These premium Trader Joe’s items complete any fall harvest celebration.
I love going to the grocery store and I’m always in awe of how I feel about it together. From jotting down a shopping list to browsing the aisles, grocery runs are a rite of passage into adulthood. However, shopping for groceries on a tight budget is difficult for college students. Fortunately, Trader Joe’s – a national neighborhood grocery store chain since 1967 – our saving grace.
Our mutual respect for Trader Joe’s needs no excuses, but this is truly the season to be thankful for this all-purpose, low-price grocery store. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and Trader Joe’s has it all covered with their assortment of Apple Pumpkin Pies, Cranberry and Orange Sauce, Tascano Cheese Spread, Brined Turkeys and more!
After rummaging through Trader Joe’s Thanksgiving themed guide titled “Fearless Pilot” Released in November, I was hooked on his wonderful myriad of Thanksgiving products. Creamy and rich veggie casseroles and fall pie truffles are just a few of the great things Trader Joe’s has to offer. Guided by my favorite Union Square Trader Joe’s employee, Mama Rae, who knows every nook and cranny of the store, I’ve compiled a list of the best Thanksgiving items at Trader Joe’s—you’ll be thankful they’re at your table.
For a snack
Whether we’re celebrating the holidays away or at home, the power of comfort food unites us, and Thanksgiving is a time when people look for home-cooked meals. Andrea, a former researcher from Hong Kong, browsed the Trader Joe’s Thanksgiving aisle to prepare a Brussels sprout dish for her 16th Thanksgiving.
“We keep it simple – fry them in olive oil, add salt and pepper and throw in some bacon,” Andrea said. “The winter season reminds me of home because my family and I celebrate Chinese New Year.
Maya, a special education teacher, shared that her Thanksgiving always includes family recipes.
“A favorite red cabbage dish we make with bacon and onions is served with sliced apples on the side,” Maya said.
With a wide selection of foods from around the world and a warm community, Trader Joe’s is a haven for those who want to find comfort food. Whether it’s serving lavish spreads that require hours of effort and energy, or microwaving a frozen meal, grocery stores like Trader Joe’s bring you one step closer to home.
For first courses
Turkey pot pie or pot roast without the turkey
For a quick turkey option, Trader Joe’s Turkey Pot Pie is a tried-and-true recommendation. Pop it in the microwave for a few minutes, then serve. A flaky, golden crust mixed into the turkey meat, with a base of creamy white sauce, makes for a comforting meal. Mama Rae recommends adding Trader Joe’s Sage, Thyme, and Rosemary Blend to your spread—whether you’re serving meat or going vegan with Breaded turkey without roasting, made with onion and celery filling, covered in gravy. She also recommends pairing vegan turkey with creamy and layered scalloped potatoes and roasted carrots.
Trader Joe’s Cornbread Stuffing Mix ($5.99)
Dried cranberries, apple wedges, and tons of rosemary and sage liven up this flavorful, pre-made filling. Add some gravy or cranberry sauce to make the flavor really pop, and enjoy this stuffing as more than just a side dish. A simple and effective option, this filling is perfect for . those who prefer to eat earlier than later.
For parties
Trader Joe’s Organic Cranberry Sauce ($3.99)
A staple of Thanksgiving, Trader Joe’s Cranberry Sauce is a thick, rich, sweet flavor that is absolutely delightful. You can pair the sauce with a variety of dishes—as a turkey glaze, or as a topping for apple pie and vanilla ice cream—two of my favorites. Add to that Trader Joe’s Cornbread Stuffing Mix and the combination of savory and sweet will overwhelm your senses. Ray suggests making a fruit mix from Trader Joe’s mixed fruit options and backing it up with a cheese board. Accompany this dip with Trader Joe’s blueberry and cranberry chevre and Rosettes semi-soft cheese? The cook’s kiss.
For dessert
Apple Pumpkin Pie – A kosher version of the dessert – this is a delicious mixture of puff pastry, pumpkin puree, cinnamon and apple mixture. A certified hit, my friends and I devoured this pastry in less than two minutes, dousing the pastry with cranberry sauce. If you’re not a big fan of pumpkin or apples, there’s always Trader Joe’s Key Lime Pie. Perfectly sweet and tart, this is an unconventional yet luscious dessert to serve at the table.
Contact Sarah Sharma at [email protected]
