Trader Joe's is one of those love it or hate it topics. Personally, I am in love with it. So earlier this year, when I spotted this book in a Borders window, I literally ran inside to look at it.
Cooking With All Things Trader Joe's ($24.95) is not the official cookbook of Trader Joe's grocery stores — in fact, it has no affiliation with the supermarket chain. Rather, it was written by two devotees who wanted to create a recipe collection in which all ingredients could be found at Trader Joe's. To hear more about it, read more.
Pros:
- Recipes are approachable for the beginner cook.
- Recipes often make creative use of ingredients.
- Each recipe is given an entire spread, including a full page picture.
- The authors suggest wines (from Trader Joe's, naturally) that would pair well with recipes.
- Hardcover cookbook is durable, looks nice on the shelf, and would make a nice gift.
Cons:
- The recipes only call for Trader Joe's ingredients, many of which are unavailable elsewhere. This cookbook would be useless for anyone without a nearby Trader Joe's.
- Ingredients could be phased out at any time. (For that reason, the cookbook makes plenty of suggestions for substitutions.)
- Some dishes sound short on taste — I'll pass on the Dairy-Free Creamy Cashew Smoothie.
Recipes: The recipes are methodically organized. Some of my favorites:
- Appealing Appetizers: Spicy Tropical Shrimp Boats
- Soups, Salads, & Light Meals: Black Bean and Ricotta-Stuffed Portabellas, Le French Lentil Soup
- Main Meals: Calamari Brodetto, Saag Paneer Lasagna
- On the Side: Oven-Roasted Vegetables With Rosemary
- Delicious Desserts: Saffron Ice Cream
- Drinks: Sangria
- Begin With Breakfast: Breakfast Crepes
- Bachelor Quickies (heat-and-serve meals): Elegant Rack of Lamb with Vegetables and Apple Tart
Imagery: The images, which have not been edited in any way, are lush and enticing.
Overall Rating: Because this cookbook offers impressive-sounding, attractive dishes for minimal work, this book would be great for getting a beginner into the kitchen. If you're a Trader Joe's fan, you'll love this book. If you aren't, or don't have one near you, don't bother.
Coast
Ralph Lauren
Esprit
I'm totally on the love it side of the TJ's topic. They're cheaper than Whole Paycheck but have better options (at about the same price) than my local grocery store. I just wish PA would allow grocery stores to sell wine, because TJ's has some good choices for very little cash.
1I love love love Trader Joe's. I'll have to check out this cookbook.
2I'd shop at TJ's if I could get all my shopping done their but their produce department is lacking and there's always something on my list that I have to go elsewhere for. I just don't have time to hit up several grocery stores.
3Heart TJs! Since I made it my only grocery store, my diet has gotten simultaneously healthier and less expensive. I win!
4TJ'S is the Great place. You can get a little bit of everything for less.It has great appetizers for parties too!
5People hate Trader Joe's? Wow, no one I know...
6I love traders, but totally agree that their produce is far from stellar. I find it hard to make it my only grocery store, though there are some things you can get there that you can't get anywhere else, the sweet and salty trek mix is amazing!
7Hate Trader Joe's? Who hates Trader Joe's?
8finally! a christmas gift for my sister. she practically lives at TJ's, but who can blame her, that store is so good! Agreed that the produce needs some more variety/availability, but the TJs near me is in the same shopping center as the Milk Pail (produce stand) so it works out evenly
Hmm, might have to pick up a copy for myself as well
bookstore here i come!
9I dont know anyone who does not like Trader Joes.
10I recently moved to Hawaii and they dont have one, and I am so sad!
Awesome, I love TJ!
11as much as i love tj's, a lot of their products change over. i can't find my favorite cheese anymore. i wonder if this book addresses that?
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