Beef Tamales

Rating:
Price: $2.29 for a package of 2
Features: Tasty corn dough filled with shredded beef - taco sauce not included
Found in: Frozen section, where the Mexican stuff always seems to be off on its own

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...

Teriyaki Natural Beef Jerky

Rating:
Price: $4.99 (4 Oz)
Features: Best value for your jerky dollar, no crazy ingredients, tastes great on the trail
Found in: Generally hanging up in the snack / chip aisle

This jerky is highly addictive. So much so that you might now want to share it with any others in your hiking party. It is best to deny its existence and only sneak pieces when you are at the back of the pack. Not that I would ever go to such great lengths to hoard my jerky...just saying.

Anyway, this is a satisfying high-protein and light-weight snack. The jerky has a nice smokey flavor to it, and it isn't overly dry like the kind you find in the gas station. It also has just the right amount of teriyaki, not too sweet, but definitely adds a lot. I have tried the regular version of this snack, and I must recommend the teriyaki! I have not tried the peppered or turkey jerky from TJs yet.

One bag of jerky a friend got was basically one giant and excessively thick slice. I like that this jerky has more heft to it than other types, but one giant hunk for your $5.00 isn't so hot. Just check out the contents of the package before buying!

Shepard's Pie

Rating:
Price: $3.99
Features: Low-ish calorie, not so low sodium
Found in: Freezer Section

I walked into the Queen Anne Trader Joe's with no idea what I was going to do about dinner. I'm usually a planner when it comes to meals. I go with at least a mental list of what I need for whatever I have decided to make. But that's the thing I love about TJ's, I can simply go there and figure it out while I go through the store. I'd say you are far more likely to come up with something good, quick, cheap, and easy doing this in TJ's compared to any other store.

This one really fell in my lap because I was in the mood for some comfort food, didn't want to put a lot of effort in, and the store happened to be sampling the frozen Shepard's Pie. The first bite convinced me this was a great choice for a cold fall day when you just want something hearty that will warm you up. The employee prepping the samples suggested heating the dish in the oven rather than by the microwave if I had the time (~35 mins).

I made two of these (each box is "two servings") to feed myself and three other guys. I'd say you need to serve more than just a side salad if you want to feed 4 people... Anyway, the pie is excellent - big chunks of beef in a tasty gravy with some veggies, all topped with a buttery layer of mashed potatoes. Very satisfying, everyone said it was really good for frozen, and ended up buying a few for themselves later.

The only reasons I didn't give the Shepard's Pie 5 stars are: 1) It is on the small side for "two servings" which is usually the case with frozen foods, and 2) The thing has 25% of your DV of sodium in a rather small serving size. Still, highly recommended to satisfy a comfort food craving on a cold lazy day!

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