Tips, Trends & Living March 1, 2016

Cooking With All Things Trader Joe’s For The Win!

IMG_8190A lovely, delicious meal, and engaging conversation, is my idea of the perfect evening. However, there’s a bunch of work that must be done prior to actually cooking and eating, like grocery shopping. And some weeks this chore is difficult to complete.

I’m sure I’m not the only person who struggles with fitting grocery shopping into my busy week. Our family has distinct lists for Costco, Trader Joes and QFC (the trifecta). It can be so overwhelming to work in mega shopping trips at all three stores into my schedule.

Since I am an "all or nothing" person, if I can't hit all three stores on my shopping day the shopping might not happen. Luckily, if I can make it to one store, Trader Joe’s, we’re set to serve some incredibly yummy meals at our dinner table with a minimal amount of effort. Our secret to dinner-time success hinges on the fantastic and easy recipes contained in "Cooking with All Things Trader Joe’s" by Deanna Gunn and Wona Miniati. These fun, creative and easy meals, all made from ingredients located at only one store, are perfect for those nights I am on duty to drive my girls to their activities, or my husband and I are working late. They are so simple that everyone in the family can prepare them in a pinch. When I first heard about this cookbook I was so in!

A few of our favorites are "Red Curry Halibut" (page 133), "California Fish Tacos" (Page 95), "Peanutty Sesame Noodles" (page 55), and my daughters love to make "One Bowl Peach & Blueberry Cobbler" (page 206). Not only is this cobbler delicious, it only requires one dish for super easy cleanup – LOVE!

IMG_8215I can’t give this cookbook enough kudos. It has saved the day for me more times than I can count.  The authors also penned eight other “Cooking with All Things Trader Joe’s” books including ones dedicated to vegetarian meals and gluten free cooking.  If you are only going to buy one cookbook this year, one of these TJ books by Gunn and Miniati must be what you put in your Amazon cart. With Amazon Prime shipping it can be on your doorstep in only 2 days– score!  

Photo Credit: Gracie Wilson