Ftw: Go fish at Trader Joe’s

Tonight was the night I cooked the frozen Marinated White Fish Vera Cruz.

Catch of the day

It comes out of the bag a hefty mound – obviously not meant for a single serving. I let it mostly thaw in a bowl of warm water for about 20 minutes, then put it in the microwave for the suggested 4 minutes + 2 more minutes.

I put a dainty piece on my plate, and was really happy with the flavor, the texture and ease in which it went down the gullet. I dished out another serving. Gone soon. Well, then there was just one piece left. I could save it for tomorrow, but why wait?

I realized I was getting stuffed, but the marinade was so good – tomatoes, green olives, chiles, onions and capers – that I felt the need to finish it all off.

Serving size suggested on the wrapper? Four servings per package.

Oops.

The last bite

Festive, bubbly Trader Joe’s: Spanish sparkling wine

A holiday weekend. A beautiful evening with a few friends gathered at your house. Interesting conversation. Lots of laughter. It’s obviously time to break out the bubbly and make it a party.

Labor Day 2012 presents …

Now it’s a party: Albero Spanish sparkling wine

Fruity, refreshing and bubbleful.Relax. Enjoy. And cheers to my mom. It’s her birthday today.

“Cheers!” A fun night with friends and family

Thank you, Trader Joe’s, and happy Labor Day!

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Related Links:

Albero company site

A toast to chick lit

RECIPE: White raspberry sangria

A good thing to do with bow tie pasta a.k.a. farfalle

Farfalle

I thought I’d share this recipe, a house fave no matter what variation the mood persuades me to try.

The original thought was born (and instant hit made) thanks to World Cafe’s recipe from years ago.

Last week’s trip to TJ’s inspired me in a Spring direction.

Farfalle Primavera ala Judy

Most of the ingredients are apparent from the photo below:

• One bag (16 oz.) farfalle
• One bunch fresh asparagus
• Four chicken breasts
• Healthy drizzle of olive oil
• Shredded Parmesan cheese (sprinkle with wild abandon)
• Salt to taste
• Lemon juice (two or three lemons)
• A bounty of chives
• Three to four cloves garlic

To make the meal go faster and easier at the end, I did much of the prep work in the morning:

Steamed and cut the asparagus; baked and cubed the chicken; cut the chives; peeled the garlic and bought Parmesan already shredded.

About 20 minutes before my guests arrived, all I had to do was boil the pasta, and then toss in the ingredients – all the major cleaning had been done much earlier, which was such a pleasure to have out of the way!

Bow tie pasta primavera

NOTE: The farfalle bag says, “Servings Per Container: About 8.” We had seven at the table and even with the extra ingredients – and everyone went for a second helping – the portion was perfect. One serving was left at the end. I love leftovers : )

Thank you, TJ’s

Follow Things I Love At Trader Joe’s on Twitter: twitter.com/traderjoeskc

Related links

Nutrition facts for Trader Joe’s farfalle

Farfalle with pesto, goat cheese and grape tomatoes

Spinach artichoke farfalle (and other “quick and easy TJ’s recipes”)