Trader Joes Essentials

If you know me (or read my previous post about Trader Joe's) you know I love that place...a lot. Everyone has their favorites and go-to's, so I decided to share my "Trader Joe's Essentials" with you all. These are things I pick up every time I make a trip and cannot leave the store without.

1. Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend

Where do I begin...

This stuff goes good with anything. Meat, veggies, eggs, and ESPECIALLY avocado toast. If you don't top your avocado toast with this...you're doing it all wrong. The seasoning consists of sea salt, garlic, onion, poppy seeds, and sesame seeds. Just trust me and get this seasoning, it's amazing.

2. Vegetable Fried Rice

I can easily say I've never left Trader Joe's without this. I think this rice is top 5 in my favorite items from Trader Joe's and here's why. It is so easy to make. It comes frozen in the bag and you just add a little oil to a non-stick pan, pour the rice in, and voila! Your meal is done! I like to add steamed broccoli and chicken to this dish when I'm having it for dinner. It is so good that I think it beats out most Chinese restaurant's fried rice.

3. Lightly Salted Edamame

Going along with the fried rice, I love Trader Joe's edamame. It comes frozen in a bag and all you have to do is throw it in a pot of water for a few minutes to steam. I could eat the whole bag in one sitting...they're that good. I like to think of them as healthy chips.

4. Spicy Cheese Crunchies

Speaking of chips...another one of my favorites are the Spicy Cheese Crunchies. If you like Flaming Hot Cheetos or any spicy snack for that matter, then these are for you! They are gluten free and don't have any artificial flavors or dyes. These seem to be a healthier version of the original Cheetos. Try not to eat the whole bag in one sitting...I dare you.

5. Cauliflower Gnocchi

Nowadays, it seems like there is cauliflower in everything because it really is a healthy alternative to a lot of foods, especially pasta and rice. In this case, Trader Joe's has decided to make Cauliflower Gnocchi. The dough is soft on the inside, but crispy on the outside. I just throw them in a pan with water to let them steam and then once the water evaporates, I put a little oil in the pan to crisp them up. You can add a pasta sauce if you'd like, but I like mine with just some garlic, salt, and pepper!

I hope you decide to try out some of my Trader Joe's essentials so that they can become your new favorites! Thanks for stopping by and look out for my next post coming very soon!