Trader Joe's Treasures!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Trader Joe's! 

THESE are my favorites!

1. FROZEN produce

Fruit!  MANGO, pineapple, berries, ...

Frozen veggies! ARTICHOKES, shelled edamame beans (so convenient!), mixed peppers

PS: once I bought their delicious edamame hummus!...it was kind of expensive for the quantity, but truly tasty! (not frozen or on the top 8 list, but something to try!)

2. Indian SIMMERING sauces in a jar, and boxed Indian dishes!

3. Freeze dried raspberries! These are SO FLAVORFUL! Check it out: you can eat this whole, big bag for only 130 calories and 11 grams of fiber! I don't think I could ever eat this whole bag at once :~ Plus, NO other ingredients necessary to preserve the fruit!

4. Roasted, unsweetened PEANUTS are our favorite! ...plus, there's a large variety of nuts, all at a great value!

5.  Lots of healthy healthy bread choices! Whole wheat tortillas, Food for Life Ezekiel bread (sesame seed and cinnamon raisin), and pitas too - note: smaller size is cheaper than larger.

6.  Larabars -- if you've ever stopped by FRESH-YOU, you know how much I love these -- may be the perfect snack! I even make them at home!

7.  Chocolate covered espresso beans, dark chocolate covered edamame beans, and single serving dark chocolate bars (each of these treats have some sugar, but are still better than other options!)

8. Fresh fruits and veggies -- when anything is on sale, the prices are pretty good! And also dried fruits, like mango, yum! Make sure there isn't added SUGAR.

9. Tempeh for sure, and for times when you're stuck in a jam: meatless meatballs and falafel in frozen section.

If you must use something like "butter", PLEASE USE SPARINGLY! Earth Balance buttery spread is a non-animal, non-hydrogenated spread, so it's an alternative to butter or any other "margarine" on the market. TJ's price is the best. If you know of something better, please share what you enjoy :) Avocado, hummus, and nut butters are my favorites!

Bonus! Flowers!, even potted basil! ...wine there is also impressive in value and quality!

So, I love Trader Joe's. I love the value. I love the friendly atmosphere.  I love that the ingredients lists don't require magnifying glasses!

There are many other Trader Joe's products that would also likely be staples if it were not for my neighborhood Costco! Still, I am always sure to be stocked up on my list!

So does Lisa at 100 Days of Real Food -- here are her favs! (there are a few animal foods there - I don't recommend those!)

COMMENTS? What are your favorite healthy foods from Trader Joe's?!

Chicken Artichoke Casserole

You voted and here it is! It's flavorful, unique, and it "just happens to be healthy" -- Emeril L.

BEFORE baking (above) and AFTER (below)

It'a flavorful and delicious!

"Chicken" Artichoke Casserole

1 package "chicken" pieces (Beyond Chicken is great!)
2 c artichokes, marinated, include juice
3 large onions, chopped
29 oz can pimentos, drained (or 7 small (4-oz) jars, or a few small jars, plus some red bell peppers, chopped)
29 oz can water chestnuts, drained (3 8-oz cans)
8-10 pieces whole wheat bread, ripped or cut into pieces
2 tsp pepper
½ c ground flaxseed
½ c nutritional yeast
⅔ c vegan mayo (Vegenaise)

Chop "chicken", artichokes, and onions; I sometimes do this with a large food processor (just a few pulses). Combine everything in a large mixing container: pimentos, water chestnuts, bread, pepper, flaxseed, yeast, mayo, "chicken", artichokes, and onions. Transfer mixture into rectangular glass pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 30-40 min, or until browned on top and bubbling along the edges, remove, and enjoy!

I get large cans of pimentos and water chestnuts from www.amazon.com, definitely comparable with the grocery store, plus you don’t have to open as many cans and jars, and they come right to your door! Subscribe and Save offers an additional discount!

If you’re daring, or just that kind of cook, you can try to make pretty much any of my recipes with the ingredients, but no measuring. You might use the recipe a few times, then once you know the consistency you are looking for, and have ballpark quantities in mind, you can put away those measuring cups!

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WHAT DO YOU THINK? Tell me in a comment: Do you ever buy food for gifts? Do you like to get food for gifts? What foods?