My Favorite Trader Joe's Products

My Favorite Trader Joe's Products

I can't help it. There are some things that I can easily find at Trader Joe's that I can't get as easily in other places. I don't like Trader Joe's for their pre-packed foods as much as I love their staples. Do you have some favorites to share?


1. South African Smoked Pepper Grinder
I use this in just about everything. It truly is my favorite thing at Trader Joe's.

2. Everyday Seasoning Grinder
 When I am not using the smoked pepper, I use this. Sometimes I use both!

3. Roasted Corn
You can find this in the frozen section. It is great to add to salads and soups.

4. St. Andres Cheese
This cheese is amazing; it's soft, aged, and rich; reminiscent of butter, but you could eat the whole thing! TJ's is really great for cheese in general. There are many reasonably priced choices.

5. Harvest Grain Blend-This pilaf has such amazing flavor and texture.

6. Coffee -There are so many choices and fair-trade to boot!

7. Tofu- Great tofu for a great price.

8. Light coconut milk - great price!

9.  Wine!

10. Chips and salsa

Chicken Tortilla Soup

This is a new family favorite. In fact, I made it twice this week.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

1 onion, chopped

2 jalapeños, minced with seeds and ribs removed

2 red bell peppers, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

½ red onion, chopped

6 garlic cloves, minced

3 T olive oil

1 T cumin

2 t dried oregano

1 small can tomato paste

1 28 oz can of whole tomatoes, undrained (I would used diced instead)

1 t salt

1 t ground black pepper

10 – 12 c of equal parts chicken broth and chicken stock

1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (or 1 lb of cooked shredded chicken)

1 bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped with stems (reserve some for garnish)

juice of 1 ½ limes (cut more limes into wedges for serving)

2 medium zucchini, diced
1 bag Trader Joe's frozen roasted corn (optional)

For garnish:

Cojita cheese (or Queso Fresco, Chihuahua, Monterrey; or Mexican crema, or sour cream)

Sliced avocado

Crushed tortilla chips

Lime wedges

Chopped cilantro

1.     In a large soup pot, sauté onion, jalapeños, red and green peppers, red onion, garlic in olive oil until onion is transparent. Add cumin, oregano, and tomato paste; then, sauté a few minutes more. Add broth/stock, tomatoes, chicken and salt and pepper, ½ of the cilantro, and lime juice. Bring to a boil and then turn down to simmer for 30 minutes. A few minutes before serving add zucchini and most of the remaining cilantro (save a couple of T for garnish) and roasted corn if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.

2.     Serve with garnishes sprinkled on top.