My in-laws have a tradition of making a huge pot of turkey soup the day after Thanksgiving.  It's a great way to use every last bit of the bird, and you'll have enough to freeze several batches to enjoy throughout the winter months.  Our kids love Nonno's turkey soup!In addition to using up leftover turkey, you'll also use up any leftover vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, green beans, potatoes, yams, butternut squash, corn, or whatever else was served with the turkey.  You c... Read Full Story

If you're looking for a twist on the traditional pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, try this quick, easy, and light pumpkin cheesecake.  It's a great no-bake option for those who don't have double ovens at their disposal.We start with gingersnap cookies for the crust.  Trader Joe's has both regular gingersnaps (their Triple Ginger cookies - made with fresh ginger, powdered ginger, and crystallized ginger - are sinfully addictive!) as well as a tasty gluten-free variety.  A tasty va... Read Full Story

If you're cooking for a smaller gathering this Thanksgiving, Trader Joe's pre-stuffed turkey breasts are just perfect.  They can easily feed 6 people and make a gorgeous, impressive presentation with cranberry-jeweled stuffing in the center.Grab this turkey, add a side of vegetables, and dinner is done!  If you go this route, we demand that you sear the outside first.  Do not just toss it in the oven like the package instructions say, or you'll end up with a dried-out hunk of ... Read Full Story

Trader Joe’s is your one stop shop for Thanksgiving.  It’s easy to get overwhelmed when making a big meal, but a Thanksgiving feast really can be a stress-free and low fuss event with a little bit of planning and a few easy shortcuts from Trader Joe's.   Here are our favorite Thanksgiving buys --  it was tough to keep this list short!  Turkeys!  Turkeys have landed at Trader Joe’s!  Last year, we tried the brined turkeys and they were juicy and delicious, r... Read Full Story

This week, even Southern California felt a tiny bit more brisk and temperatures finally dropped from the 70-degree days earlier this week.  Working at home and feeling a bit chilled, I felt like I wanted a meal that would warm my body and soul simultaneously.  I had just been reading my friend and fellow blogger Eric Gower's post here on soba noodles, and nothing sounded better than a big bowl of steaming Japanese noodle soup.  You've probably seen the boxes of Instant Miso So... Read Full Story

Last night we were running home late, and on the drive home I was thinking about what I would make for dinner that could be on the table in about 5 minutes.  I remembered the fresh asparagus I'd picked up from Trader Joe's as well as the container of pancetta, cubed and ready to use.  Why not combine them in a hearty egg scramble - no reason to have egg dishes limited to breakfast and brunch.  The crisp-tender asparagus and the pancetta were a winning combination with the mois... Read Full Story

We always have a lot of pumpkin on our hands after Halloween.  I like roasting pumpkin seeds with some olive oil, cumin, and salt for a crunchy snack or topping for salads or vegetables.  Then I'll steam and puree the pumpkin flesh and make large batches of pumpkin bread, stir pumpkin into chili or black bean soup, and savor warm pumpkin oatmeal on chilly mornings.Pumpkin is one of the most nutritional fruits available year-round.  Sidebar: did you know pumpkin is actually a fr... Read Full Story

A friend once joked that all food tastes better on a stick.  I haven't done any formal tests, but I suspect he may be onto something.Grilled chicken is healthy but can get tiring.  Slice them into strips and thread them onto skewers and voila!  Instant fun.  There's nothing boring about chicken on a stick.I made these for a large party last week and served them at room temperature to make it easy on myself.  They're phenomenal straight off the grill too, of course.&n... Read Full Story

Earlier this week, we made Halloween finger foods like hot dog mummies and witch fingers using crescent roll dough and puff pastry.  The fun continues with even more Hallowen-themed foods that should spruce up any party!First are Mashed Boo-Tatoes, a really cute side dish idea from Martha Stewart.  Trader Joe's sells frozen mashed potatoes, or you can make your own.  Simply "pipe" out ghosts using a piping bag if you're fancy, or just make your own using a Ziploc bag with the ... Read Full Story

Halloween is this weekend, and we've gathered some fun finger food ideas for you.  These are easy appetizers you can make ahead of time, and they're a real hoot for kids and adults alike.  Shown here are Halloweenie Mummies, Spooky Fingers, and Poofy Pumpkin Puffs.You can use puff pastry, which is available seasonally at Trader Joe's.  I checked and my Joe's doesn't have it in stock yet; they expect to get it in next month.  But most grocers these days carry puff pastry in... Read Full Story