Trader Joe's Dinner

Today I painted our Master bath, second bathroom in two weeks, took longer than I thought, what was I thinking? We were all hungry, but running out of time.

Last week at Trader Joe's I bought a vacu-pac of gnocchi and a jar of ratatouille, the latter something new for me. I was going to use them separately until the checkout guy asked if I had the ratatouille before, I said not his one. He said cook the gnocchi, then place on top of the ratatouille in a small casserole, and add some grated Parmesan cheese. I decided to add some asparagus and I cooked it in the same water as the gnocchi, but took it out sooner.

Layered the gnocchi on top of ratatouille in the casserole, added the asparagus then the grated cheese. Baked at 325 for 15 minutes. It was great. I felt llike I really cooked, Trader Joe's came through again.

You will find out that I love Trader Joe's. It takes a while to figure out what you like since almost everything is private label but once you do you will enjoy many creative, cost effective meals.

Stop by the counter in the back of the store, they are always cooking something, try the daily offering, that's how I find many of the meals or side dishes I serve later. I found a great corn bread with cheese and broccoli recipe they were ofering at my store. I serve and take to potlucks; quick, easy and really tasty.

They always have great coffees too, try some and take home your favorite.

Trader Joe's, Costco, Sam's Club and my local markets, make shopping, preparing and eating FUN!

Here is some TJ website info.

Curiosity is a virtue. We , Trader Joe's, value the inquisitive mind and enjoy the opportunity to satiate it (as well as the tummy that accompanies it). We prefer to do so face to face. Admittedly, we think it's more fun to impart wit and wisdom in a conversation. But we know that life gets busy and a quick reference can be useful. That’s why we’ve gathered together the most frequently asked questions on the following topics, along with the most thoroughly researched answers (or TRAs, for you acronym lovers out there), for the quickest of reference

Bon Appetit