Happy International Coffee Day!

A little caffeinated wisdom from one of my favorite celebs, who’s no slouch when it comes to high octane energy.

Wisdom from Jackie Chan

 

Valentine’s Day begins tomorrow at Trader Joe’s

Across the country, Trader Joe’s is rolling out Valentine’s Day activities.

In Kansas City, there’s a card-making session planned at the Ward Parkway store tomorrow – Saturday, Feb. 9.

Roses arrive soon.

I’ll be there!

Thanks for the invitation, Trader Joe’s.

And thank you for visiting Things I Love at Trader Joe’s!

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Inauguration Day with Trader Joe’s

I’m in Washington, DC for the 2013 presidential inauguration. Excitement is everywhere, including Trader Joe’s!

inside TJ’s at their Foggy Bottom location:

George Washington gets his hula on

Celebration libation

Meanwhile, outside, four First Ladies display their TJ’s spirit:

Betty and Michelle

The always stylish FLOTUS

Martha and Mamie

Thank you for the festive decor, Trader Joe’s!

And thank you for visiting Things I Love at Trader Joe’s!

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Tradition and good luck for the New Year

There is a delicious tradition for the Jewish New Year. At that time, usually in September, people make a point to eat apples dipped in honey. It’s a symbol and a good-luck dish for a sweet new year.

It’s so good, you might have some to welcome the new month … or the new week … or to pack for lunch every day!

Apple beauty from Trader Joe’s

Organic Raw Honey

The classic Honey Bear

Happy New Year, everyone! Shana Tova Umetukah – a good and sweet year ahead!

Thank you, Trader Joe’s!

And thank you for visiting Things I Love at Trader Joe’s!

Follow Things I Love at Trader Joe’s on Twitter: @TraderJoesKC

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Galluping into the New Year

Trader Joe’s creative labeling is as much a feast for the eyes as the food and drink are for the lips!

I found some wine selections that offer a trifecta of tasty reds. In the race for New Year’s festive libation, you might want to pony up for one of these:

14 Hands: The front runner?

Wild Horse on the inside

Dark Horse or crowd favorite?

Have a safe and fun weekend! Cheers!

Thank you, TJ’s.

And thank you for visiting Things I Love at Trader Joe’s!

Follow Things I Love at Trader Joe’s on Twitter: @TraderJoesKC

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Potato pancakes how you like ’em: From Trader Joe’s freezer or from scratch

A staple of Hanukkah food is a serving of the traditional Hanukkah “Latkes.” In English, that means potato pancakes. Although they might look like a patty of hash browns, done right, they pack more potato punch than any shredded starch side dish you’ve ever had.

In Trader Joe’s style, we have options when it comes to latkes. The store offers a package of frozen ‘kes as a holiday specialty.

You say, “potato pancakes.” I say, “latkes.” Let’s just eat!

I tried one today – but I cooked it in a way that might be considered a sin against latke and Trader Joe’s. Instead of searing it or baking it, as recommended on the package and from thousands of years of Jewish cooking, I steamed it. I can be weird like that.

It was good! The flavor was tasty. Baked or seared, it would have been crispier, and I like a crispy latke. But I steamed it, and I was OK with my decision. At risk of committing further blasphemy, I’d recommend having a package on hand for times when latkes are demanded but time is short and hunger is urgent.

Of course, there’s the old school, make-your-own latke choice, too. TJ’s has a bag of the most colorful potatoes you’ll ever see. (If you’ve seen more colorful potatoes, please share your photos with us!)

Trader Joe’s Potato Medley. Harmony in nature.

Basically, a latka is comprised of potato, onion and matzoh or bread crumbs. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper. Pan fry it in some oil and eat it with some apple sauce, sour cream or as it comes naturally from the stove.

Potato pancakes are also one of those dishes – like ravioli – that are a part of the cuisine of many cultures. I’d recommend exploring all of the flavors enjoyed with the cakes from different parts of the world, like Austria, Poland, India, Iran and Switzerland.

Toda rabah, Trader Joe’s!

And thank you for visiting Things I Love at Trader Joe’s!

Follow Things I Love at Trader Joe’s on Twitter: @TraderJoesKC

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Related Links:

Review from What’s Good at Trader Joe’s?

AllRecipes potato latkes

Epicurious potato latkes

Martha Stewart latkes recipes

Chow latkes recipes

Happy Hanukkah! Blue and white from Trader Joe’s

Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, begins at sundown on Saturday, Dec. 8. While Christmas is identified with the traditional green-and-red combo, blue and white is the Hanukkah color scheme.

To celebrate Hanukkah (or Chanukah) in a healthy and appropriately hued way, combine one part blueberries to one part milk.

A tasty tribute to Hanukkah: Blueberries and milk.

L’chaim (to life) and shalom (peace)!

Thank you, Trader Joe’s!

And thank you for visiting Things I Love at Trader Joe’s!

Note: While researching for this post, I found mention that milk minimizes the anti-oxidant benefits of blueberries! Sadness. Skim is better than 2 percent or whole milk. I didn’t find anything conclusively for or against substituting a cow’s milk alternative, such as coconut, almond or soy milk.

Follow Things I Love at Trader Joe’s on Twitter: @TraderJoesKC

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Related Links:

About Hanukkah

Bon Appetit’s Hanukkah food

Blueberry milk recipe

Halloween at Trader Joe’s: Treat or treat

Of course – of course! – Trader Joe’s is a great place to stock up for a Halloween party! Even without Halloween-themed items, it’s a no brainer, even for a zombie.

But, Trader Joe’s being Trader Joe’s, there are many Halloweenish goodies for your partying pleasure. Cases in point:

Halloween Cookies from Trader Joe’s

(The picture on the cookies box reminds me of the squirrel that got his head stuck in a Halloween decoration.)

Ghoulie Gummy yummies

And for the thirsty adult…

Dearly Beloved wine

I hope that these give you a start in preparing for your Halloween celebration. If you’re on the East Coast, please stay safe this week through Hurricane Sandy. I hope the wind and water subside before Wednesday.

Take good care.

Thank you, Trader Joe’s.

And thank you for reading and following Things I Love at Trader Joe’s!

Please share your favorite Halloween snacks and party treat suggestions in the comments!

Follow Things I Love at Trader Joe’s on Twitter: @TraderJoesKC

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Related Links:

What’s Good at Trader Joe’s reviews Halloween Cookies

Spark People: No Tricks. Just Healthier Treats

PBS: Food – Halloween: A foodie history