A Guide to Trader Joe's John's

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  • Breakfast
  • Lunch/Dinner
  • Snacks
  • Stroopwafels A yummy snack or breakfast dessert $2.99

    First created in the Dutch city of Gouda (yes, that Gouda), Stroopwafels (literally syrup waffles in Dutch) are true national treasures of the Netherlands, curiously caramel-y treats fit for the holiday season. They’re made by pressing waffles made from a dense, flavorful dough in a hot iron, then quickly slicing those waffles in half while they’re still hot, and sandwiching sweet, stretchy caramel in between each slice. The resulting cookie is a uniquely delicious experience, especially when enjoyed in the traditional Dutch way: place a Stroopwafel over a hot cup of coffee or tea (or Peppermint Hot Chocolate, we might add), and let the steam gently soften the caramel inside to a perfect level of gooeyness. Mmmm.

    Chocolate Croissants A taste of France in your freezer $4.49

    Croissants are a staple if you're craving something classy and sweet for breakfast. Just like the box says, leave the croissants out overnight so that they can defrost and rise. If you're feeling fancy, brush egg wash on them in the morning before popping them in the oven. This will give them that classic croissant shine and crispy texture.

    Toaster Waffles Waffles are just pancakes with abs $1.99

    Not much to say here, they're toaster waffles. Yummy.

    French Toast It's like toast but its from France $2.49

    Not much to say here either, it's french toast. Very yummy. Add fruit for extra fun.

    Hashbrown Pattes A hashtag in food form $1.99

    They're very easy to prepare, which makes cooking them up in the morning an easy task.On the flavor front, they are well-salted (but not overly so), and crispy - and the fresh potato flavor is front and center.

    Orange Chicken Panda Express in a pan! $4.99

    One of my favorite TJ's items, this is a lot of food for cheap that tastes great. Always pan fry if you can - it shouldn't take more than 15 minutes total. This goes very well with their microwave rice and broccoli!

    Kung Pao Chicken Also Panda Express in a pan! $4.99

    My number one favorite TJ item. Super fast just like the orange chicken but it comes with veggies and peanuts! Also goes very well with mircowave rice and some extra veggies like broccoli. You can even buy frozen broccoli that lasts longer!

    Chicken Tikka Masala Feel like a college student $3.50

    A great small dinner or afternoon snack - this is as tasty as it is easy to make. Just throw it in the microwave for ~5 minutes and you're good to go!

    Garlic Naan You'll feel like you're out to eat $1.99

    Throw this in the oven for some restaraunt-quality naan! Goes great with the Tikka Masala!

    Gnocci Another fantastic form of potatoes! $2.99

    Another goto when you're in a rush and want some nummy food. Just throw this on a pan and wait less than 10 minutes and it's ready to eat. It can be a bit rich on it's own, so it might go well with a salad or spinach. Also note that it comes with the sauce pre-frozen, but you can replace with your own sauce if you feel like it.

    Pesto Linguine Feel like you're in Italy $2.99

    Similar to the Gnocci, everything you need comes in the bag. Goes well with the roasted potatoes!

    Roasted Potatoes A great side to any meal $2.99

    A frozen back of potatoes, peppers, and onions. Good on it's own or as a side to the gnocci or pesto linguine. Try throwing it in the same pan as your pasta to mix in the flavors!

    Joe-Joe's Milk Required $1.79

    Joe-Joe's are Trader Joe's version of Oreos - but better. They go great with milk and a tad more mild than oreos, meaning you can eat a lot of them. There are Joe-Joe's and Joe-Joe's Slims - personally I think the slims are better.price

    Salt and Pepper Chips Completes any sandwich $2.99

    A massive back of the most addicting chips you've ever eaten. One of my favorite snacks that also goes great with a grilled cheese sandwich.

    Chocolate Lava Gnocchi Criminally good $2.99

    Although I've never actually had this, I've heard lots of people rave about it. You should try it out!