The best holiday gifts from Trader Joe's

I love Trader Joe's for so many reasons.

It started in my hometown, 

I can rely on them for quick easy dinners, 

they always have free samples,

their products are one of a kind and

it is inexpensive.

This year it is also a treasure trove of fun gifts for everyone on my list!

Bread and Butter Hostess Gift

There is nothing better than fresh bread and creamy butter.

These 3 unique flavored spreads, 

paired with a fresh baguette is a comforting gift your host can enjoy the next day.

Hi Ho Cherry O

Cherries are cheery, colorful and crucial to have on hand to garnish drinks and desserts.

They are a great gift and paired with a festive toothpick holder, it's 

the "cherry on top"!

No Bake Gingerbread

There is nothing like the holiday smell of fresh baked gingerbread.

Give them a Trader Joe's candle and cute gingerbread men 

and you've all of the elements without any of the work!

Blue Cheese Burgers

Give that fast food lover the 1st class treatment!

This wonderful spread elevates any hot dog or burger 

and this elegant ornament spruces up any tree...

Ring around the Rosemary

Definitely a present they will go nuts for!

Top this amazing nut mix with a fresh rosemary wreath. 

It instantly decks the halls and gives them something to enjoy while they conspire by the fire.

Make it a Blue Blue Christmas

Blueberries and Acai are all the rage to eat and to scrub on your skin.

It'll give them the instant holiday glow!

There is a reason Ho, Ho, Ho rhymes with Trader Joe, Joe, Joe!

5 Amazing Ways to use Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute

It's no secret that I'm obsessed with 

Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel Seasoning 

but look out, there's a new spice in town!

Their 21 Seasoning Salute is just as flavorful, versatile and addictive.
It's a mixture of twenty-one spices and seasonings including
oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic, lemon, mustard, cayenne pepper
and I haven't found much that is doesn't taste great on...

1. DIP

It makes an amazing dip.

I use one cup of sour cream or plain yogurt 

and stir in 2 Tablespoons of the seasoning and chill in the refrigerator.

Then take a dip...

SO good with veggies and  plain or salt & vinegar potato chips...

2. Salad Dressing

It is the perfect way to wake up your vinaigrette...

In a jar add, 4 Tablespoons olive oil, 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar, 

1 Tablespoon 21 Salute and shake until combined.

Your lettuce will never be the same...

3. Pizza Topper

Make every pizza a party....

a few dashes definitely gives your pizza pizzaz...

4. Crispy Garbanzo Beans

No offense but, garbanzo beans aren't all that exciting by themselves...

But toss with olive oil and 21 Seasoning Salute, 

bake at 450 degrees for 30-40 minutes on parchment lined baking sheet...

and you've got a bowlful of...

a crispy, crunchy snack you can't stop eating.

5. Shake it on a Sandwich

A sandwich is a sandwich, 

but a spiralized seasoned veggie sandwich is incredible!

'Tis the season... shake it up!!

Jack's Spiral Spiced Veggie Sandwich

My son has been trying to perfect the Veggie Sandwich.

Top on his priority list:

-not boring
-keep all the vegetables from falling out
-olive on a toothpick garnish

(he is an old, nostalgic soul)

Any by George I think he's done it.

He added a touch of herbs and spice, spiralized the produce 

and hit the olive bar for his sandwich topper.

He uses crisp, colorful, curly ingredients...

(carrots, romaine lettuce, cucumber, yellow bell pepper, radish, zucchini)

Sriracha Mayo

(equal parts of each, stirred together)

and his secret ingredient, 

Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute.

It s a magical mixture of twenty-one salt-free spices 

like onion, cumin, oregano, parsley, basil, mustard...

spread mayo on both lightly toasted bread slices...

layer on the veggies and sprinkle it on...

Secure it all with an olive topped toothpick...

and eat the rainbow!

Pumpkin Thyme Soup

It's that time of year when anything and everything is pumpkin.

I have to say they are hard to resist.

They are bright, happy and the perfect symbol of the season to come.

That is why these adorable Fall Zucchette Pumpkin shaped pasta shells,

 I saw at the store had to come home with me.

It is Pumpkin Soup Thyme!

A cheerful, simple bowl of fun...

and no carving involved!

"Pumpkin" Noodle Thyme Soup
serves 3-4

2 cups of Trader Joe's Fall Zucchette Pasta shells cooked al dente (about 6 minutes), then rinsed in cold water to stop cooking

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
2 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
1/2 cup white onion, finely chopped
2 large celery stalks, finely chopped
2 large carrots peeled and finely chopped
2 14.5 ounce cans chicken stock
1 Tablespoon Thyme leaves removed from stem

Heat olive oil and garlic in a sauce pan over medium heat for a minute, then add onion, celery and carrots.  Heat and stir until onions become translucent.  About 5 minutes.  Add chicken stock and simmer on low about 10 minutes.  Gently stir in Pumpkin pasta.  Remove from heat and serve with fresh thyme sprinkled on top.

5 Amazing ways to use Trader Joe's Everything Bagel Seasoning

Trader Joe's has done it again!

Of course their new seasoning, called Everything but the Bagel,

 is incredible on a bagel with cream cheese, it tastes exactly like an Everything Bagel from your favorite shop.

But I have become obsessed with trying it on well - everything.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to use it...

Kick up the flavor in your Guacamole.

I mix up my favorite recipe...

give it a shake...

and the garlic, onion and sea salt adds just the right touch and a slight crunch.

Say no to boring, bland croutons,

I cut 3 to 4 slices of sourdough bread into cubes and add it to a pan with 1/2 a stick of melted butter over medium heat.  Cook until browned then add 2 to 3 tablespoons of  seasoning.  Toss to combine, cool and wake up any salad.

It is also a simple and delicious on garlic bread.  

Slice a baguette, spread with butter and sprinkle on top.  

Place under broiler until bread is browned and butter is melted.

Give your garbanzo beans gusto.

Crisp, baked beans are all the rage and Everything but the Bagel adds so much flavor.

Rinse and drain a can, dry on paper towels then preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Toss dry beans with olive oil to coat then spread on baking sheet.

Cook 25 to 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes for even browning.

Remove from heat, stir in a liberal amount of spice mix and enjoy while hot.

Totally addictive...

Make a bold Bloody Mary...

Ring that rim and get the party started!

Make them beg for Meatloaf Night...

This classic dish goes from simple to sensational with an Everything crust.

Add before baking...

I am also a huge fan of it on popcorn, french fries and 

this afternoon's lunch was tuna on toast with just a touch on the top!

I'd love to know what you've tried it on...