Our Family’s Top Ten Favorites from Trader Joe’s

...because grocery shopping is my love language :)

Welcome to May—it’s green and gorgeous here in the city, and I’m looking forward to going to the farmer’s market with a friend tomorrow morning. I’ve begun my warm-weather practice of spending as much time in the courtyard as possible, feet bare and book in hand, face tilted toward the sun.

We’ve been out and about in all sorts of fun ways this week—Aaron and I saw Jim Gaffigan at the Beacon Theater on Saturday night (so funny! and laughter is absolutely so medicinal), and on Sunday night we went to Gupshup for delicious Indian food. It was one of those first lovely warm-ish nights here—everyone was out in summer dresses and sandals and the summertime energy was palpable. Last night we went for a walk down to the West Village, and on our way home we stopped for a drink at Corner Bistro and the sidewalks were packed.

It’s back to cool and cloudy this morning, and as much as I love the summer-ish energy, to be honest the gray skies do match my feelings right now. I’m happy to be settled in at my desk—I’ve got a lot of my mind these days: some work stuff and some life stuff, and I’ve been sleeping really badly…the change of seasons, I think, and some anxiety about the future, etc etc.

Aaron had an early meeting this morning, and on his way home he brought me back a pistachio latte, and it reminded me how much those small gestures matter, especially when things feel a little dark and heavy. I’m so grateful for him in this season—as much as it feels like there’s a lot on our shoulders, I do feel like we’re carrying it together, and that’s no small thing.

In my last post, I told you about how much I love writing these weekly posts—I especially love the freedom to write on so many different topics and in so many different formats…thank you for rolling with all of it! Writing (or doing anything, for that matter) in a super straight line is not my strong suit, and I’ve really loved the freedom to write a book list one week, a restaurant guide the next, an essay the next—it feels like the perfect mix of productive and (I hope!) useful, but also playful and fun and creative…I’m INTO it. I’m not a routine person by nature, and this format is just absolutely a delight for me—again, thank you, thank you, thank you for being down with a sort of willy-nilly/kitchen-sink approach to weekly newsletter-ing—it means a lot to me!

And so: on the heels of an essay about essays, let’s turn on an absolute dime and talk groceries! Of all the chores, grocery shopping is definitely my favorite, and you know that I’m 100% a Trader Joe’s Lady. I know TJ’s is imperfect, and that you still have to go to another store or make a separate delivery order for, say, Ziplocs and Cheezits and Hellman’s, but nevertheless I love it with all my heart, and even though it is decidedly not the most convenient option here in NY or when we’re in MI, I go out of my way for it, and these are the ten items I grab first, every single time…

1. Chicken Sausages

These are IT, for our family. Fully cooked, gluten-free, super flavorful. With a few packages of these in our freezer, we’ll always have a good dinner, plus leftovers for the next day’s lunch. Over the years we’ve had different favorites, but at this point, we’re pretty committed to Sweet Italian as our go-to. Even on days when we have basically nothing else in the house, one package of these, some rice, and some roasted broccoli or frozen peas means dinner’s ready in 15.

I keep them in the freezer and defrost them on the counter, and then I slice them on an angle and throw them in a frying pan with a little olive oil, just to get a little color on them. Meanwhile the rice is cooking, and the broccoli is roasting on a little sheet pan, and I promise that this has been the most commonly-served meal in our home for years on end.

2. Shawarma Chicken Thighs

You’ve heard me rave about these as the main protein for my go-to summer dinner party menu. Same as above—I keep them in the freezer and pull them out to defrost on the counter the morning I plan to use them. Then I put them on a sheet pan in a 400 degree oven for 18 minutes, rest them for 10, and then slice. Perfect tucked into a pita or over couscous or jeweled rice. Feta, pickled red onions, cilantro—I could eat this every day.

3. Frozen Macarons

I love to keep these on hand for last-minute guests, but also we love them straight from the freezer for movie nights—my favorite are the pistachio, of course.

4. Dolmas  

Another favorite from my go-to summer dinner, also a great addition to a quick mezze platter. I keep a few cans of these in the cupboard, so then if you’ve got hummus, cucumbers, pita, tomatoes, you’ve got a lovely Mediterranean platter.

5. Unexpected Cheddar  

TJ’s has so many great cheeses, but this is the one I reach for most often—great for the anchor position in your happy hour snack platter, and by that I mean it’s a crowd pleaser for kids and adults alike. Great with apples, really great also in a grilled cheese.

6. Buffalo Chicken Dip

I confessed to our pals this week that I pretend to buy this for happy hour, but quite often I eat this dip with Triscuits for lunch at my desk. I tell myself I’m going to make an elaborate salad…but then I eat this instead and I’m so happy about it. This one’s a hit.

7. Corn and Chile Salsa

This is an old school favorite of ours. It’s sweet and vinegar-y, not at all like a conventional salsa, but really good alongside a tomato salsa or guacamole, and a really nice addition to a make-your-own-taco situation.

8. Peanut & Crispy Noodle Salad Kit

I love this one—I’m trying (aren’t we all?) to eat more vegetables, and this is an easy way to do that.

9. Pastry Pups

Another one I’ve posted about before—remember that book party where every time I pulled a pan out of the oven, they were eaten straight off the hot pan before I had a chance to transfer them to the platter? Also, William had friends over the other day and I made these for an afternoon snack and they went FAST. I always try to keep a couple boxes in the freezer, and I serve them with a little sauce that’s just honey mustard mixed with mayo—you could add a little hot sauce or relish but just as it is, it’s pretty great.

10. Pita Bite Crackers Delicious, and always a hit at happy hour. Flaky in a good way and salty, which is key for me. Always on the must-have list.

Have a great weekend! I hope someone who loves you brings you a pistachio latte :)