This was an impromptu worknight salad that worked out better than I expected. So well, in fact, that I made a similar version later that week, adding some fresh NJ peaches, for a pot luck office event. It all started, as so many things do, at Trader Joe’s, where I purchased something I rarely deign … Continue reading
Tagged with Trader Joe’s …
Masala is Trendy
At the recent Fancy Food Show in New York, a panel of food experts honed in on the top five food trends of the year (and mentioned some of the products that exemplify each one): Great Vinegars – Innovative flavors include: Hibiscus, Walnut Champagne, Peach Balsamic, Lime Rice, and Apple Ice Wine Vinegar. Indian Products … Continue reading
Christmas in July
Okay, in June. Winter was over, and I still had a canister of Trader Joe’s Wintry Blend coffee in the cupboard. Unlike other flavored coffees, which are made with (to me) harsh extracts, this one has whole spices ground up with the beans – cardamom, clove, pink and green peppercorns, a touch of cinnamon. I … Continue reading
Indian Lamb (vegetarians, avert your eyes)
It all started when I accidentally bought two containers of Trader Joe’s very good raita, that yogurt-based Indian sauce. It happens. When I got home and realized my mistake, I figured I’d better cook a lot of Indian food that week. First I cooked boneless chicken thighs in Seeds of Change‘s Jalfrezi simmer sauce. (The bottle and … Continue reading
Jersey Fresh at Trader Joe’s
I wondered if I would ever see local foods displayed at Trader Joe’s, and lo and behold, I found these asparagus there the other day. I’m glad to know that even a corporate behemoth like TJ’s can make room for local products. I found these somewhere last summer too, and appreciated that they were pre-washed … Continue reading
Edamame hummus
I keep meaning to post this little piece about the good edamame hummus I’ve bought at Trader Joe’s. It tastes as bright and fresh as that pretty green color would imply. And I’m not a fan of edamame normally (doesn’t taste bad, just not so interesting to me). The baba ganoush to the left of … Continue reading
Congrats, Congrats, and Wow
Congratulations to Elements restaurant in Princeton for their well-deserved “Don’t Miss” review in The New York Times today. And, nestled right next to it, in the print edition, a very nice Quick Bite piece on another favorite spot of mine, the Blue Rooster Bakery & Café in Cranbury. That takes care of the Congrats, Congrats. … Continue reading
Ravioli then and now
I’d kind of given up on ravioli, as so many of them seemed to barely hint at the alleged fillings. Lobster that looked pink but had no flavor, mushrooms like cardboard, you get the idea…I can’t remember the last time I ordered ravioli in an Italian restaurant, either. But I’ve had good luck at a couple places … Continue reading
Soup to Nuts
I don’t know about you, but I love nuts. Over the years I’ve made a lot of spiced nuts myself at home, but these are actually honey-roasted mixed nuts from Walgreen’s. They are quite good, and once they’re put into a nice dish, your guests will never know what a bargain they were. CVS also … Continue reading
Good Morning Starshine
A snowy weekend meant a more leisurely breakfast for me. So on Saturday, once I’d made peace with the idea that I would do no Christmas errands that day, I indulged in impromptu (and improvised) Eggs Benedict. By then I was so hungry, though, that I cooked in a hurry. I always have on hand … Continue reading
NJ SPICE 