Trader Joes Co-Op June 2010

Well, folks, I haven't tried too many new things at TJs this month. Seems like June brings us lots of fresh fruit (YUM!) and less processed pickings (YEA!). What to do with those extra peaches? See my peach cobbler above.

Homemade Corn Tortillas - YUM & Compare the nutritional information to their "flour" version. Shocking! right. You'll never return to the land of flour.

"Just Sauce" Turkey Bolognese (freezer section, thanks for the tip bro!): easy breezy, just heat it up and you have some divine, healthy rich sauce that doesn't leave you pouring over your stove on all day in the middle of summer (making the homemade version). I add a little of TJs marinara to make it go further - easily serves a family of 4 (w/ 2 small children)...even better = portion control. Pour it over some of their Organic Whole Wheat Spaghetti! Need a bit more food? Cook up some of their breaded eggplant with it (even if you hate eggplant, you'll LOVE these - so mild & yummy! my kids eat them all up!)

Mango Gelato - it's back! The one in the square box we've been waiting for all year, downside is that it doesn't last long.

Frozen Sockeye Wild Salmon: A great buy for $8.00 (2 fillets; fed the entire family). Defrost, marinade in Soyaki or the Island Soyaki for an hour and grill. I'm not a {cooked} fish lover {prefer it raw} but I cleaned my plate and so did my kids & begged for more - twice this week!


WINE TASTING

I have tried a few (or more) new wines this month. If only I had the cork to tell you yes/no. Here's what I can tell you.
RED: Note that I am in a kick of Central Coast Wines
1. BEST {absolute favorite right now!}: Concannon Petite Sirah (not to be confused with "Syrah" OR the Australian version "Siraz"). Concannon (est. 1882)is the first winery to pour Petite Sirah - a light wonderfully balanced red, perfect for summer everything. Oh, and did I mention it's *only* $5.99 with a very regal label!
2. Hamilton-Stephen, Pinot Noir - an incredible Pinot and could easily compete with any wine over $50, yet it's *only* $9.99 - great gift for a dinner party or housewarming. Plus the label is cool & vintage-y.
3. Monte Ducay Reserva (Spanish) at $5.99 you must like the Spanish Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes. I'm not a fan even if it was a $100 bottle. So I'm the wrong person to ask. If you like those grapes, try it and let me know how it compares. I can't give an unbiased opinion even if it is Spanish. On that note: TJ's selection of Spanish wines are not to be bought (a part from the standard Marques de Riscal {personal favorite} and Marques de Caceres. Now is not the time to rob the Armada at Trader Joes.

*A suggestion of what to do w/ $2Chuck {besides pour it down the drain?}. Fill up a glass with ice, fill 1/2 the glass with wine and the other 1/2 with Squirt (yes, it must be Squirt) and you have "Tinto de Verano" a summertime favorite in Spain. Great for an afternoon BBQ or go crazy and barbie up some Paella.

WHITE: oooh. My recent trip to Santa Barbara persuaded me to try (and love!) white wine. There is a micro-climate in Santa Ynez (much cooler) that allows it to grow Pinot Noir (red) and Voigner (white) to the wine-makers delight. My new favorite is the Voigner. Light, crisp, fruity and *not* buttery.
1. TJs "petit reserve" label of Voigner is fantastic, a true summer delight!
2. TJs "petit reserve" label of Albarino is also very light and paired wonderfully with brunch.
*Both wines are $5.99 (seeing a trend here?)