tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28453218711095030362024-03-14T05:02:30.174-07:00Feasting on TJs - Trader Joe's Food ReviewsThis blog processed on equipment shared with soy, tree nuts, wheat, dairy, shellfish, and whatever else we can get our hands on at Trader Joe's.Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-61451076285538235872010-02-28T22:10:00.000-08:002010-02-28T22:10:43.987-08:00Low Sodium Minestrone Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9a3TVs5vpCucN8cKjJpsXJBQXBCW6-MwUvSFsNbYyp755D2OptLpP_oVqw20dZIZGy7hkjgHY4mjCznqVNweO0b7T4iiimzNbBk6G5w5cbk5zD0GUns0iiAhzOgM2WQq_11GpaxceVJU/s1600-h/HPIM2736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9a3TVs5vpCucN8cKjJpsXJBQXBCW6-MwUvSFsNbYyp755D2OptLpP_oVqw20dZIZGy7hkjgHY4mjCznqVNweO0b7T4iiimzNbBk6G5w5cbk5zD0GUns0iiAhzOgM2WQq_11GpaxceVJU/s320/HPIM2736.jpg" style="border-top: 1px solid #ddd; border-left: 1px solid #ddd; border-bottom: 1px solid #c0c0c0; border-right: 1px solid #c0c0c0;"/></a></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>$1.49 <br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span>low sodium, vegetarian, convenient<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</span>Found in: </span>soup/sauce/bean aisle<br />
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This minestrone soup is a classic 3! While definitely not bad, it had nothing that made it extra special. In a convenient single serving can, this soup is a great option for lunch at work, or as a side to dinner. Full of pasta, beans and vegetables, this version of minestrone is a bit sweeter than most canned soups (maybe due to the low sodium?). My girlfriend introduced me to this - she uses it to stay warm in Michigan!<br />
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Small soup - small post. Enjoy!Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-8883757115784292832009-12-13T21:43:00.000-08:002009-12-13T21:43:01.031-08:00Organic Fair Trade Sumatra<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5k4JefbBgMDC4LCHgynK_I86t2veMb4Cv2_pVpn1fmH27ujQmfMFzKyyORTnoakkY0I4xRfuSD1NW2WhlHBTI3orZmP7LK-XgT3dxLdqxqtvzvHmPP78VZrNb8Fub8fX2ONncamtsYvqd/s1600-h/HPIM2734.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5k4JefbBgMDC4LCHgynK_I86t2veMb4Cv2_pVpn1fmH27ujQmfMFzKyyORTnoakkY0I4xRfuSD1NW2WhlHBTI3orZmP7LK-XgT3dxLdqxqtvzvHmPP78VZrNb8Fub8fX2ONncamtsYvqd/s320/HPIM2734.jpg" style="border-top: 1px solid #ddd; border-left: 1px solid #ddd; border-bottom: 1px solid #c0c0c0; border-right: 1px solid #c0c0c0;"/></a> <br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" style="cursor: pointer; height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" style="cursor: pointer; height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" style="cursor: pointer; height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>$7.99 (14 Oz, 100% Arabica, whole bean)<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span>Supposed "Full Bodied Earthy & Robust Flavor"<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</span>Found in: </span>Coffee<br />
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I remember not being particularly impressed by this coffee some time ago, but I decided to give it a second try before making up my mind. After brewing pots of this for the past few weeks, I have concluded that it really is unimpressive. I don't find the flavor to be full bodied, earthy, or robust. To me, it simply tastes flat - no high or low notes to remark on. It's not <i>bad</i> coffee per se, but there are plenty of more satisfying Fair Trade & Organic options available at Trader Joe's. I generally enjoy a nice deep Sumatra, but this is not the one for me.<br />
</div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-12919589897146611162009-12-13T21:34:00.000-08:002009-12-13T21:44:04.404-08:00Green & Yellow Beans<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVCg96SMaTPQNU7cx-2g8O60U2e6mUAPw0j50YlWS8ZFmVPmDnI_2-30gGMxSO8yOGiq09lStTIH-inGfa3pd1aLhA5VQMnuRcz0upS_OdXCyf4qHIlSijFKs8uZQ1gEkzRnb1KNXxDqi/s1600/HPIM2690.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVCg96SMaTPQNU7cx-2g8O60U2e6mUAPw0j50YlWS8ZFmVPmDnI_2-30gGMxSO8yOGiq09lStTIH-inGfa3pd1aLhA5VQMnuRcz0upS_OdXCyf4qHIlSijFKs8uZQ1gEkzRnb1KNXxDqi/s320/HPIM2690.jpg" style="border-top: 1px solid #ddd; border-left: 1px solid #ddd; border-bottom: 1px solid #c0c0c0; border-right: 1px solid #c0c0c0;"/></a> <br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" style="cursor: pointer; height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" style="cursor: pointer; height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" style="cursor: pointer; height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>$2.99 <br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span>Washed and trimmed, microwave in bag<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</span>Found in: </span>Prepared veggie refrigerator case<br />
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There isn't much to be said about this bag-o-beans. They taste ok, and you can just toss them in the microwave in the bag for a few minutes and they are ready to eat. The price is a little steep, but you are paying for convenience. I do enjoy a product which allows me to integrate a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00008URUS/ref=asc_df_B00008URUS984016?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=googlecom09c9-20&linkCode=asn&creative=380341&creativeASIN=B00008URUS">Bohnanza</a> reference though! Trade you two wax for a green?!?<br />
</div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-66023077893251422142009-11-17T23:19:00.000-08:002009-12-13T21:44:16.860-08:00Light Coconut Milk<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0t1v3qNMxNxTTtWXrtf75lw71yhzhPJqajufwnpVplTpK8bkrzSkJYtJ0CnehuGEhyphenhyphenFcVlD0A1gYcTDocGwX-QFw0FAh4UGMyrB1YXq-ZyU-G776H3aZQSIEKouUB1lC2tZBhqdqHQv-Z/s1600/HPIM2694.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0t1v3qNMxNxTTtWXrtf75lw71yhzhPJqajufwnpVplTpK8bkrzSkJYtJ0CnehuGEhyphenhyphenFcVlD0A1gYcTDocGwX-QFw0FAh4UGMyrB1YXq-ZyU-G776H3aZQSIEKouUB1lC2tZBhqdqHQv-Z/s320/HPIM2694.jpg" style="border-top: 1px solid #ddd; border-left: 1px solid #ddd; border-bottom: 1px solid #c0c0c0; border-right: 1px solid #c0c0c0;"/></a> <br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; margin: 0pt 0px 0px 0pt; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>$0.99 (14 Oz)<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span>Contains only coconut and water, no preservatives<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
Found in: </span>Curious places, often with the condiments on the shelf above the frozen foods<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This is my favorite can of coconut milk - it is cheap and does not contain any preservatives. Many brands add preservatives which make for a somehow cooked or burnt taste, similar to that of homogenized milk. I'm not sure why preservatives are needed, since this Trader Joe's Coconut Milk has a 3+ year shelf life without them, and it tastes far better - like pure coconut milk! Imagine that.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I love to use coconut milk to make Thai curries and peanut sauce, or Indonesian yellow rice (in the photo I am in the process of making a spicy green curry full of fresh veggies). A good coconut milk based peanut sauce is amazing with just about anything, but I always end up pouring it over blanched greens to make Swimming Rama, or using the sauce for dipping skewered grilled meats (satay).<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have tried a number of other brands of coconut milk because my Trader Joe's was unable to get any of this in stock for what seemed like 6+ months, so I experimented among the twenty or so brands the crazy Asian grocery store near my house carries, none of which really satisfied. Not sure what was going on there with the supply chain issues at TJ's, but thankfully it has come back, and seems to be in high demand again!<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I believe Whole Foods has coconut milk under their 365 label which is preservative free, and about the same price, and they do have a version that is "regular" (not light). As my cooking instructor says, the only difference between regular and light coconut milk is that light is half water, so you can use one can of regular plus one can water and come out with two cans worth of light to save a few dollars if you find a regular strength brand you like. I found the Thai Kitchen brand to be tasty, but it is always about three times the cost of other brands, which does not please me in the least.<br />
</div></div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-3732636407624642122009-11-16T21:28:00.000-08:002009-12-13T21:44:59.963-08:00Trader Joe-san's Selected Sake from Japan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjP3MnEq21ay8iY9FX9XYTAV1mSMeBYCTzreterz_Y44Kq2LLu8duh5m39NjObbGGfvOpDFPKyBpkl1v67STdE6xf85UL087Vj0MIa7mYXO7Dq1ALrk86Xet_MEojqcXPat_9INfgyaeKQ/s1600/HPIM2693.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjP3MnEq21ay8iY9FX9XYTAV1mSMeBYCTzreterz_Y44Kq2LLu8duh5m39NjObbGGfvOpDFPKyBpkl1v67STdE6xf85UL087Vj0MIa7mYXO7Dq1ALrk86Xet_MEojqcXPat_9INfgyaeKQ/s320/HPIM2693.jpg" style="clear: both; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; border-top: 1px solid #ddd; border-left: 1px solid #ddd; border-bottom: 1px solid #c0c0c0; border-right: 1px solid #c0c0c0;"/></a><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" style="cursor: pointer; height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" style="cursor: pointer; height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" style="cursor: pointer; height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>$10.99 (720 ml, 15% ABV)<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span>Better served cold than hot<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>(unfortunately for me);<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>blessings of God<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Found in: </span>Desert wine section...not sure where else it would go I suppose.<br />
<br />
"Ahh, a nice cup of warm sake would be just the thing to relax with on this awful stormy evening, and a nice excuse to review another TJ's product" I think to myself. Enter Trader Joe-san's Selected Sake from Japan. The bottle looks fancy with its foil top and tuxedo-vest-like label. Below it states:<br />
<blockquote>Junmai Ginjo Sake is a specially reserved connoisseur class of sake using certified sake rice that has been polished away to 45% of it's original size. This is a supplement-free product of which only "Koji", the blessings of God has been added. May it bring happiness to you.<br />
</blockquote><br />
Wow, good times. I eagerly heated up a cup of the sake. I'm no connoisseur class of sake drinker, so maybe my tastes are just not refined, but once warm this sake has some serious alcohol fumes coming off it. Far more than others I have tried if, memory serves me correctly. I found it difficult to get my nose close enough to the cup with all the fumes rising up to be able to take a sip, and then I got mostly an alcohol taste as well. So, that was a disappointing experience. Now there is such strong wind outside I'm afraid the house will blow down, so maybe the strong sake isn't all a bust.<br />
<br />
Ok, the bottle does say to serve it cold, but it seems like all sakes say that. And yes, I had a few sips of it slightly chilled and it is much smoother and has that soft sake flavor I was seeking. It is enjoyable when cool, but I wish it could be served warm on cold nights as well, and I feel like TJ's should have a decent sake for less than $11.00 per bottle. If you are into sake and you have an opinion on this Junmai Ginjo, let's hear it in the comments!Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-7985970164964465292009-11-16T21:08:00.000-08:002009-12-13T21:45:20.224-08:00Salmon Roulette with Spinach Florentine Stuffing<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6n-pELf2QODRleruHW-Z4gVRSXHEURcb0MN1P_Slq5yfBY-igSCPKFZ5N68dooHKThqzu4LaA2DaWX3JyAF5EYpC2m4SkWnFXb1-JNgELVEqxp85FUeDg35vpcYGlPjBzFk99AldHL0wv/s1600/HPIM2686.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6n-pELf2QODRleruHW-Z4gVRSXHEURcb0MN1P_Slq5yfBY-igSCPKFZ5N68dooHKThqzu4LaA2DaWX3JyAF5EYpC2m4SkWnFXb1-JNgELVEqxp85FUeDg35vpcYGlPjBzFk99AldHL0wv/s320/HPIM2686.jpg" style="border-top: 1px solid #ddd; border-left: 1px solid #ddd; border-bottom: 1px solid #c0c0c0; border-right: 1px solid #c0c0c0;"/></a> <br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" style="cursor: pointer; height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>$3.99<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span>Good salmon with a flavorful stuffing, extreme black pepper crust<b> </b><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Found in: </b>Frozen seafood<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> TJ's has carried these frozen salmon roulettes for as long as I have been shopping there. I was tempted to get them on many occasions, but always had my doubts about the quality of the salmon, or how long they would take to thaw and cook up. One night when I needed a quick, easy, and relatively healthy dinner I went for them. I'm glad I finally did, because they are really good, and don't take too long to cook up from frozen (thaw in microwave for a few minutes, then finish in a frying pan).<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The salmon is good quality especially for frozen, though I'm sure it is farmed (obligatory "boo!"). The spinach Florentine stuffing is very flavorful and full of garlic. Just the right amount of stuffing is placed in the middle of the round making for many satisfying bites out of the circle with an optimal salmon-to-stuffing ratio. Now, if you like tons and <i>tons</i> of black pepper, then you will be fine with the coating on the outside of the round. The whole edge is coated in big grains of powerful pepper, which makes for some overwhelming spice after a few bites. I think I understand why they put the coating on there - these might look less appetizing and a little too much like frozen fish pucks if the edge was just pink. However, I would advise scraping a bit of the pepper off and mopping it back up as a seasoning for your veggies.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDhEL6ye90jce1Aj8XGal3Lyb1tlhQU6jXq1Y3PMR6ZqLHzmWo9Wjlsg9HRK-aQkev6ID2oU6kL6Rqf8HFGe8rX_nkT5NEbOR5POK5qp3W9zOCQKp_4A3rYmAMM8w3UnloQoLxd0acCT0/s1600/HPIM2691.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDhEL6ye90jce1Aj8XGal3Lyb1tlhQU6jXq1Y3PMR6ZqLHzmWo9Wjlsg9HRK-aQkev6ID2oU6kL6Rqf8HFGe8rX_nkT5NEbOR5POK5qp3W9zOCQKp_4A3rYmAMM8w3UnloQoLxd0acCT0/s320/HPIM2691.jpg" /></a> <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1258434195116"></span><span id="goog_1258434195117"></span><br />
</div></div></div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-1251884652040207892009-10-24T12:18:00.000-07:002009-10-24T12:20:40.287-07:00Trader Joe's JOE - "An exceptionally smooth cup of coffee"<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Taq7Pi0RuVtJ54L4rn_sY7P1sHKELefKiJ-_MbTxrodHhy9bPwcVDVGXOPsRu__v-cISjm-2HXdx9OygCrc-ykKw85LffHE1peTDDKON1VFjUEpGmXovXR5ct_66W26k9D9IDxM7dDO-/s1600-h/HPIM2679.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Taq7Pi0RuVtJ54L4rn_sY7P1sHKELefKiJ-_MbTxrodHhy9bPwcVDVGXOPsRu__v-cISjm-2HXdx9OygCrc-ykKw85LffHE1peTDDKON1VFjUEpGmXovXR5ct_66W26k9D9IDxM7dDO-/s320/HPIM2679.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(221, 221, 221) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(221, 221, 221); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;" /></a> <br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUIOhSDFI7qEatThEP4q8667MJfR5E1A0kcI2wTXTX3z_A-1o00Ti5XLVGBTS4yGMbcOTLGDn_hHjrayoOGKOmpulITtPY5aZyA05xCJrd-JlUxi0Z5e0fdmEnHa3P7-Qlfe0FsHKsmk_/s400/star3.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" style="cursor: pointer; height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>$3.49 (14 Oz, 100% Arabica, whole bean)<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span>Decent generic coffee for a crazy low price<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</span>Found in: </span>Coffee section labeled "Super Cheap!"<br />
<br />
<blockquote> "Joe brews a good satisfying cup of coffee. No Frills. Nothing fancy. Just good coffee at a great price. We created an excellent blend of Arabica beans and roasted them to that place where drinkability, smoothness and enjoyability meet - a medium roast, to be precise. Your kitchen table. The office. A to-go cup on the road. It doesn't matter where you are, as long as you have a good cup of Joe."<br />
</blockquote><br />
This product speaks for itself, which makes reviewing it easy on me! I agree that this is a smooth coffee at a great price. It has a good generic coffee taste - nothing really striking, yet nothing bad, like dreaded sour burning acidity, either. I like that it comes as whole bean so you can grind it right before you brew. Like they say, nothing fancy, but it gets the job done! Far and away better than other coffee you might find for $3.49!<br />
<br />
If you are struggling along making your daily brew with pre-ground "coffee" that comes in a big metal can because you don't know any better or don't want to pay more - here are the beans you should switch to. Invite JOE to your mornings - do it now!<br />
</div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-10961971916835112172009-10-23T19:45:00.000-07:002009-10-24T13:34:25.028-07:00Chicken Tikka Masala with Cumin Flavored Basmati Rice<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyODtyLRlmYpvG4pRJCc_Xn5Rbw02gD1gkNFagXtUhkTPHGskiUR-39eojN0KhuCCEyD0PhE3kf81zzb_LLZtJeQtvxAxElXfWrT0KEDP3FpFTZbYS47Y7RJWS5pyjdbH_1xlyY4DEBjpw/s1600-h/HPIM2685.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyODtyLRlmYpvG4pRJCc_Xn5Rbw02gD1gkNFagXtUhkTPHGskiUR-39eojN0KhuCCEyD0PhE3kf81zzb_LLZtJeQtvxAxElXfWrT0KEDP3FpFTZbYS47Y7RJWS5pyjdbH_1xlyY4DEBjpw/s320/HPIM2685.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(221, 221, 221) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(221, 221, 221); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;" /></a> <br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUIOhSDFI7qEatThEP4q8667MJfR5E1A0kcI2wTXTX3z_A-1o00Ti5XLVGBTS4yGMbcOTLGDn_hHjrayoOGKOmpulITtPY5aZyA05xCJrd-JlUxi0Z5e0fdmEnHa3P7-Qlfe0FsHKsmk_/s400/star3.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" style="cursor: pointer; height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>$3.49 <br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span>Spicy sauce, tasty chicken and nicely flavored rice, tastes "authentic"<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Found in: </span>Freezer at demo booth<br />
<br />
I had a sample of this chicken tikka masala at the demo stand the other night and was really impressed with the flavor, so I decided to buy a box thinking it would make a good lunch at work. The chicken is tender and good quality white meat, the sauce is flavorful with a nice level of spice, and the cumin basmati rice makes a great accompanyment. The cardamom and lemon juice in the sauce really come through, making this about as good as tikka masala from my favorite Indian restaurant.<br />
<br />
The only problem with this frozen entree is that you don't get that much food for your money. My box only had four (decent size) pieces of chicken in it. They should package it with a piece of garlic naan to soak up the sauce to make it a more filling meal.<br />
</div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-49388122816333525122009-10-22T21:33:00.000-07:002009-10-22T21:33:02.664-07:00Beer Bread Mix<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9H66-g1Ln5N_kLFEjtpnWabi6PQ_WxXjRKg4nMWQypfKxg7v9AMPZv6s5-B00tnlO-4bydGA6CUyd6_oA3rryInZdczv7WOpyOdM6nyUCYOMCeMi-02ln6dGp2nPOTt5LmycVfzqTOrZS/s1600-h/HPIM2677.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9H66-g1Ln5N_kLFEjtpnWabi6PQ_WxXjRKg4nMWQypfKxg7v9AMPZv6s5-B00tnlO-4bydGA6CUyd6_oA3rryInZdczv7WOpyOdM6nyUCYOMCeMi-02ln6dGp2nPOTt5LmycVfzqTOrZS/s320/HPIM2677.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(221, 221, 221) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(221, 221, 221); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;" /><br />
</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" style="cursor: pointer; height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" style="cursor: pointer; height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>$1.99<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span>Add 12 ounces of beer, 1/4 cup butter, and in 40 minutes you get a dense 9"x5" loaf of yeasty bread with a tangy bite and crisp crust<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Found in: </span>New products section</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We all enjoyed eating this beer bread fresh out of the oven, it even made the house smell like real fresh baked yeasty bread. So, why only 3-stars? I can't help but wonder why this mix is really needed. Sure, it is fairly cheap at $1.99 per box, but all you are getting is a packet of pre-mixed flour, sugar, and leavening, and some baking directions. If I make beer bread again, I will be mixing my own dry ingredients, but I suppose the mix may inspire people to make beer bread when they would not otherwise think of it (hey, it happened to me), so that's cool.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I made this with the last can of a light ale we had sitting around (better for baking than drinking on its own). The bread turned out fine with a good beer flavor, but I am really curious how it would come out if you made it with a nice dark stout or porter. According to the box, any carbonated liquid will do. You simply dump the mix in a bowl, pour a beer over the top, and mix sparingly to combine. Mixing even a little more than necessary will make the bread tough, which I may be have been guilty of. I didn't want dry flour globs in the finished product!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If I was to make this again I would make biscuits following the directions on the package rather than the one big loaf. The loaf had a crazy crisp crust on it from the 1/4 cup of melted butter you pour over the top of the batter in the loaf pan prior to sticking it in the oven. Honestly, eating the heal was like having a crisp beer doughnut fried in butter. Too over the top for my tastes, but the rest of the loaf with crisp crust all the way around the soft warm center was better. I had mine drizzled with honey, which I highly recommend. Hence the biscuit suggestion - brush, rather than drown, with butter prior to baking, then split open whilen still hot and let the honey melt in! These would make a fantastic companion to a bowl of hearty chili on the blustery fall days we've had recently.<br />
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</div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-81095054419867287222009-10-11T19:28:00.000-07:002009-10-11T19:32:21.673-07:00Savory Broth Liquid Concentrate<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GQEZs-0YFp61piHt38ZCTsRyo-dhqsVQwvbKB6JZIC1HUiZgJqnLBt0kxuq5NofKWH6XL8Ff-3A-8wBC81UbYmkkZ5HFbn8zEZjWZC7yCXzBRF_wYsNrLVDdWdzwYAhzy1mntgM6AmpQ/s1600-h/HPIM2673.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GQEZs-0YFp61piHt38ZCTsRyo-dhqsVQwvbKB6JZIC1HUiZgJqnLBt0kxuq5NofKWH6XL8Ff-3A-8wBC81UbYmkkZ5HFbn8zEZjWZC7yCXzBRF_wYsNrLVDdWdzwYAhzy1mntgM6AmpQ/s320/HPIM2673.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(221, 221, 221) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(221, 221, 221); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;" /></a><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" style="cursor: pointer; height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>$3.99 (12 packets, makes 12 cups of broth)<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span>Easy to keep for when you need it, 50% less sodium<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span><b>Found in: </b>Near the cartons of regular broth<br />
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I have been meaning to review this stuff forever. I have used the vegetable broth concentrate packets for a number of things, and I just picked up the chicken broth concentrate today, on a very successful trip to Trader Joe's, lots of new products to review! I needed some chicken broth on hand in small amounts to help thin out some overly-thick chicken noodle soup I made last week.<br />
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I really like these packets because you can make however many cups of broth you need at the time, and then save the remaining packets in the pantry for later. This avoids the inevitable half carton of broth that is left over (why must all recipes call for 6-cups of stock when the cartons are only 4-cups each?) which needs to be refrigerated, and usually migrates to the back of the fridge where it expires and gets tossed out months later. The broth has 50% less sodium than other varieties, so you have more control over the salt content of your final dish. I also really like that there is far less waste with the small packets vs. the large boxes of stock. Sure, the boxes can be recycled, but that is still a lot of packaging for something you generally open and dump straight into a pot, not to mention transporting all that heavy liquid from factory to store.<br />
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The liquid concentrate packets also give you more for your money, since they make 12 cups for $3.99. The prepared cartons of broth are $1.99 each, and contain just 4 cups apiece. So, it's like getting 4 cups extra for free. These are great to keep around for whenever the need for stock arises, which happens more often than you might expect!<br />
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Now I feel special for having written a post that can be tagged with both chicken and vegetarian.<br />
</div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-35168780823237148312009-10-10T23:04:00.000-07:002009-10-10T23:06:43.365-07:00Green Lakes Organic Ale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwP8gN9796iC1Hmjwi7Tx8rL99Q30pYIYVGrub473SCJ6WUu6Sr-EtIPxbdre7fjqDKruc2Ye4NdWCt55yEu80PjQeaWkbt2uEvKLA7QdHewPA_Js0FIju-e7K4QmHJAOtSzHFAaL4smMu/s1600-h/GreenLakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwP8gN9796iC1Hmjwi7Tx8rL99Q30pYIYVGrub473SCJ6WUu6Sr-EtIPxbdre7fjqDKruc2Ye4NdWCt55yEu80PjQeaWkbt2uEvKLA7QdHewPA_Js0FIju-e7K4QmHJAOtSzHFAaL4smMu/s320/GreenLakes.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(221, 221, 221) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(221, 221, 221); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;" /></a><br />
</div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; margin: 0pt 0px 0px 0pt; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>$7.49 / 6-pack (5.2% ABV)<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span>Pours a nice head, a hoppy kick, balanced and refreshing<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
Found in: </span>Beer section<br />
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I shared a few of these with my friend this afternoon, and we decided it should get 4.5 stars because it is an "almost perfect beer." However, I've now decided to bump that to a full five stars because it is a very good beer, and the best value I have seen for an organic microbrew. (Is there even such a thing as an organic macrobrew?) Plus, I have been stingy with the 5-star ratings lately. Here's what <a href="http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/">Deschutes</a> has to say about this tasty beer:<br />
<blockquote>Discover Deschutes Brewery’s intriguing amber ale, our Ode to Mother Earth. Experience its mellow malt profile intertwined with subtly surprising hop flavors. Green Lakes Organic Ale is brewed with five types of 100% organic malted barley and balanced with Liberty and Salmon-Safe Sterling hops. Easy to drink. Easy on the Environment. Downright Delicious. Who knew celebrating Mother Earth could taste so good. <br />
</blockquote><br />
Mmm, Salmon-Safe Sterling. Fun to say, fun to drink...wonder if it would pair well with grilled salmon? I'm thinking yes! I also highly recommend the <a href="http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/brews/year-round-brews/black-butte-porter/default.aspx">Black Butte Porter</a> from Deschutes Brewery. It has always been a favorite of mine.Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-61363361523552416642009-10-10T12:24:00.000-07:002009-10-24T13:47:34.334-07:00100% Kauai Coffee<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXb8gqzaUHTVkN_-oCgT2nuCy7lC6wn2AgDmdVTxGss7ANK_bTjd2LLlYYhyM71XbFGPBmWOycDFWBk2QryK8j0I_K2ZaUREsyavbgRfI6T7phgZWzDFIL7BYPSIk-UW6pGcmmRvo5eQ3Z/s1600-h/HPIM2668.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXb8gqzaUHTVkN_-oCgT2nuCy7lC6wn2AgDmdVTxGss7ANK_bTjd2LLlYYhyM71XbFGPBmWOycDFWBk2QryK8j0I_K2ZaUREsyavbgRfI6T7phgZWzDFIL7BYPSIk-UW6pGcmmRvo5eQ3Z/s320/HPIM2668.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(221, 221, 221) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(221, 221, 221); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; margin: 0pt 0px 0px 0pt; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUIOhSDFI7qEatThEP4q8667MJfR5E1A0kcI2wTXTX3z_A-1o00Ti5XLVGBTS4yGMbcOTLGDn_hHjrayoOGKOmpulITtPY5aZyA05xCJrd-JlUxi0Z5e0fdmEnHa3P7-Qlfe0FsHKsmk_/s400/star3.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>$7.99 (13 Oz Whole Bean)<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span>Subtle, smooth, balanced, well-rounded flavor<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
Found in: </span>Coffee zone<br />
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We go through a can of coffee about every other week, so by now I have tried most of the medium roast options from Trader Joe's. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">TJ's</span> has a lot of dark and even <span style="font-style: italic;">super</span> dark "volcano" (charcoal and ash?) roasts available, most of which are quite good, but I prefer the medium to medium-dark roasts. I think medium roasts have a nice balance of all the flavor notes I like in a good coffee, and maintain a good level of acidity. I find darker roasts to lose the acidic edge while clobbering you over the head with a big dose of whatever note is strongest to the specific beans. Not always a bad thing, but not what I want for my morning cup on a daily basis.<br />
<br />
Anyway, on to the specifics of these beans! Trader Joe says:<br />
<blockquote><br />
The leeward side of Kauai has long been recognized as a superb place for growing coffee. Abundant rainfall and sunshine as well as a temperate climate provide ideal conditions for the production of coffee. The Garden Island's rich volcanic soil gives these beans an earthy, aromatic flavor.<br />
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Trader Joe's 100% Kauai coffee is medium roasted to bring out its sweet, delicate flavor. These beans are as close to Kauai as you can get without hopping on a plane. 'Ono kope!<br />
</blockquote><br />
Well there ya go, I agree about the delicate aromatic flavors. Maybe you could get closer to Hawaii by purchasing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">TJ's</span> 100% <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kona</span> coffee, but since that is about $20/lb you might as well just hop on a plane and go see the source for yourself!<br />
</div></div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-88314832206514055162009-09-20T13:12:00.000-07:002009-10-24T13:48:02.501-07:00New Mexico Piñon Coffee<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1yy30_7P-pDGCWwrWMJ_eRa1MLn7uHWdAfWaVkas9tFyyS6e7x6vueWBalOWD5n9Hm0SeTxkOjhXBexWVYjlX7qOAKZaj-uvQpWYCYUAKhjpnlRxQhq2GYEeHuW2aKHmDbSKvUIuC-dQ/s1600-h/HPIM2667.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1yy30_7P-pDGCWwrWMJ_eRa1MLn7uHWdAfWaVkas9tFyyS6e7x6vueWBalOWD5n9Hm0SeTxkOjhXBexWVYjlX7qOAKZaj-uvQpWYCYUAKhjpnlRxQhq2GYEeHuW2aKHmDbSKvUIuC-dQ/s320/HPIM2667.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(221, 221, 221) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(221, 221, 221); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" style="cursor: pointer; height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>$6.49 (16 Oz, Ground)<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span>Good coffee with a natural nutty flavor<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</span>Found in: </span>Tasted at demo booth (twice)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">I've wondered about this New Mexico Piñon Coffee for a while. I had the chance to taste it at the demo booth a few weeks ago, and was pleasantly surprised. I wasn't sure if I liked it enough to buy a whole can. Then the next week they were brewing it at the demo stand again, and I decided to spring for it. Can't go too wrong with 1lb of coffee for $6.49, right?<br />
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I've run through most of the coffee now, and I have really been enjoying it. The roasted pine nuts ground in with the coffee make it taste like a rich hazelnut coffee, only without the chemical taste of artificial flavorings - which are enough to turn me away from most "flavored" coffees. I'm not going to use this coffee as a replacement for my everyday brew, but I do enjoy it, and will purchase another can so I can brew a pot of tasty piñon for a change of pace now and then.<br />
<br />
The coffee is good quality, even if it is pre-ground. I suppose it would be hard to get the right ratio of beans and pine nuts into your own grinder every time to make the perfect cup! Speaking of New Mexico, when I was down in Albuquerque for a friend's wedding last October, we discovered that the <a href="http://www.churchstreetcafe.com/index.php">Church Street Cafe</a> has both very good coffee and food. So, if New Mexican Piñon Coffee from Trader Joe's is enough to make you want to visit the state, you will know where to get delicious huevos rancheros that come with hot sopaipillas! Yum. <br />
</div></div></div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-45133895045374447822009-09-16T19:47:00.000-07:002009-09-16T20:00:18.916-07:00Hansen's Diet Ginger Ale<span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" style="width: 15px; cursor: pointer; height: 15px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" style="width: 15px; cursor: pointer; height: 15px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" border="0" /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>$2.49 (6 x 12 Oz cans)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span>Natural flavors with very specific origins: "African ginger, Mexican limes, Californian lemons, and Madagascan vanilla"<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Found in: </span><span>Beverages, where Reed's Extra Ginger Beer was not on the shelf :-(<br /><br />Lurking in the background of my previous post is a can of Hansen's Diet Ginger Ale. I purchased this as a stand-in for Reeds Extra Ginger Beer since it was nowhere to be found. I knew this was not going to be the same as Reeds, which has "26 grams fresh ginger per bottle!" But, I wanted something fizzy and gingery, and expected this would have more of a ginger kick than Canada Dry (not that they sell that at TJ's).<br /><br />It does have a stronger flavor profile, I tasted just as much Madagascan vanilla as African ginger. The Mexi-calian citrus was lost in the crowd, but I am sure I would miss it if it were not at the party. This diet soda is sweetened with <span style="font-style: italic;">Splenda</span>, which means it is incredibly sweet. It is also highly carbonated with little tiny fizzy bubbles that caused me to sneeze three times while attempting to drink it. Overall, it did the job washing down the tamales for tonight, and I would consider this pretty good for a diet soda. But it's no Reeds, they better get that back in stock again!<br /><br />"</span><span style="font-style: italic;">It's that damn Hansel! He's so hot right now!</span><span>" -Mugatu<br /></span>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-19290781892339011962009-09-16T19:34:00.000-07:002009-09-16T19:47:07.358-07:00Beef Tamales<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-uJnHGmOe581UlmnMRlLNYco25hWXo4Pef2Apiyh3CIPnjKEtxlvNVLxTY2Brfr3EGf95hT7uDdAhPFfq2VEq5joOJbSfP8TuBtSgGLhaTRGDSwbEwzQxO7ITGdyd3tFyZmBuKONzYTc/s1600-h/HPIM2664.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-uJnHGmOe581UlmnMRlLNYco25hWXo4Pef2Apiyh3CIPnjKEtxlvNVLxTY2Brfr3EGf95hT7uDdAhPFfq2VEq5joOJbSfP8TuBtSgGLhaTRGDSwbEwzQxO7ITGdyd3tFyZmBuKONzYTc/s320/HPIM2664.jpg" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(221, 221, 221) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(221, 221, 221); border-width: 1px;" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img style="margin: 0pt 0px 0px 0pt; width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" border="0" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUIOhSDFI7qEatThEP4q8667MJfR5E1A0kcI2wTXTX3z_A-1o00Ti5XLVGBTS4yGMbcOTLGDn_hHjrayoOGKOmpulITtPY5aZyA05xCJrd-JlUxi0Z5e0fdmEnHa3P7-Qlfe0FsHKsmk_/s400/star3.gif" /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span><span>$2.29</span> for a package of 2<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span><span>Tasty corn dough filled with shredded bee<span style="font-size:100%;">f</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> - taco sauce not included</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Found in: </span>Frozen section, where the Mexican stuff always seems to be off on its own<br /><br />These are a pretty basic item, so there isn't much to say about them. They are not unhealthy for a frozen dinner item, and the are ready from frozen after 6 minutes in the microwave (just wrap in a wet paper towel). I like the dough on these, not too soggy, a little crispy in places, and the right proportion of dough to meat. The meat is good too, not that gross paste type of "shredded beef" that can come in other things, these have actual hunks of shredded beef, which is good for texture. Two make a filling dinner, I say go for it! There was a guy loading up on the green chile and cheese tamales when I was at the store. Maybe I will try those next...</div></div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-25468794096307923662009-09-13T22:24:00.000-07:002009-10-24T13:48:54.692-07:00Charles Shaw Downunder 2008 Chardonnay<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIX05s_mN-nV5jp5baIfo0MX6CthqSv0O-IBcno6XbxilGwfSwg6UnChj3gklBF9gxDB7TS9QTYFhdvmP7B5ACETElDKdbr5ESIN_Qmp3sbwGREb8Hgh1q7p3-HzF5Vq6gSjqtsKyy3ko/s1600-h/HPIM2646.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIX05s_mN-nV5jp5baIfo0MX6CthqSv0O-IBcno6XbxilGwfSwg6UnChj3gklBF9gxDB7TS9QTYFhdvmP7B5ACETElDKdbr5ESIN_Qmp3sbwGREb8Hgh1q7p3-HzF5Vq6gSjqtsKyy3ko/s320/HPIM2646.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(221, 221, 221) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(221, 221, 221); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" style="cursor: pointer; height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" style="cursor: pointer; height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" style="cursor: pointer; height: 15px; width: 15px;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>$2.99<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Tastes sweet and alcoholic. Other flavors undetectable.<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Found in: </span>The middle of the Charles Shaw wine display<br />
<br />
I have been curious to try the <span style="font-style: italic;">new and exciting Charles Shaw from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Downunder</span></span></span> </span>(there are some excellent wines from Australia ya' know). Well, I was not expecting excellence for three dollars, but I have found other CS wines to deliver unexpectedly decent taste at a low price (except the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Syrah</span></span></span>...ugh).<br />
<br />
This one managed to disappoint in the taste department. It was super sweet on the first sip, then I began to notice more twinges of a dry alcoholic taste. I sniffed, I swirled, I tried again, but still the same result. Actually, I don't think I would be able to sniff out the difference between a glass of water with a few drops of vodka in it and a glass of this Chardonnay. Very much underwhelming. At least give me some citrus, or melon, or something to work with!<br />
<br />
I'm not going to run into the store with the remaining half bottle and demand my $2.99 back, but I won't be buying it again.<br />
<br />
While we are here it is worth mentioning another disappointing item I prepared for dinner tonight: <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">TJ's</span></span></span> "fresh from the sea" (previously frozen but sold thawed) wild salmon fillets. This fish was not very fresh (smelled quite fishy), nor was is the highest quality salmon (looked pretty beaten up actually). I drenched it in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">teriyaki</span></span></span> sauce and cooked the heck out of it and it was edible, but not good. The fish didn't have as much natural fat and oil in it as salmon usually does, so it did not cook up soft and flaky. Maybe this will work for people buying seafood at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">TJ's</span></span></span> in Kansas, but here in the Pacific Northwest you are going to have to do one heck of a lot better than that for $10.99 a pound. One serious 1-star fish experience.<br />
</div></div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-27995344595751779392009-08-15T16:06:00.000-07:002009-08-15T16:43:47.975-07:00Roasted Vegetable Pizza & BBQ Chicken Pizza [Double Feature]<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiha8yC6bu95MHR6N8l2UHV9Y4LFx8a7Sjjljo8z7RMUANpajFFu_phRQDe-mpelHRl4BzVxZgr5MZS6MZt0E93PA_N0TAPXSjDEkjFc2ByoWNaJPsV3MlcYOyJK0Bag3idoXdM5l70jycH/s1600-h/HPIM2580.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiha8yC6bu95MHR6N8l2UHV9Y4LFx8a7Sjjljo8z7RMUANpajFFu_phRQDe-mpelHRl4BzVxZgr5MZS6MZt0E93PA_N0TAPXSjDEkjFc2ByoWNaJPsV3MlcYOyJK0Bag3idoXdM5l70jycH/s400/HPIM2580.jpg" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(221, 221, 221) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(221, 221, 221); border-width: 1px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span>I felt lazy on my dinner night this week, so I picked up two frozen pizzas from TJs, made a big spinach salad at home, and managed to feed four people without much work. I think TJs has put out several new varieties of frozen pizzas recently, lots to try<span style="font-weight: bold;">.</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Roasted Vegetable Pizza</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" style="width: 15px; cursor: pointer; height: 15px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" border="0" /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>$4.99<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span>Thick-buttery-doughy crust, interesting caramelized onion sauce, vegetarian.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Found in:</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>The deep freeze<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br />I liked this pizza a lot. The crust was hearty and satisfying, but somehow light at the same time. Instead of tomato sauce, this veggie pizza has a slightly sweet sauce made from caramelized onion, which makes for a pleasing and unique flavor. My only criticism is that there were not many roasted red peppers and artichoke hearts topping the pizza. No cheese either, but I didn't notice that until I finished eating, so it wasn't something I missed! I checked to see if this is <a href="http://traderjoes.com/Attachments/Vegan.pdf">vegan</a>, but it's just <a href="http://traderjoes.com/Attachments/Vegetarian.pdf">vegetarian</a>. Maybe there really is butter in the crust?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">BBQ Chicken Pizza</span></span><br /></div> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUIOhSDFI7qEatThEP4q8667MJfR5E1A0kcI2wTXTX3z_A-1o00Ti5XLVGBTS4yGMbcOTLGDn_hHjrayoOGKOmpulITtPY5aZyA05xCJrd-JlUxi0Z5e0fdmEnHa3P7-Qlfe0FsHKsmk_/s400/star3.gif" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" style="width: 15px; cursor: pointer; height: 15px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" style="width: 15px; cursor: pointer; height: 15px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" style="width: 15px; cursor: pointer; height: 15px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" border="0" /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>$4.99<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span>Blah...<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Found in:</span> The deep freeze<br /><br />I was not impressed by this pizza. To me, a BBQ Chicken Pizza should scream big bold flavors: smokey-spicy BBQ sauce, red onions, seasoned chicken, bubbly melted cheese. TJs version has all those ingredients, but none of the flavors come through and pop. This is unfortunate because it leaves the pizza amazingly bland. Not enough toppings on this one either, and the crust was thinner, maybe a little crispier, but far less flavorful than the veggie pizza.<br /><br />I should mention that I bought a bottle of <a href="http://traderjoeswine.blogspot.com/2009/08/2006-trader-joes-reserve-cabernet.html">Trader Joe's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon</a>, as recommended on <a href="http://traderjoeswine.blogspot.com/">Trader Joe's Wine Compendium</a>, to drink with this dinner. I think it worked well with the pizza. As my friend noticed, you get a lot more bold ripe fruit flavors from this wine if you take really small sips. Quite enjoyable!<br /></div> </div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-59614773087774253642009-05-05T21:54:00.000-07:002009-05-05T22:21:28.305-07:00Spanakopita & Manitaropita<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZ6x9Gkzt4Axvy97hkk35XkL5wCTSWpQN5aw6pzJP1ZVoryqWw0acb0Y5V2iVjotJRLn8wTj63MSRv5V5vj1iGgiTSr1ds0Em1tj9L5dKuKTPhW89r8jN_3e6_dxajKRBn-n99tM0b0je/s1600-h/HPIM2451.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZ6x9Gkzt4Axvy97hkk35XkL5wCTSWpQN5aw6pzJP1ZVoryqWw0acb0Y5V2iVjotJRLn8wTj63MSRv5V5vj1iGgiTSr1ds0Em1tj9L5dKuKTPhW89r8jN_3e6_dxajKRBn-n99tM0b0je/s320/HPIM2451.jpg" alt="" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(221, 221, 221) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(221, 221, 221); border-width: 1px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img style="margin: 0pt 0px 0px 0pt; width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" border="0" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUIOhSDFI7qEatThEP4q8667MJfR5E1A0kcI2wTXTX3z_A-1o00Ti5XLVGBTS4yGMbcOTLGDn_hHjrayoOGKOmpulITtPY5aZyA05xCJrd-JlUxi0Z5e0fdmEnHa3P7-Qlfe0FsHKsmk_/s400/star3.gif" /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span><span>$3.99</span> each (12 pieces each)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span><span>Crispy filo, tasty filling, surprisingly healthy</span><span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Found in: </span>Frozen prepared foods section<br /><br />Both the classic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Spanakopita</span> and the previously unknown to me <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Manitaropita</span> follow the same principle: Wrap filo dough around a filling and make flaky golden-brown-and-delicious triangles that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as the main part of a meal.<br /><br />You probably know that classic Greek <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Spanakopita</span> is filled with a mixture of chopped spinach and ricotta cheese. Trader Joe's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Manitaropita</span> are filled with hearty and earthy mushrooms in a white wine cream sauce. The mushroom filling is richer than the spinach, but both are quite good!<br /><br />Each package comes with 12 triangles in an aluminum tray which you can pop straight in the oven from frozen and bake them until crispy. Convenient, except the two types bake at different temperatures for different lengths of time. I cheated a bit and baked them together at a middle temperature for most of the time, giving the mushroom ones a 10 minute head start.<br /><br />These are surprisingly healthy! Actually, they have far less salt than most prepared foods from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">TJ's</span>, and very little fat, saturated fat, or cholesterol. I was expecting a lot higher fat content given the buttery filo dough. I guess filo is less rich than puff pastry...<br /><br />The only reason I didn't give them 5-stars is because the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">flavors</span> are not <span style="font-style: italic;">quite</span> where I think they could be. Maybe add some garlic to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Spanakopita</span> and some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">caramelized</span> onions to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Manitaropita</span>? Whatever, I am being picky. Far better than frozen entrees you get at most places, both in terms of healthy <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">eating</span> and value. So, go get yourself some of these tasty triangles!<br /></div></div> </div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-92202990796152466342009-05-05T21:53:00.000-07:002009-05-05T22:33:10.501-07:00Almond in the Coconut<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvNmrUfYkyM64MW6hKNAY6TqLrCNz7yjgmHDg32oxp9Y9O3YHa1moUy3NDTIzKHW9j5bfpSOJmtjy6g-JLIJ3G9tzC9aowYRIu20qvyuxicnGOApB2EvAzvwTZfsnLq0xFgZo6vnAqljR/s1600-h/HPIM2449.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvNmrUfYkyM64MW6hKNAY6TqLrCNz7yjgmHDg32oxp9Y9O3YHa1moUy3NDTIzKHW9j5bfpSOJmtjy6g-JLIJ3G9tzC9aowYRIu20qvyuxicnGOApB2EvAzvwTZfsnLq0xFgZo6vnAqljR/s320/HPIM2449.jpg" alt="" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(221, 221, 221) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(221, 221, 221); border-width: 1px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img style="margin: 0pt 0px 0px 0pt; width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" border="0" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUIOhSDFI7qEatThEP4q8667MJfR5E1A0kcI2wTXTX3z_A-1o00Ti5XLVGBTS4yGMbcOTLGDn_hHjrayoOGKOmpulITtPY5aZyA05xCJrd-JlUxi0Z5e0fdmEnHa3P7-Qlfe0FsHKsmk_/s400/star3.gif" /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span><span>$2.99</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span>"Crunchy almonds and a creamy coconut center enrobed in milk chocolate"<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Found in: </span>Chocolate covered stuff shelves<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hmm</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">enrobed in chocolate</span>. Is there anything better? I like that word: <span style="font-style: italic;">enrobed</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ahh</span>...it sounds comfy. Anyway, these little guys are basically Almond Joy bites with the almonds chopped up and mixed into the filling. I always liked Almond Joy because of the coconut - though I did have a Mounds phase as well.<br /><br />These are great, you get a pretty good number in each package, they are decently cheap, and last a while because you have to chew on the coconut before you can eat another. The only gripe I have with them is that the chocolate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">enrobing</span> is super sweet, even for a milk chocolate. So there goes half a star. No matter, I will continue to buy these when the mood strikes. Plus, they have a clever name. Can't resist that!<br /></div> </div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-79109552017980947282009-04-30T22:21:00.000-07:002009-04-30T22:38:59.949-07:00Next to Godliness Auto Dish Soap<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-H8IMn64BMsMlVGq5SelslDaIhhVE5MRoTYOaRbhjx_r8sxRfdmJiSj4lS3pZjGRFbJ_bOxGR5Q7zzBXBHkwQsHoH7RR0Jv4AsF2flg0IS7p2MdOlAf-2rF5ZscIcZvl6n4FFK4MNnZ6G/s1600-h/HPIM2447.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-H8IMn64BMsMlVGq5SelslDaIhhVE5MRoTYOaRbhjx_r8sxRfdmJiSj4lS3pZjGRFbJ_bOxGR5Q7zzBXBHkwQsHoH7RR0Jv4AsF2flg0IS7p2MdOlAf-2rF5ZscIcZvl6n4FFK4MNnZ6G/s320/HPIM2447.jpg" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(221, 221, 221) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(221, 221, 221); border-width: 1px;"/></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img style="margin: 0pt 0px 0px 0pt; width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" border="0" /></span><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span><span>$3.79</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span>Not very good at cleaning dishes, intriguing ingredients list<br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Found in: </span>Cleaning / Bath Products<br /><br />This Trader Joe's dishwasher detergent is "formulated to perform effectively while being safe for the environment." About that performing effectively part... I suppose it depends on what your standard for 'effective' is. Most name brand dishwasher soaps claim to be the most amazing thing on the market, not just effective. TJ's Auto Dish Soap sort of cops out before you even get going as the directions state to "presoak heavily soiled or baked on foods." Maybe I have seen too many years worth of advertising for other miracle and environmentally unfriendly products, but shouldn't a dishwasher be able to take care of really dirty dishes? Isn't that what the environmentalists say - don't prewash or you will end up using as much water as washing your dishes twice?<br /><br />Let's go through the claims on the front of the bottle:<br /><ul><li>Biodegradable - Ok, I believe that.</li><li>Phosphate Free - True.</li><li>Chlorine Free - True.</li><li>Removes Dried on Foods - Mostly false.</li><li>Removes Tough Stains - Mostly false.</li><li>Built-in Rinse Aid - Ok...</li><li>Dries Spot Free - False, more like "dries on a nice foggy film."</li></ul><br />I wanted to try this product because I was intrigued by the ingredients list: Vegetable and Coconut Derived Surfactants, Earth Salt, Citrus Based Water Softener, Corn Based Thickener, Vegetable Based Drying Agent, Lemon Oil, Water. I thought it would be cool to get clean dishes using coconut dishwasher soap. Well, that would be cool, but this product doesn't quite get there.<br /><br />Several of the 'mates have mentioned dishes not coming out clean, having to be re-run, or hand washed. Nothing exceptional either, it really should be able to take care of a dirty coffee mug. You also have to fill the soap dispenser all the way up every time, not the case with other products.<br /><br />I don't doubt that this soap is a lot more environmentally friendly than others. But, if you have to use more each time and it doesn't do a complete job, are you really coming out ahead? How about a little compromise: Use the <a href="http://feastingontjs.blogspot.com/2008/11/environmentally-sound-automatic.html">other Trader Joe's Environmentally Sound Automatic Dishwashing Detergent</a>. It is cheaper, works fabulously, and makes an effort to be easy on the environment.<br /><br />Looks like I am developing a thing for reviewing soaps of all kinds from Trader Joe's. I'm not sure what the deal is...perhaps because they are usually 'next to Godliness'? Hmm...<br /></div> </div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-29074175295893727932009-04-28T21:34:00.000-07:002009-04-28T21:56:32.554-07:00Pure Bourbon Vanilla Extract<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwT97RqidHoQfFh8pdW8BHx6hrBFS69joDAKmOFwvTXBlWoF-IzBLQw-fRhBoqIBCyE3_jeautzYtfx2jUwb6ZbITtQpNkOOF_7Q4uRFSGpEIMytAjzxb1SLYbk9U5wZiUnvZxSpDk23M/s1600-h/HPIM2443.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwT97RqidHoQfFh8pdW8BHx6hrBFS69joDAKmOFwvTXBlWoF-IzBLQw-fRhBoqIBCyE3_jeautzYtfx2jUwb6ZbITtQpNkOOF_7Q4uRFSGpEIMytAjzxb1SLYbk9U5wZiUnvZxSpDk23M/s320/HPIM2443.jpg" alt="" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(221, 221, 221) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(221, 221, 221); border-width: 1px;" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>$4.99 (4 Oz)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span>Ridiculous value.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Found in: </span>Near baking supplies (not with the spices for some reason)<br /><br />If you discover you are out of vanilla right when you want to bake something as I did (not sure when else that would be a real emergency), you better head to Trader Joe's! I challenge you, that's right - <span style="font-style: italic;">the gauntlet has been thrown</span>, to find a better vanilla value anywhere. I doubt it can be done, even buying bulk and bringing your own container.<br /><br />Purchasing vanilla extract in any other store is guaranteed to leave you with half as much vanilla for at least twice the price. Or, you might end up with some nasty artificial "vanilla" for about the same price. Both of these things are to be avoided, especially that last one!<br /><br />Apparently this vanilla is Bourbon Vanilla because the French took some vanilla cuttings from Mexico to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ile</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">de</span> Bourbon in the 1800s. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wikipedia</span> tells me <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ile</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">de</span> Bourbon is east of Madagascar and is now <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C3%A9union">Reunion</a>. Huh, fun facts. In any case, this is some tasty extract!<br /><br />I will admit that I purchased some Tahitian vanilla extract from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">TJ's</span> several years ago and was not too impressed. That product isn't in my store anymore. The only other option was "alcohol-free" vanilla extract, which seems like a curious idea considering the mark of a good extract is generally a solid alcohol content. Good Eats taught me that vanilla has alcohol <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">soluble</span> flavor compounds. No alcohol in the production process means you are missing out. Maybe they can work around that somehow?<br /><br />I've made two loaves of chocolate chip banana bread (delicious) and some whipped cream with this stuff so far. And there is still so much left...what to do next?<br /><br />----------------<br />Now playing: <a href="http://www.foxytunes.com/artist/del+tha+funky+homosapien/track/what+is+a+booty" title="'Del Tha Funky Homosapien - What Is A Booty' - open on FoxyTunes Planet">Del <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Tha</span> Funky <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Homosapien</span> - What Is A Booty</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-style: italic; font-size: 10px;">via <a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" href="http://www.foxytunes.com/signatunes/" title="FoxyTunes - Web of music at your fingertips"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">FoxyTunes</span></a></span> <br /></div> </div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-31550175790747848872009-03-29T22:35:00.000-07:002009-03-29T22:54:26.966-07:00Tilapia Citronette<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMAnYM3xbbHiSc8WZOHGMmFD-UnuFTdDQC8IGsvnDxzNtPhgFpnvH8VDfe57b6bg3mMeTyCnWma02YrMdjn9VGGKz6xe5KFq0l2bwUOvKu1n5PusckWQ7pknsFKm95QluGYKz6KwAbpZF/s320/HPIM2406.jpg" border="0" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(221, 221, 221) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(221, 221, 221); border-width: 1px;"/></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" style="width: 15px; cursor: pointer; height: 15px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" border="0" /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>$6.99<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span><span>Super citrusy sauce<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></span><span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span>Found in: </span>Frozen seafood<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">These "marinated Tilapia fillets with grilled asparagus and sliced carrots" were pretty good. The lemon butter sauce has quite the citrus zing to it, and permeates the whole dish. The minimal amounts of asparagus and carrots seem like an afterthought, something thrown on there to give it a little color.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The good</span>: Tastes good - gives a plain fish some powerful flavor, easily enough fish for two people in each package, Tilapia stands up well to being frozen - so the fish is still firm and hearty.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The not-so-good</span>: This dish took nearly twice as long to cook in the oven as the package suggested - I want my dinner now! Not a surprise that a thick block of frozen fish takes more than 20 mins at 400 degrees. I feel like frozen Tilapia should be cheaper...even if you do get a fair amount.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The bottom line</span>: I might buy this again if I want something easy for two people. I did like the intense lemon flavor. I'll just keep in mind that it may take some time to cook unless I want partially frozen fish on my plate.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvNu6lZQb42Blqo_pD8MsBDIhs6_izj5sJ4lrGIGGN4qjsOF6xCPYlHbPVzBY3v82gnZ7bhJvSUO_lIbi7MY4CfcVl6dNQygvj6UibJzeLZokio9ZsOfsOXbE3tIe39dbwIaZru_11WJp/s1600-h/HPIM2410.jpg"><img style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(221, 221, 221) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(221, 221, 221); border-width: 1px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvNu6lZQb42Blqo_pD8MsBDIhs6_izj5sJ4lrGIGGN4qjsOF6xCPYlHbPVzBY3v82gnZ7bhJvSUO_lIbi7MY4CfcVl6dNQygvj6UibJzeLZokio9ZsOfsOXbE3tIe39dbwIaZru_11WJp/s320/HPIM2410.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318853931333240738" border="0" /></a><br /></div></div></div></div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-83679683686913980372009-03-22T12:58:00.000-07:002009-03-22T13:32:46.084-07:00Fair Trade Organic Bolivian Blend<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzN8Xypn-RurRuNWp_achndBPLuMm_xFljNLnZottFnV9GUbFv45kvJZO5sER_k4nX2RzaZQznM77NJ0l1D5NXlxk4BXV6QoBDutteFfXwaApjfh13u7X_Kh7tXaYXNqhyURNVy35iKEb/s1600-h/HPIM2419.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzN8Xypn-RurRuNWp_achndBPLuMm_xFljNLnZottFnV9GUbFv45kvJZO5sER_k4nX2RzaZQznM77NJ0l1D5NXlxk4BXV6QoBDutteFfXwaApjfh13u7X_Kh7tXaYXNqhyURNVy35iKEb/s320/HPIM2419.jpg" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(221, 221, 221) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(221, 221, 221); border-width: 1px;" /></a><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>$6.49 (14 Oz)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span>One of the best Trader Joe's coffees, just the right roast!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Found in: </span>Coffee / tea aisle<br /><br />I bought TJ's Bolivian Blend because it was the cheapest organic & fair trade option. I figured it would be decent, but didn't expect it to be excellent. Well, I was wrong there! This is easily one of the best Trader Joe's coffees, and certainly the best organic fair trade TJ's coffee blend.<br /><br />The "medium dark roast" is perfect for my tastes. It strikes a nice balance between the rich smokey flavors developed in a darker roast (without tasting burned), preserves the more complex sweet and spicy flavors of a lighter roast, but isn't overly acidic (which can be a problem for the lighter roasts at TJ's). The result is a very smooth drinking brew with a distinct sweet caramel flavor. I'm drinking a cup straight out of the french press as I write. Usually I go for the cream to smooth things out, but I don't even miss it with this coffee! (It is also great with cream, don't worry.)<br /><br />Here is what Trader Joe has to say about this blend:<br /><blockquote>Trader Joe's Bolivian Blend Coffee is a fair trade coffee that is sourced from small family farms in the land located between the peaks of the Andes and the Amazon Basin - the heart of Bolivian coffee country. This region has the ideal growing conditions for this unique, perfectly balanced coffee. Our Bolivian Blend is a medium-dark roast with a smooth textured body, delicate acidity, and sweet flavor and caramel characteristics.</blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Well, that explains why it is so good. Here is a tantalizing shot of a steaming fresh cup. Go get some!<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbTuaX7O-5tjhQVZm5N3P8YiRkM7V0DMDTKlpnd6lcZ5j7jEyr2VKKoUlM4RWqzJ5v9A3pLsqNsx9oJZApDRAVJEbj2-fSNcO5sITTrDvAfXEw_46G8cwDqwVD-19UMIF763nzLHfx-9s/s1600-h/HPIM2421.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbTuaX7O-5tjhQVZm5N3P8YiRkM7V0DMDTKlpnd6lcZ5j7jEyr2VKKoUlM4RWqzJ5v9A3pLsqNsx9oJZApDRAVJEbj2-fSNcO5sITTrDvAfXEw_46G8cwDqwVD-19UMIF763nzLHfx-9s/s320/HPIM2421.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316111816857015682" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(221, 221, 221) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(221, 221, 221); border-width: 1px;" 1px="" solid="" border="0" /></a></div></div></div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-54755386124902777322009-02-02T20:52:00.000-08:002009-02-02T21:08:34.150-08:00Heart Healthy* Whole Grain Blueberry Instant Oatmeal<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1Oj6bOwN-RvcfNKpHBSylllhqPrrVZlpBNO8luIgVSYpcPGqiBMuIN8ITxDE6ibtkGUzwDZ1TI0J9ymaW6vHSO1KFbzSyCwYmIFh6Z_y0HATQmXX08xf_8_tCYx2x-U1IwrnEIOWAZkG/s1600-h/HPIM2390.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1Oj6bOwN-RvcfNKpHBSylllhqPrrVZlpBNO8luIgVSYpcPGqiBMuIN8ITxDE6ibtkGUzwDZ1TI0J9ymaW6vHSO1KFbzSyCwYmIFh6Z_y0HATQmXX08xf_8_tCYx2x-U1IwrnEIOWAZkG/s320/HPIM2390.jpg" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(221, 221, 221) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(221, 221, 221); border-width: 1px;" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUIOhSDFI7qEatThEP4q8667MJfR5E1A0kcI2wTXTX3z_A-1o00Ti5XLVGBTS4yGMbcOTLGDn_hHjrayoOGKOmpulITtPY5aZyA05xCJrd-JlUxi0Z5e0fdmEnHa3P7-Qlfe0FsHKsmk_/s400/star3.gif" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" style="width: 15px; cursor: pointer; height: 15px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" style="width: 15px; cursor: pointer; height: 15px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" style="width: 15px; cursor: pointer; height: 15px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" border="0" /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>$3.49<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span>Surprisingly sparse and artificial-tasting blueberries.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Found in:</span> Near cereals<br /><br />After my rave review and continuous consumption of <a href="http://feastingontjs.blogspot.com/2008/11/heart-healthy-whole-grain-cranberry.html">TJ's Cranberry Oatmeal</a>, I expected to enjoy the blueberry version to the fullest. Not so, in fact, it is quite a disappointment! They removed everything that is excellent about the cranberry stuff, and that makes it...well, a lot less good.<br /><br />I discussed how the cranberry version has lots of dried fruit in it, and a nice balance of sweet and tart. Sadly, there are very few blueberries in this oatmeal, and those that you can dig up are tiny, shriveled, and what little flavor they have seems artificial. I had to search for the two little specks of blueberries that are showing in the photo (notice the difference compared to the product shot on the box). This oatmeal is too sweet and leaves a weird fake-almost-blueberry-but-not-quite taste in your mouth.<br /><br />Red vs. Blue: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Red wins.</span><br /></div></div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2845321871109503036.post-49687796763355180152009-01-25T20:59:00.000-08:002009-01-25T21:42:49.405-08:00Pad Thai Noodles and Sauce<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXw8_GOkQdDGRl547RmuGRtv0DeYRzjnONjmWD-YoASZzN7vcS7jVZ6yzNpWX2DVk4W3nrbR25iHCz72XGHpR2TiUiFE0QF6fHBkVPkn7Ug3yKBiu1-K8vloqMJzEMWosRoTUdlXf-YbMj/s1600-h/HPIM2382.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXw8_GOkQdDGRl547RmuGRtv0DeYRzjnONjmWD-YoASZzN7vcS7jVZ6yzNpWX2DVk4W3nrbR25iHCz72XGHpR2TiUiFE0QF6fHBkVPkn7Ug3yKBiu1-K8vloqMJzEMWosRoTUdlXf-YbMj/s320/HPIM2382.jpg" alt="" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); border-right: 1px solid rgb(192, 192, 192); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(192, 192, 192);" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: <img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv6RW7VNTaQXBI8lsxcLTlEvAIPUip3e2jQ97I0D2Xhk5-FNkj8rN-vAyNnkB_7_hswiQk36bXvoJQvvnnmpbnOVjMhTTSjT6qx72tVuxLtgr_Eg3ksNPxg2-1xzwAmaLaBCt_VclsjvA/s400/star1.gif" /><img style="width: 15px; height: 15px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUIOhSDFI7qEatThEP4q8667MJfR5E1A0kcI2wTXTX3z_A-1o00Ti5XLVGBTS4yGMbcOTLGDn_hHjrayoOGKOmpulITtPY5aZyA05xCJrd-JlUxi0Z5e0fdmEnHa3P7-Qlfe0FsHKsmk_/s400/star3.gif" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267666427829933362" style="width: 15px; cursor: pointer; height: 15px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHezy3JRaSsY13PR9OfplayP0QPqDrFv8FKE8Djoc_BlDsyy8QIpKCbEx4G1j0UWaZ0Pmf7G2uzC-grFp6PpwEPzZglS2q1bq8w7WvdNcpgaexaI3C7KyWRLnDPRR355ybVW9msZdv1j4/s400/star2.gif" border="0" /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>~$3.00 (?)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Features: </span><span>Dry rice noodles, packet of sauce. That's all you get.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Found in: </span>Unrefrigerated prepared food aisle<br /><br />I have had this box of Trader Joe's Pad Thai sitting in my pantry for at least a year and a half now. I remember being excited when I saw it for the first time at the store. I had just seen an episode of <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/pad-thai-recipe/index.html">Good Eats in which Alton Brown makes Pad Thai</a>, but unlike his usual recipes, he makes it look insanely complicated. Part of the episode shows him going through an Asian grocery store picking out all kinds of ingredients that, at the time, I had never seen and would not know how to seek out. He tries to convince the viewer that they should step out of their shell and give it a go, but the final product on the show didn't look great. Sorry Alton, I'm sure your recipe is delicious, but it looked flavorless on TV even though so many exotic ingredients went in.<br /><br />So, back to the boxed version. I was looking for instant gratification, which a heat and eat product should provide. I wanted to have some Pad Thai I had a hand in making, but not cook all day. I planned to go home and make it for dinner the same day I bought it. Why has it taken me over a year to get to eating? Because I neglected to read the extensive list of additional ingredients not included in the box. I was expecting to need to add some chicken or tofu, stir-fry, and have dinner. Not so! <span style="font-weight: bold;">Here is what the box suggests you add: Egg, chicken / prawns / tofu, bean sprouts, peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh chiles.</span> Plus, you have to cook or soak the noodles too (I know, not that big a deal, but I was expecting to just add them to a hot pan with the sauce). That certainly took the fire out of my wok, it's like having to go through an additional grocery list just to get all the stuff to make the dish.<br /><br />Over the past year and a half there have been multiple occassions on which I have considered saying screw it and just eating the noodles with sauce. Sometimes there is nothing else around to eat, ya know? However, several months after I purchased this boxed version, I learned to make my own Pad Thai from scratch. It requires about 3 more ingredients and I can control the flavor, and make a much bigger batch at a low cost. So TJ's Pad Thai sat lonely and unused on the back of the shelf.<br /><br />Finally, the big day: Today brought a mix of hunger, lack of other food in the house, laziness, and a coincidence in which I happened to have peanuts, cilantro, limes, cabbage, and carrots that needed to be used up. The box and I had a brief stare-down in the pantry, after which I went to the store for 1/4 pound of frozen peeled prawns.<br /><br />I soaked the noodles in hot water while I sauted the prawns. I should have soaked the noodles longer, because they were not soft enough after the prescribed 5 minutes. Oh well, I went ahead with the cabbage, carrots, and sauce packet. Then I finished it off with some peanuts and cilantro. Here is the finished product:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCGt3aso7KY56IAxcIQVAew_g6N75mZUplt9jqprOmBR8Ef2TBvi5XUvoLnoJoMPdiGs93Rm3I1KJNBmrOqswNUU6IxgD2lcEhWKpktwTP_Cdwdczz0nq9nAD7z7TtD4djq6WYNDf7Apm/s1600-h/HPIM2383.jpg"><img style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(221, 221, 221) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(192, 192, 192) rgb(221, 221, 221); border-width: 1px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCGt3aso7KY56IAxcIQVAew_g6N75mZUplt9jqprOmBR8Ef2TBvi5XUvoLnoJoMPdiGs93Rm3I1KJNBmrOqswNUU6IxgD2lcEhWKpktwTP_Cdwdczz0nq9nAD7z7TtD4djq6WYNDf7Apm/s320/HPIM2383.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295471003993855442" border="0" /></a><br />Sure, looking pretty good, but let's remember that everything but the noodles and sauce had to be purchased separately. I know that a full pound of rice noodles costs about a dollar at the Asian market, here you get about 150g of noodles and a sauce packet for $3+. Anyway, about that sauce packet. The sauce is acceptable, but too sweet for my tastes, and super salty. The box claims to have two servings, but I ate the entire thing myself and I wasn't even that hungry. Mmm, 50% of my daily intake of sodium right there. As I mentioned before I would rather have more control over my sauce, especially since I know it can be made with about 4 ingredients, none of which are that hard to find.<br /><br />Is Trader Joe's box of Pad Thai the worst thing ever? No. Is it worth the one and a half year wait to consume? Nope. If you want to make Pad Thai, I would suggest finding an easier recipe than Alton's and making it from scratch. You will come out with a better product and be able to take all the credit! And you will have to get to know your way around the Asian market, which opens a whole world of possibilities...just stay away from the strangest gelatenous ones...unless you are into that.</div></div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042869682265937819noreply@blogger.com1