Dudes…Trader Joe’s is always awesome, but it’s awesome DELUXE during the holidays, which is when they reach the peak of their awesomeness because their shelves are packed with seasonal goodies and treats. MMM!
Here are three I’ve been loving lately…
1. Pecan Pumpkin Instant Oatmeal
This first one comes in a box with eight pumpkin-flavored packets of what’s essentially next-level upgraded instant oatmeal. It’s on the sweeter side, but it isn’t too sweet (to me), and I love the little bits of pecans.
Sometimes I’ll make it on the stove, or sometimes in the microwave, and I usually use coconut milk (something called “Coconut Beverage,” which comes in a carton in the TJ’s dairy section) to thicken it and make it creamier than it is if if you make it with water.
When it’s ready, I put in a big honkin’ scoop of peanut butter and a quarter cup of whole milk, and it’s enough to keep me going till lunch.
I served it to some house guests a couple weeks ago for breakfast, and everyone was like, “WHAT?! This is the best oatmeal I’ve ever had!”
I have to agree. It’s the best oatmeal I’ve ever had.
2. Organic Pea Soup
Here’s another new fave I just recently tried. I started seeing it at the store about a month ago. It’s their Organic Pea Soup, and it’s next to the pre-made salads, sandwiches and wraps at my TJ’s.
It’s SO GOOD.
You know what they say about soup… The key is time. I think the yummiest soups have so many layers of flavor and taste like they’ve been simmering FOR DAYS. This pea soup tastes like that. It tastes deep, hearty, thick and smoky, like grandma got up at the crack of dawn and cooked it on low heat all day long.
It’s filling, too. I usually get two meals from a single tub.
I like to serve it with a hunk of fresh French bread and a big salad.
Mmm…
By the way, TJ’s also has other yummy-looking soups in the same area, but the only other one I’ve tried is cauliflower…and it was gross! It was bland and kinda lumpy.
3. Rice Pudding
I don’t know if this one’s strictly a fall deal, because I think I’ve seen at other times of year, but I just discovered it, so it counts! 🙂
It’s like super terrific tapioca pudding that isn’t chewy or glue-like in texture…if that makes any sense.
It’s a little like coconuts and vanilla, and it’s juuust a bit sweet, so it really hits the spot when I get a hankerin’ for dessert after dinner. I put a few scoops in a small mug and have it with a cup of Trader Joe’s Berries and Cherries Herbal Tea.
Voila! Sweet tooth satisfied.
Alright, who else is hungry now??
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Hi Karen!
Thanks for the Trader Joe’s recommendations. I am going to have to try that split pea soup. Their premade chicken and minestrone soups in the refrigerated section are good, too but I haven’t seen them lately. I am going to try adding peanut butter to my oatmeal to break up the monotony. I usually just add fruit. I really like the Trader Joe’s Pumpkin tortilla chips. I just picked these up a couple of weeks ago and ate the whole bag watching the World Series.
You’re so welcome, Kerstin!
I think you’ll like adding peanut butter to your oatmeal. It rounds out the meal for me and helps keep me full. Have you ever heard of savory oatmeal? It’s when you cook regular oatmeal and then add things like a fried egg, cheese and cooked veggies on top. If you want a recipe I can pass one on; let me know.
Re: TJ’s chips. I just read in the Thanksgiving fearless flyer that they have these new chips that are supposed to have T-Day flavors in a single chip! I’m gonna look out for them the next time I go.
Hi Karen!
I love peanut butter so I will definitely have to try this. Yes, please. I primarily eat a vegetarian diet so I would love to have a recipe for savory oatmeal. Eggs and cheese are my primary forms of protein. Many thanks1
Yes, I saw those T-Day chips last weekend at Trader Joe’s. I may buy them and bring them to work because chips are my downfall and I can easily eat a whole entire bag in one sitting. Then I am running to the gym the next day to either box or do interval training to burn them off!
Hi Kerstin,
Happy Tuesday! I’m sorry it took me so long to get back to you. The weekend came around and then next thing you know… Tuesday. OK, so here is the link to the savory oatmeal recipes. I got it from a site that I follow, Fit Men Cook. The guy who runs it, Kevin, seems really nice, and his recipes are easy to follow.
I ended up buying the T-Day chips at Trader Joe’s and they’re *very* tasty. They taste more like stuffing than turkey to me.
P.S. That’s cool that you box. How long have you been doing it? I’ve always wanted to try but am so intimidated.
Happy Tuesday, Karen! No worries! Thank you for taking the time to send me the savory oatmeal recipes link. I will definitely check it out! Thanks for letting me know about the T J.’s T chips. If they had a snack size I would try them. I’ve been eating too many chips and crackers and need to cut back!
I love boxing. I usually box 3 times a week. It is a great therapeutic work out and really tones your upper torso. You also feel stronger and more empowered. I definitely recommend it! Don’t be intimidated! Just buy yourself a pair of 12 oz gloves and buy some wraps (if you are going to hit a bag) and practice your combinations at home if you are not comfortable going to a class yet. You can always find boxing workout videos on YouTube.
You’re so welcome. I hope that you like the recipes! I’ve made a few of Kevin’s dishes and they were easy and yummy. I like that he uses ingredients you can find at most grocery stores, too. If you want I can also send along some links to the things I’ve made from his site. I have a few go-tos that are easy and healthy.
Ahh, that’s a great idea to try boxing YouTube video workouts. My hubs used to compete in martial arts back in the day so I’m sure he could help me with my form and whatnot. That might be the next thing I’ll work on after I make progress on pull-ups. I’m working on dead hangs and on assisted pull-ups and am terrible at both at the moment. One day, though. One day. I’m finally over a bunch of injuries (*knock on wood*) so I’m ready to get back into it again!
Dear Husband loves tapioca and rice puddings, so I need to swing by TJs and pick up some rice pudding for him, since I’m not inclined to make a whole batch for him. I’ll have to check out that oatmeal too. Depending on how many grams of sugar are added I might get it. I guess I could always combine it with and equal amount of plain, unsweetened oatmeal to halve the sugar content. Do you add the peanut butter before you cook it so it melts into the oatmeal or after? I always cook my oatmeal with half water, half milk to make it creamier.
Omg that oatmeal sounds delicious! My mouth started watering when I saw the picture! Trader Joe’s is just so far for me, I wish they delivered!
Hi Indya,
If they delivered I might never leave the house, LOL! TGIF and have a great weekend!
Ay yay yay Karen, I love when I come across something I am familiar with and I say “yes!’ to what you are talking about. In this case, it is the Rice Pudding, which I happened to pick up by chance, yesterday, before seeing your blog on it. I know it is carried throughout the year, at least in my city ( Chicago) The pudding is not overly sweet at all, and it hits the spot, when I am in the mood for something like it. I personally am a fan of rice, pudding and it can be hard to find a good over the counter version. In my opinion, this one is really good 🙂
Hi Maria!
Great minds think alike. 😀 I’m so glad to find a fellow fan because this pudding is the bomb. LOL! They have a chocolate version which I’m mildly curious about. I might try it someday. Also, if you ever see the sliced brioche bread at your TJ’s definitely pick it up. It’s super good!
What are your TJ faves?
Ooo I definitely want to try that pea soup and rice pudding! Other soups I’ve tried from TJ which I really enjoyed: Kettle Cooked Chicken Soup, Clam Chowder, Lentil Soup with Ancient Grains. And I agree with you on the Cauliflower Soup…
My current faves at TJ’s are Harvest Salad blend and Maple Pecan Shortbread bars. If they have them, try the truffle potato chips or the caramelized onion cheddar.
I’m also really enjoying the small lot coffees. Right now it’s the Panamanian roast, which is really quite delish. Medium body, nutty and caramelly… no sugar required!
Hi Karen! I am sure I will like the recipes. I briefly perused the website on my lunch break and saw a tuna red potato patty recipe and a savory oatmeal recipe with red potatoes that looked yummy. Which ones are your favorite?
Keep working on those pull ups. They are difficult. Don’t give up! I have been taking yoga for 8 years now and I still have issues doing certain poses like crow. I am afraid I am going to fall on my face. I have been boxing for 5 years now.
Yes, have your husband help you with your boxing form because you can easily hurt yourself. You always want to use your lower body when you throw a punch and you always want to be on your toes. I’ve seen so many people injure their shoulders, backs, and rotator cuffs because they were only using their upper body to punch and stood flat footed.
You can also start out doing Tae Bo or cardio kickboxing and then work your way up to boxing when you are ready and have recovered from your injuries. I am sure there are Billy Blanks Tae Bo videos on YouTube.
I’ve made quite a few recipes, but the ones I always go back to are the savory oatmeal; Chicken, Brown Rice & Broccoli (this one introduced me to Chinese 5 Spice, which I now loooove); Chopped Chicken Salad Wrap and the Turkey Wrapped Potato & Egg Breakfast Muffins. When I was pregnant with Connor I had gestational diabetes so I had to completely change the way I ate. That site helped me so much because of the the way the recipes are broken down (low carb, keto, etc.).
That’s cool that you do yoga. I did it briefly and noticed an immediate difference in performance in other things like running. What kind do you do? I used to take Iyengar yoga at the gym. I tried hot yoga once and was, like, NOPE! Never again.
Thanks again for the boxing tips. 🙂
Good Morning, Karen!! Thanks for recommending those recipes. I will have to try them, especially the chicken broccoli and brown rice. I liked the way he broke down the recipes, too.! It is very helpful!
I do vinyasa flow and hatha yoga at the gym. I’ve never tried hot yoga. I wouldn’t be able to tolerate the heat and sweating buckets!
How do you like Chanel’s Soleil de Tan Bronzer? I can’t decide if I want to try it or go with Hourglass’ Bronze Diffised Light. I am currently using a Giorgio Armani Maestro liquid bronzer but want to try something new. Have a good day and you are welcome for the boxing tips!