139 replies to this topic

[TheTInCook]

I like the cookie butter too.

[Hassouni]

So I'm a huge fan of their "Entertainer" crackers, but I haven't seen them in the last few weeks. Anyone know if they're done?

[Emily_R]

Ooooh boy, I've got a flop to report. I love the TJ pound-plus chocolate bars, so I was excited when I saw their natural cocoa powder for a really great price. I used it tonight for the first time... I typically use Ghiradelli cocoa powder, and when I opened the TJ's I immediately noticed how much lighter it was in color than the Ghiradelli... But I forged ahead with my usual chocolate bundt cake recipe and made... Something that to me is unservable. You would barely know it was chocolate cake if not for the dark color. Argh.

[andiesenji]

Ooooh boy, I've got a flop to report. I love the TJ pound-plus chocolate bars, so I was excited when I saw their natural cocoa powder for a really great price. I used it tonight for the first time... I typically use Ghiradelli cocoa powder, and when I opened the TJ's I immediately noticed how much lighter it was in color than the Ghiradelli... But I forged ahead with my usual chocolate bundt cake recipe and made... Something that to me is unservable. You would barely know it was chocolate cake if not for the dark color. Argh.

I'm pretty sure their "natural" cocoa is not "Dutched" - The Dutching process changes the character of the cocoa, enhancing the flavor, in my opinion. I don't use anything except Dutch process cocoa for regular baking and cooking.

I do keep some on hand for "flouring" pans in which I will bake chocolate cakes and for coating truffles as I want less flavor in those applications.

[Emily_R]

Hey Andie -- I realize it is not Dutched, but I'm pretty sure the Ghiradelli is not Dutched either, and I've had good luck with it...

[natasha1270]

I'm not a big TJ fan but have recently become addicted to the chicken tamallitos.

[baca008]

I like the cookie butter too.

They have the cookie butter in chocolate bar. I really liked it.

[Jane Randahl]

I'm currently in the process of trying to improve what I eat, and I simply cannot justify shopping at Whole Foods.

Trader Joe's is good for buying a-little-better-versions-of-the-crap-you-used-to-eat food. I'm a little more health conscious but Whole Foods makes me feel like they are punishing or taking advantage of me for trying to be healthy.

No thanks.

Edited by Jane Randahl, 20 May 2012 - 04:30 PM.

[Emily_R]

For what its worth, I just discovered that while TJ's cocoa is terrible for baking, it makes wonderful hot cocoa!

[jk1002]

On another note.

Salmon Burger Wholefoods 7.99
Salmon Burger TJ 5.99

Both are wild caught in the US (Alaskan) however TJ shipps theirs to Thailand for processing and then back to US for eating.

Not that it matters for quality since we are talking about frozen products going in and coming out but .....

That made me think ....

[Shel_B]

On another note.

Salmon Burger Wholefoods 7.99
Salmon Burger TJ 5.99

Both are wild caught in the US (Alaskan) however TJ shipps theirs to Thailand for processing and then back to US for eating.

Not that it matters for quality since we are talking about frozen products going in and coming out but .....

That made me think ....

Think about what? And have you reached any conclusion?

Where does WF process their patties?

[Shel_B]

I've rarely used canned chilies, so I'm not a canned chili maven, however, of all that I have tried, TJ's is the most satisfactory. Quality seems to be good, the chilies are from Hatch Valley, which is supposed to be a well-known and respected area for growing chilies, and the price is excellent. If you use canned chilies, try 'em. At the very least, they're a very good value.

[Charcuterer]

I've rarely used canned chilies, so I'm not a canned chili maven, however, of all that I have tried, TJ's is the most satisfactory. Quality seems to be good, the chilies are from Hatch Valley, which is supposed to be a well-known and respected area for growing chilies, and the price is excellent. If you use canned chilies, try 'em. At the very least, they're a very good value.

How is the heat level of those peppers. I used to have access to canned chilis that were medium or hot but now all of my groceries only have mild.

[Shel_B]

I've rarely used canned chilies, so I'm not a canned chili maven, however, of all that I have tried, TJ's is the most satisfactory.

How is the heat level of those peppers. I used to have access to canned chilis that were medium or hot but now all of my groceries only have mild.

I consider them to be mild, however, Toots feels that they are closer to medium. In any case, I use them more for flavor than for heat.

[Toliver]

Anyone else experiencing a chocolate chip shortage at their TJ's?

"At the Neighborhood Trader Joe's, a Run on Chocolate Chips"

Looking in her cupboard last week, Shulamis Labkowski got a morsel of unwelcome news.
The mother of three from Oakland, Calif., inspected three bags of Trader Joe's semisweet chocolate chips, a staple in her kosher kitchen. They were alike in all ways but one: Two of them had a small D on the label, meaning they were classified as dairy under Jewish dietary laws.
Mrs. Labkowski bought 40 packets when she heard about the switch.
The changed label was tough to swallow. Kosher law forbids mixing meat and dairy at any time, but Trader Joe's chips used to be deemed "pareve," meaning they could be eaten with either meat or dairy meals. An avid baker, Mrs. Labkowski tore through five to seven bags a week to make treats without worrying about running afoul of the rules.

[Lindacakes]

Re: Cookie Butter. I think Biscoff is better. Smoother. Cookie Butter has a slightly gritty texture.

[chezcherie]

Re: Cookie Butter. I think Biscoff is better. Smoother. Cookie Butter has a slightly gritty texture.

haha--this may be the ol' creamy vs crunchy peanut butter preference thing--i love the little crunchy bits in the tj cookie butter. (and i used to carry biscoff home in my suitcase, before tj copied it!) so, one vote for crunchy here.

[heidih]

I'm not a big TJ fan but have recently become addicted to the chicken tamallitos.

I saw them described in the Flyer and your passion made me give them a try.. Just had a few steamed for lunch along with tomato slices, a chipotle and a green salsa and guacamole. A nice satisfying little meal. My only issue is the wrapper. They use a paper product with fake striations to mimic corn husk. Unfortunately it seals in the moisture a bit too much and the tamale is a touch too wet. I suppose in a microwave that would not be as much of an issue but I really prefer steaming as it seems to fluff up the masa.

[flourgirl]

I like their walnuts chopped especially for baking. They are just the right size and are a big time saver.

I also like their produce. I get their organic bagged spinach for $1.99/10 oz bag which is much cheaper, ounce per ounce, than most of the other stores in my area.

Trader Joe's has a nice selection of dried fruits which I use for baking too.

All in all, Every time I go, I walk out of that store with several bags for under $15.

There customer service is excellent too.

[GlorifiedRice]

Chili Spiced Dried Mango!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG Its so friggin good!

Edited by GlorifiedRice, 07 June 2012 - 09:50 AM.

[HungryChris]

I just recently tried the frozen mushroom ravioli with mushroom truffle sauce. In addition to being quick and easy to prepare, it was quite good. I'll have to get more before it is discontinued.
http://traderjoes.co...?article_id=225

HC

[jmolinari]

I just recently tried the frozen mushroom ravioli with mushroom truffle sauce. In addition to being quick and easy to prepare, it was quite good. I'll have to get more before it is discontinued.
http://traderjoes.co...?article_id=225

HC

Those are good. The only problem is that it's a serving for 1.

[rotuts]

thanks for the TJ's tip on the Mushroom Ravioli. Some how I missed it. Pretty tasty for a 4 minute meal!. Its on my Not Cooking Tonight list.

Their scallops 'a la parisienne' is also good for the same reason. used to make this all the time. Its ingenious where the sauce is wrapped around the scallops then frozen as balls: is you use 1/2 package (they are loose in the pack) you still get the right ratio of sauce, more or less.

[Toliver]

They have a new spice called "South African Smoke". It comes with a grinder at the top.
It's just paprika (smoked, I believe) flakes, sea salt, garlic and basil but I only taste the smokiness. I've been adding it to everything from omlettes to rice to chicken. Grind a little for just a little smokiness, grind a lot for a stronger flavor. I've been finding that a little goes a long way.
Has anyone else tried it?

[rotuts]

shame TJ's went to those throw away grinders. In the past they sold their 'combo' spices in a jar, and you put them in your own (reusable) grinder ie their whole pepper blend (pink, green, black white).

[LindaK]

shame TJ's went to those throw away grinders. In the past they sold their 'combo' spices in a jar, and you put them in your own (reusable) grinder ie their whole pepper blend (pink, green, black white).

interesting, I've actually appreciated the TJ grinders--which are not throw-away, you can refill them with whatever you choose. I have a row of dedicated grinders for salts, peppers, and other large spices, thanks to TJ's salts and peppers sold in inexpensive grinders. But I agree with your point, it is too bad that they don't also sell the spices in bulk.

[andiesenji]

In local news today a recall of some TJs products.

[heidih]

In local news today a recall of some TJs products.

Here is the link to the TJ site regarding the recalled products - an issue with contamination at the supplier of the diced onions that went into various products.

[Pierogi]

shame TJ's went to those throw away grinders. In the past they sold their 'combo' spices in a jar, and you put them in your own (reusable) grinder ie their whole pepper blend (pink, green, black white).

interesting, I've actually appreciated the TJ grinders--which are not throw-away, you can refill them with whatever you choose. I have a row of dedicated grinders for salts, peppers, and other large spices, thanks to TJ's salts and peppers sold in inexpensive grinders. But I agree with your point, it is too bad that they don't also sell the spices in bulk.

I'm with you, Linda. I love those things, and have repurposed every one of them since I discovered that you can easily screw off the grinder top and refill. The price point on the filled grinder is stupid low, considering how much utility you can get from the grinder once the original spice is exhausted. Just another thing I love about TJs.

[rotuts]

didnt know the tops camke off. ... but Id like the pepper blend bulk back as I have plenty of grinders.