.  Then top with salami.  Bake at 350 degrees about 15 mins until cheese has melted.  Then briefly turn on broiler to kind of crisp of salami.  Remove from heat and sprinkle with red pepper flakes and fresh basil.

Trader Joes What You Should Buy Part 2

After my first Trader Joe's post, I got such great feedback.  So many friends told me they bought everything off my list.   They said they loved it because they were always too were overwhelmed and didn't know what to shop for at Trader Joe's.  So,  I decided to do a little more research ( and alot of eating) and bring you round two of things you should buy at Trader Joe's.  I keep finding great new things at TJ's that I had to share!  Trust me you are going to want to stock up on everything on this list!

REDUCED GUILT SPINACH & KALE GREEK YOGURT DIP

This is a creamy dip you don't have to feel bad about eating.  It is made with Greek Yogurt instead of Sour Cream or Mayo plus it is filled with two leafy greens,  spinach and kale.  Serve with some pita chips and you have the perfect no fuss tasty appetizer for your next happy hour get together.

PASTRY BITES WITH FETA AND CARAMELIZED ONIONS

These puff pastry bites are so good.  They are always a hit at parties.  Best part is all you have to do is pop them in the oven for a few minutes and you have a kick ass appetizer. 

COLUMBUS PEPPERED SALAMI

I think most of you know I love to have all the makings on hand for a killer cheese tray.  This salami always makes it way to my cheese tray.  It is all natural,  meaning no nitrates and the pork is raised without anti-biotics.  It is hand rolled in cracked black peppercorns which give it the perfect bite. 

STEMMED AND PEELED BABY BEETS

Beets are one of my favorite foods and bonus they help detoxify and cleanse your liver which makes me love them even more after a night of too much vino.  If you have ever cooked beets you know it is messy, your hands turn pink and the beets stain anything they touch.  They are tricky to peel as well.  That is the great thing about these beets,  the hard work is already done for you.  They are cooked, peeled and ready to eat.  Toss in a salad and you have a fab easy meal.

MINI HEIRLOOM TOMATOES

I love heirloom tomatoes.  They have a much better flavor than regular tomatoes but usually they are way more expensive.  Not at Trader Joe's,  you can get this pint for $2.79.  At other grocery stores it is about $5.  I use my  mini heriloom tomatoes in an arugula salad or thinly slice on mini pizzas.

SHAVED BRUSSELS SPROUTS

I have this Brussels Sprouts salad I am obsessed with but never want to make it because it is such a pain in the arse to shred all the Brussels Sprouts.  It is hard with a knife and my mandolin scares me.  Holding tiny Brussels Sprouts puts my fingers way too close to that razor sharp blade.    I was so happy when I found this bag of pre-shredded Brussels Sprouts at TJs.  Great for salads.

and if you need inspiration here is the recipe for my favorite Brussels Sprouts Salad.  It is mouth wateringly good!

ORGANIC KALE

I have really been into Kale salads lately but I hate the prep work of washing the kale, and chopping off the stems.  This bag of Kale is already chopped and ready to use.  You can eat raw in salads or sautee with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a tasty side dish.

This is my go-to Kale Salad.  Make it with the TJ chopped kale, I promise you won't be disappointed!

DARK CHOCOLATE ALMOND BITS

These are hands down the tastiest sweet treat ever.  But be warned they are addictive.  I could almost eat the entire container.  The almonds have a touch of sea salt on them which makes the flavor pop with the dark chocolate.

MINI MILK CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CUPS

If you love Reeses Cups as much as I do then you must try these.  They are tiny,  so you can eat several without feeling too guilty about it!

BARBERA D'ALBA WINE

I first tasted this wine at my parents house.  I loved it so of course I went back to buy more and was shocked to see it was only $6.99 a bottle.  Go buy a case of this wine.  It is amazing for the price.

Spicy Thai White Bean Dip

Alright, lets dish.  Do you get in a recipe rut?  Always cooking the same things?  Well that was true for me in the appetizers department.  I had gotten pretty comfortable with my cheese and hummus tray.  Always a hit but I was eager to spice things up and try something new.  My girlfriend Erin recommended this recipe to me.  I made it last weekend with a few tweaks, because I am always tweaking recipes (it's what I do, plus I always like things spicier than they are- hello Sirachia).  It turned out great, such a fun new appetizer with crazy good flavors.  I did find that it was better after it sat overnight and had time for the flavors to really set in, so keep that in mind. 

The three main ingredients are below.  Bad part is you have to hit up two different grocery stores for the ingredients.  The Thai Peanut Sauce is from Harris Teeter and the chopped veggies are from Trader Joes.  Worth the trip though, just buy them and have them on hand for next time you need an easy app.   Try this recipe next time you are in an appetizer rut.  It is a refreshing change.  Plus if you love Thai food this will be a huge hit in your house!

{SPICY THAI WHITE BEAN DIP}

- 1 Can Cannelini Beans, Drained and Rinsed

- 1 bottle Harris Teeter Thai Peanut Sauce

-Trader Joes Healthy Chopped Veggie Mix

- 1-2 small scallions sliced

-Handful of Cilantro finely chopped

- Several dashes of Siracha and Texas Pete

- Salt and Pepper to taste

- Tostidos

Mix all ingredients together and let sit several hours or overnight.  Serve with Tositidos.

-

My Favorite Cookbooks + Mediterranean Lentil Salad

At the beginning of a New Year I am always inspired to cook more and try new recipes.  One of my goals this year is to use my cookbooks more and make more fresh meals for my family. 

I often get requests about my favorite cookbooks, so here are my all time favorites. Now keep in mind I am a cookbook hoarder, I love to read them and collect them.   I probably own 50+.  These however are the most used cookbooks, the recipes never disappoint.  So if you are looking to add some new cookbooks to your collection or to start a collection these are all wonderful!

I just ordered this cookbook right before Christmas and it is quickly becoming a favorite.  We made the Coconut Oatmeal for breakfast this week and it was so good.  If you are looking to detox or clean up your diet it is a great book.  It has two different detox options 3 days or 21 days and it is filled with healthy recipes that are delicious.

 Clean Slate Cookbook

Our overnight coconut oatmeal, so good!

It is no secret I am a huge Ina Garten fan.  Like I am kind of obsessed with her, I should start a fan club. She knows how to entertain and do it right.   Her recipes never disappoint ever.   I own every single one of her cookbooks and love them all, but these 3 are my favorites.  

Good starting points: the kale chips, warm butternut squash salad, tomato tarts, quinoa tabbouleh,  Parmesan roasted broccoli, confetti corn, I could go on and on!

Back to Basics | Foolproof |  Make It Ahead

I also have a major crush on Gwyneth Paltrow- she can do no wrong in my eyes and trust me her food is good.  I have loved every recipe I have made from her books.

If you need ideas of where to start : The Lettuce Wraps, Stir Fry Chicken,  Roasted Cauliflower are favorites.

GP Its All Good | GP My Fathers Daughter

These two cookbooks have such beautiful pictures and recipes.  I get so inspired just flipping through them.  The Williams Sonoma Salad book is filled with salads for each season.  I am a huge fan of salads and this one has 365 salad recipes.  The Sprouted Kitchen has so many healthy delish recipes.

WS Salad of the Day | The Sprouted Kitchen

.....................................................................................

 I wanted to share a new recipe too.  I posted this lentil salad recipe on instagram and so many of you wanted to know about it!  This is a new recipe from my mom's friend that I made for lunch this week and it was so good and filling.  It is a great healthy salad full of flavor.  I recommend you use the Trader Joes precooked lentils, available in the fridge section.  They are perfect for this salad.  I think it would be delicious with feta added in as well.  You can easily make this ahead but I think it is best served at room temperature.
Enjoy!

|| M E D I T E R R A N E A N   L E N T I L   S A L A D ||

- 2 cups lentils rinsed (I highly recommend the Trader Joes precooked lentils in the fridge section)

- 1 pint cherry tomatoes quartered

- 1 green bell pepper diced

- 1/2 cup red onion sliced thinly

1/2 kalamata olives sliced

1/2 English cucumber diced

Dressing \\

- 3 tablespoons olive oil

-3 tablespoons lemon juice (juice from one lemon)

-1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

2 teaspoons honey

- 1 teaspoons dijon

- 1 clove garlic minced

- 1/2 teaspoon oregano

-1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper

Mix lentils and all ingredients then pour dressing over the top.  This can be stored in the fridge for several days but it is best served room temperature.

Obsessions

Happy Tuesday Loves. I hope many of you got to enjoy a day off yesterday!
1)RACHEL PALLY SAL TOP
How cute is this top? I am always a fan of navy and white stripes, so classic and chic. My favorite part is the back. Love the bow and the sexy peek of the back.

2)TRADER JOES RAISIN ROSEMARY CRISPS
Can you tell I am obsessed with Trader Joes? These crackers are my newest find and I am hooked. They are the perfect combo of sweet and savory and taste great with any cheese you can imagine. Go buy some you will be obsessed too!

3) GRASS CLOTH WALL COVERING
This is my newest design obsession. Pretty sure this is going to happen in Sterling's big boy room or perhaps when we have another baby.

4) THE VOICE
This show is my newest TV obsession. It is so much better than American Idol. Matt and I just started watching last week and we are hooked. Plus looking at Adam Levine ain't so bad.

5)JENNIFER ZEUNER CROSS NECKLACE AND BRACELET
Jennifer Zeuner is one of my favorite jewelry designers. I love how feminine and delicate her pieces are. I own one of her monogrammed necklaces and wear it almost everyday. I am in love with this cross necklace and bracelet. They are so simple yet stunning at the same time. I could see myself wearing these everyday.