Trader Joes Favorites

I remember walking into Trader Joes for the first time and not knowing what to buy and leaving with 3 items not sure if I was going to like it. Now I walk in there and am afraid I'm going forget something or miss out on a new fun item. However it has taken time for me to find just what I love. Yes I have bought some stuff that was average and even bad. 

I'm writing this post to help those who have never tried them or is looking for some great items to add to their pantry. I can't tell you how many times I have seen friends on Facebook share their favorite items and that is how I have learned about many of them. I hope this post helps you find some new favorites also. 

The coconut cream above is a new favorite I found and now use it in my Panang Curry recipe. It is super thick and a little sweet. It makes for a great sauce and now I keep a can in my pantry at all times. I have tried many coconut milks and none of them have been this good. 

These rice crackers are the best out there. I have tried many and none compare to these. I love the taste of sesame and they are also perfectly salty and crunchy. Some rice crackers are too bland and make me feel like I'm going to break my tooth. Not these. These are the best and another staple in my pantry. A bonus is that everyone in my family loves them. 

These are a great freezer find. It has cauliflower, carrots, peas and corn. They are easy to prepare and have butter and herbs in them. They are super fresh and great in a pinch. 

These veggie sticks are the best. We have tried many and the kids usually wont eat any others. these are perfectly crunchy and salty. The only problem is they don't last long so I usually buy two bags. 

I've never liked pasta prepared in the freezer section but I decided to give this a try and now there is a bag in my freezer at all times. It makes a delicious sauce and barely feeds two but because it makes a lot of sauce I always add more cooked penne and easily feeds four with a salad on the side. 

I was at Trader Joe's and they happen to be sampling this cornbread. I instantly fell in love and this is now a must have in my pantry at all times. I have tried many mixes but this doesn't even taste like a mix. 

It is also the best place to buy nuts, hummus, pesto, and olive tapanade. You can always get a good deal on fruit and vegetables. I'm not a big fan of their bread but for the most part they have many favorites and sometimes they are cheaper than most stores. Let me know if you have any questions or if you have some items I should try. 

Panang Curry with Chicken

When I go out for Thai food my favorite item to order is Panang Curry with Chicken. I finally have found a recipe that is just like it. It has taken me a long time to figure it out and have tried many but this one is finally loved by me and my husband. 

I found a recipe on pinterest that was mouth watering so I decided to try it. I changed it a bit but it was a great guide to finding just what I wanted. Try it and let me know what you think. 

Ingredients

2 Chicken Breast cut up in cubes or strips

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons red curry paste 

1 clove garlic minced

1/2 onion diced

1 can of Trader Joe's coconut cream

1 cup slivered carrots

1/2 cup green beans or green pepper

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

In large skillet add olive oil. Once it is pipping hot add chicken and salt and pepper and cook for about 10 minutes or until cooked through. Add diced onion, carrots and green beans and cook about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add red curry paste to get aroma and flavor mixed in with every thing. Then add coconut cream and stir. Let simmer another 10 minutes until carrots are cooked. 

I like to serve over rice 

Chicken Nachos

I was watching The Pioneer Woman and she made these delicious chicken nachos. I usually don't like chicken nachos and when I watched this episode on the food network I immediately thought I bet those would make great chicken tacos. 

First I made them as tacos and they were a huge hit with my family. Every one liked them and we each had several. That weekend I made them as nachos and they were amazing and vanished in minutes. So I am posting them as nachos but will add another post as tacos later. Try them and let me know what you think. 

Ingredients

2 tablespoons of taco seasoning

2 tablespoons of chili powder

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

3 tablespoons of olive oil

8 ounce tomato sauce

1 cup water

a few dashes of hot sauce

1 bag of tortilla chips

3-4 cups Mexican blend cheese

salsa

jalapeno slices

sliced olives

diced tomato

scallions

avocado or guacamole

Directions

Pre heat oven to 350 degrees

sprinkle taco seasoning and chili powder on chicken. In a large skillet add olive oil and heat. sprinkle seasoning and chili powder on chicken. Place chicken in hot skillet and cook about 5-10 minutes on each side. Once they are cooked set aside and add tomato sauce and water and hot sauce. 

Shred chicken with fork and then add it back to the pan and let it simmer in the sauce until cooks down and is pipping hot about 20 minutes. 

Assemble nachos however you like. I like to add chips to a pan but not layer because they some chips don't get cheese. Add chicken, olives, onions, jalapenos, and then cheese. Bake until cheese is melted about 5 to 10 minutes. Then add tomatoes, avocado, and salsa with a dollop of sour cream in the middle.