ReportWire

Tag: platform:email

  • The “Delicious” Trader Joe’s French Dessert I'm Bringing to Every Holiday Party

    The “Delicious” Trader Joe’s French Dessert I'm Bringing to Every Holiday Party

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    The holiday season is a time of year known for its cheerful music, festive decor, and, of course, cookies. While chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and sugar cookies usually get all the glory, shortbread cookies are the tried and true variety that deserves a little extra love. Fortunately, Trader Joe’s agrees, and the grocery store’s latest dessert item is designed to bring friends and family together over a mutual love of shortbread.

    Trader Joe’s Shareable Shortbread French Butter Cookie

    A brand new cookie has landed on the shelves of Trader Joe’s, and if you plan to try it you should strongly consider inviting a friend or two to join you. The Shareable Shortbread French Butter Cookie is the size of a dinner plate, and it is meant to be shared with a group, just as it has historically been enjoyed in its native Poitou region of western France. The tasty treat has simple ingredients, including butter, sea salt, and almonds, and you can rest assured that there won’t be any leftovers.

    Trader Joe’s Shareable Shortbread French Butter Cookie is $7.99, so it’s affordable enough to bring to every holiday party you attend this season, and it’s versatile enough that you’ll never get bored. Naturally you can enjoy the cookie with any and every flavor of ice cream, or pair it with a cappuccino or coffee. You can even enjoy the cookie on its own with an after dinner drink, like port or sparkling wine.

    Trader Joe’s has been showing off when it comes to dessert this holiday season. Between the store’s Boozy Macarons, Danish Cookies, and Pretzel Bread Pudding, this latest addition will only sweeten your next trip to the store. There’s no telling how long the Shareable Shortbread French Butter Cookie will be available, so, if you plan to try one, call your friends and grab your keys before they’re sold out.

    [ad_2]

    Nina Derwin

    Source link

  • This Pasta Sampler from Celeb Hot Spot Rubirosa Lets Me Enjoy Their Most Popular Dishes Right at Home — No Reservation Required

    This Pasta Sampler from Celeb Hot Spot Rubirosa Lets Me Enjoy Their Most Popular Dishes Right at Home — No Reservation Required

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    If you ask me for a restaurant recommendation in New York City, or if you’re visiting me, the first spot that quickly comes out of my mouth is Rubirosa. I first discovered this iconic NYC Italian-American spot when someone suggested we eat dinner there one night in 2017, and it’s been my go-to since then. While their Instagram-famous Tie-Dye pizza has my total heart (we’re talking tomato, vodka, and pesto sauce on this pie!) and you absolutely have to get it when you go, I wouldn’t dare replicate this masterpiece at home. However, Rubirosa now sells a variety of their staples like olive oil, sauces, and pastas so you can bring Rubirosa’s delicious glory straight to your kitchen. And I was lucky enough to give the popular NYC restaurant’s Pasta Sampler a try!

    I already had the pleasure of trying Rubirosa’s extra virgin olive oil months ago, which made any dish I made instantly feel fancier, so I was over-the-moon to get the chance to try out this Popcorn Factory-sized tin of the restaurant’s popular pastas. The restaurant’s new online storefront is especially exciting because if you’ve tried to snag a table IRL, you know it’s quite the challenge — I’ve often waited two hours once I added my name to the waitlist. So, taking their pasta and sauces home is the best way to get the Mulberry Street experience without a reservation!

    What is the Rubirosa Pasta Sampler?

    The trio includes three unique pasta shapes that’ll make weeknight dinners feel so much more elevated: Lumache, Trottole, and Casarecce. This ultra-giftable tin includes 1 pound of each pasta — now that’s a lot of noodles! Whether you mix them together or keep them separate, there are so many combinations you can create. Add on Rubirosa’s signature Vodka Sauce, Marinara, and Olive Oil, and you’ve got a fancy dinner that even you’ll impress yourself with (you can buy a gift set of all these goodies). Psst: Rubirosa is kind enough to have their recipes online, so I recommend taking a peek for some seriously mouthwatering inspo!

    Why I Love the Rubirosa Pasta Sampler

    What’s more iconic than the beloved popcorn tin around the holidays? A popcorn tin overflowing with Rubirosa’s pasta, of course! Whether you live in NYC or not, it’s the perfect way to bring Rubriosa’s flavor into your kitchen without having to leave your home. And best of all, when you’ve eaten all of it (which I promise won’t take long), you can repurpose the tin however you like. Might I suggest buying more Rubirosa pasta and filling up the tin again? If you don’t want to purchase their pastas individually, this is the ultimate way to try them all at once.

    And if you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift for the pasta lover in your life, you can’t go wrong with this sure-to-delight sampler.

    [ad_2]

    Tamara Kraus

    Source link

  • The Top 10 Products That The Kitchn Readers Bought During Black Friday and Cyber Monday

    The Top 10 Products That The Kitchn Readers Bought During Black Friday and Cyber Monday

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    There’s much to look forward to after the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales have passed. For one, you’ve likely got snazzy new home buys arriving in the mail that you managed to snag at a major discount. For those of us on the commerce side of The Kitchn, we get to breathe a sigh of relief that the shopping chaos is over — for now. But what we’re always most excited about is getting to see which sale products you loved the most. Year after year, there are a few cult-favorite brands and pieces we always expect to make the list, but we also usually see some surprise gadgets that our readers bought en masse. So consider the 10 picks below either reinforcement that the popular pieces you’ve had your eye on really are that great, or consider this an introduction to some cool kitchen must-have items you might not have considered before (but will no doubt come to love).

    [ad_2]

    Nikol Slatinska

    Source link

  • I’m a Former Barista, and This Is the One Coffee Maker You Should Buy This Holiday Season (It’s on Sale!)

    I’m a Former Barista, and This Is the One Coffee Maker You Should Buy This Holiday Season (It’s on Sale!)

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    I’ll be the first to admit it: I’m a total coffee nerd. Whether it’s pulling espresso shots, using a moka pot, or standing over a cup of pour-over while meticulously pouring concentric circles of water from a gooseneck kettle, I can never get enough sweet coffee gear and bags of delicious beans. (It’s probably a holdover from when I was working behind the counter making coffee after college.) However, I’ve been looking for something a little bit less time consuming to streamline my morning routine — and though I do love regular ol’ drip coffee, I’m in the market for something that’s both practical and palate-pleasing, and most cheap drip coffee makers lack the latter. I’m also not looking to break the bank, and with holiday sales in full swing, I’ve stumbled upon the one coffee maker that you should snag while it’s marked down: the Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine.

    The Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine is exactly what I’m looking for this winter, and while I might not spring for something like this at almost $200, with the serious markdown it’s currently sitting at at Williams Sonoma, I’d practically be losing money if I didn’t jump on this deal ASAP. It doesn’t just look slick, either — this one-touch brewing system makes both regular coffee and espresso, with blend-specific brewing that ensures each cup tastes like something you’d get at a cafe. Plus, the machine makes two different sizes of espresso and three different sizes of drip — all the way up to 14 ounces — and uses fully recyclable capsules with the option of using the convenient and free!) Nespresso recycling program

    But here’s the coolest part: the Nespresso VertuoPlus leans on the knowledge of the coffee experts that helped design it: They created an all-new brewing system using Centrifusion Technology, a patented extraction technology developed by Nespresso. Thanks to its built-in barcode system, the coffee maker optimizes brew time and temperature for different capsules without you having to adjust any settings. Just pop a capsule in and close the lever to enjoy seriously delicious coffee in seconds.

    And, I’m not the only one who’s drooling over this bad boy, either, since it has a 4.7-star average rating on Williams Sonoma from over 3,000 reviewers. The Kitchn contributor Dana also loves her Nespresso. “We get to thoroughly enjoy every cup of coffee we make,” she writes. “I thought the little burst of joy every morning would wear off, but it hasn’t. There’s just something so satisfying about pressing the button and watching my favorite mug fill with a creamy cup of coffee. In the summer I use the made-for-iced-coffee blends and, oh boy, are those a treat.” 

    So, if you’re looking to upgrade your current coffee setup but don’t want to break the bank, now’s the time to snag a Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine while it’s on sale. It makes for an excellent gift for any coffee lover (yourself included)! 

    [ad_2]

    Ian Burke

    Source link

  • This $17 Sam’s Club Find Is Why My Mom Will Never Cancel Her Membership

    This $17 Sam’s Club Find Is Why My Mom Will Never Cancel Her Membership

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    As someone who recently moved back to her hometown, I’ve been looking into all the warehouses near me and comparing membership options. I knew my mom shopped at Sam’s Club when we were growing up, so I asked her if she was still a card-carrying member. Her answer? Yes! But I’ll admit that what came after surprised me.

    She only goes to Sam’s Club a few times a year, and keeps her membership for one very specific and timely reason: It practically pays for itself in poinsettias alone.

    What’s So Great About the Sam’s Club Poinsettia Planter?

    My mom loves to decorate for the holidays, so it’s not unusual for her to buy over a dozen large poinsettia plants to display up the front steps and in the entryway. At Sam’s Club, you can get a 10-inch poinsettia plant for about $17, while most other places I’ve seen charge at least $20. If she gets around 15 poinsettias each year (she really does go all out), that saves her a minimum of $45 over the other competitors, close to the $50 yearly Club membership.

    The quality is also a huge draw. My mom emphasized how BIG the poinsettias are at Sam’s Club, and that they last throughout the holiday season with basic care. (Poinsettias bloom in the winter and are fairly easy to care for — they thrive in a sunny location and just need to be watered when the soil feels dry.)

    [ad_2]

    Hollis Miller

    Source link

  • This Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Candle Smells So Good That I Actually Want to Eat It (There, I Said It)

    This Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Candle Smells So Good That I Actually Want to Eat It (There, I Said It)

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    When it comes to home fragrances, I prefer diffusers over candles — except if that candle’s got a gimmick. If it has an unusual theme, a pop culture tie-in, or is scented like my favorite foods and beverages, I want to give it a whiff. So when I stumbled upon an Instagram ad for a Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding-scented candle from Boy Smells, I was excited. I love Magnolia’s banana pudding (and cupcakes, for that matter), and if a candle version could capture that essence for me at home, count me in! So, after finding a great Black Friday deal, I bought the candle, and it has truly lit up my life. In fact, I can’t stop talking about how much I love it. When it’s lit, it fills my apartment with such a warm, delicious scent that is so yummy, I almost want to eat the candle (or do shots of the hot wax).

    What Is the Boy Smells Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Candle

    Boy Smells’ Banana Pudding candle is inspired by the super popular dessert from NYC’s iconic Magnolia Bakery. A blend of beeswax and undyed coconut, the candle has top notes of creamy banana and elemi; middle notes of jasmine petals, davana, and cardamom; and base notes of cedar, patchouli, and guiaiac. I don’t know what many of those are, but I can tell you that the result is a scent that is subtle yet complex, light but slightly smoky. The Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding candle is housed in a transparent yellow glass vessel (naturally) and has a 50-hour burn time.

    Why I Love the Boy Smells Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Candle

    Unlike many fruit- and dessert-scented candles, the Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Candle does not have an artificial, overwhelming scent. It’s not sickeningly sweet, but instead has a rich, inviting, almost caramel-like fragrance that I love, similar to brûlléed bananas, as one reviewer aptly put it. The scent isn’t too strong, yet it does linger a bit after the candle is out, leaving my apartment smelling as if I have been baking something delicious.

    I am almost surprised by how much I love Boy Smells’ Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding candle. It lifts my mood every time I light it and fills my space with a uniquely delicious scent. If there’s any downside, it’s that it always makes me crave banana pudding (again, I’d eat the candle if I could). Regardless, I’m already planning to buy a few more of these candles — and make a pit stop at Magnolia Bakery to get some real banana pudding.

    Buy: Boy Smells Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Candle, $48

    [ad_2]

    Mark Marino

    Source link

  • Psst! All-Clad’s 7-Piece Non-Stick Cookware Set Is More Than 55% Off Right Now

    Psst! All-Clad’s 7-Piece Non-Stick Cookware Set Is More Than 55% Off Right Now

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Quality cookware is a necessity for any kitchen, and All-Clad consistently earns a spot at the top. The brand is an editor-favorite for a reason, and we feel the need to shout it from the rooftops whenever there’s an All-Clad deal available, and the Hard Anodized Nonstick 7-Piece Cookware Set (created exclusively for Macy’s) is no exception. For over 50% off, you can enjoy this set’s sleek aluminum, nonstick magic coating, and a lineup that includes a frying pan, saucepan, and more. With perks like even heating and fancy stainless-steel handles, this set will make you feel like a boss in the kitchen no matter what level of home chef you are. And, when All-Clad offers a deal, you have to grab it — just remember to use code FRIEND to get 55% off!

    What Is the All-Clard Hard Anodized Nonstick 7-Piece Set?

    Crafted from durable hard-anodized aluminum, this set promises fast, even heating, and effortless cleanup! Its PFOA-free nonstick coating makes whipping up your favorite meals a snap, while its contoured stainless-steel handles give you a comfortable grip. The set’s lineup includes a frying pan, saucepan, sauté pan, stockpot, and more, each with secure-fitting lids and an induction-compatible base that’s oven-safe up to 500°F. Curated exclusively for Macy’s (and is also available at Bloomingdales), this dishwasher-safe cookware set is a kitchen investment that’ll last a lifetime.

    What Macy’s Reviewers Are Saying

    With a versatile lineup of pots and pans that come with secure-fitting lids, this All-Clad set is a kitchen steal that you can snag for 55% off using code FRIENDS. It’s truly an opportunity you don’t want to pass up — and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty!

    [ad_2]

    Haley Lyndes

    Source link

  • The Brand-New Groceries Hitting Shelves This December That We're Most Excited About

    The Brand-New Groceries Hitting Shelves This December That We're Most Excited About

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    As a Sagittarius, December is naturally one of my favorite times of year. It’s not just my birthday I get excited about, but all the festiveness, too. It doesn’t matter what holiday you celebrate — December is the perfect time to rest, gather with friends and family, and get cozy around a shared meal. I love the comfort foods we gravitate to in winter, too: hot cocoa, warm cookies, and cinnamon-kissed desserts and drinks

    The new grocery items that arrive in December reflect this time of year. So far, the best and most exciting include an eggnog-inspired yogurt bursting with the fragrance of nutmeg, a limited-edition pear and cinnamon-flavored energy drink, and a nostalgic yet new take on a classic rolled tortilla chip. As the month progresses, I’ll be updating this list with more of December’s must-buy new grocery items. 

    1. Chobani Spiced Holiday Nog

    I am an eggnog enthusiast and proud of it. One thing I will say about eggnog, however, is it can, at times, be too viscous and cloying. This is where Chobani does everything right with its holiday-inspired yogurt: The yogurt isn’t too thick and stodgy, while the flavor strikes the perfect balance between sweet and naturally tart. The addition of nutmeg makes it feel even more like the festive holiday drink.

    2. Red Bull Pear Cinnamon Winter Edition

    Pear is the most prominent flavor in this winter-edition Red Bull. It’s juicy and sweet with just a hint of cinnamon that follows the initial fruity flavor — almost like a poached pear in energy drink form. Although I’m partial to coffee and tea for a kick of caffeine, I could see this Red Bull also working as an excellent mixer for holiday-themed cocktails.

    3. Zack’s Mighty Rolled Tortilla Chips Chile Lime

    Zack’s Mighty tortilla chips are made with regenerative corn and an ingredient list that is easy to follow. Beyond the company’s commitment to sustainability, the chip itself has no faults. The chile lime flavor boasts ample heat and the right amount of zippiness. It’s rolled into neat cylinders, providing a satisfying crunch. Although the chips are sturdy enough to stand up to queso and guacamole, they are great to snack on as is. 

    [ad_2]

    Kat Thompson

    Source link

  • The $7 Design Trick That Gives Kitchen Counters a Whole New Look

    The $7 Design Trick That Gives Kitchen Counters a Whole New Look

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    It’s no secret that adhesive paper can transform nearly any kitchen surface, giving it an entirely new look for a fraction of the price of a remodel. It’s especially perfect for renters looking to avoid repercussions from their landlord and DIYers alike by revamping their homes using this ingenious peel-and-stick wrapping. However, sometimes contact paper can come at a hefty price point — even if it isn’t nearly as costly as bringing in the professionals. Luckily, DIY TikToker My Taylored Life found an adhesive that altered their kitchen counter into an entirely new piece — for just under $12.

    Last year, the TikToker shared their kitchen counter makeover that racked up nearly 100,000 views. They wanted to try out a gray-marble look without spending the money on a full renovation, only to dislike the final product in the end. (We think it looks amazing!). Using only contact paper, the DIYer transformed her kitchen surfaces into totally unrecognizable countertops. The paper cost only $12 at Walmart, but is currently retailing for just $7. (If you want a glossy version from Amazon, here’s another great option for only $6.)

    The content creator covered the original white countertops with the paper by slowly wrapping each piece from one side of the counter to the other. “If there were any types of pieces that didn’t fit properly, I just cut smaller pieces and kind of fit them in like a puzzle,” she says in the video, mentioning that around the sink was the hardest part, due to its shape. The whole project took the DIYer under two hours.

    While this kitchen hack is a quick and simple way to elevate your kitchen counters, commenters were wondering how well the look holds up — especially because the paper is so inexpensive. Just recently, 10 months after the initial video was released, the creator took to TikTok to show off the current status of their countertops. 

    She pans over the surface to show a mostly intact finish, except for a small patch where a piece of the paper was pulled off by their son, a stain from a glowstick, and a couple of other small knicks from slicing food without a cutting board. “I think it’s held up great,” she says in the video. And if the damage were worse, it’d be an inexpensive fix to just buy another roll. 

    While it isn’t quite as durable as real marble, the contact paper does the trick in a pinch. If marble isn’t your style, Walmart also sells the same paper in a dark oak for a more wooden farmhouse appearance, weathered wood for a sleek contemporary style, and rose granite for a softer, more muted appeal. 

    If you’ve been itching to update your kitchen but don’t have it in your current budget, contact paper may just be the revamp your space needs. Your guests will never know the difference!

    Buy: Glossy Marble Contact Paper, $5.99

    [ad_2]

    Emma Taubenfeld

    Source link

  • The $4 British Grocery Find the World Is Missing Out On

    The $4 British Grocery Find the World Is Missing Out On

    [ad_1]

    “The selections stretch out like a never-ending red carpet.”
    READ MORE…

    [ad_2]

    Mackenzie Filson

    Source link

  • The “Cozy” $20 Decor Gem My Mom Uses for Every Christmas Table Setting

    The “Cozy” $20 Decor Gem My Mom Uses for Every Christmas Table Setting

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Like many Latin families, my family has always celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve (or Nochebuena). Whether we’re going out to dinner, spending time with our family in Mexico, or my mom is cooking a traditional Mexican meal, this day has always been special and eventful for us. 

    This year, in true Nochebuena fashion, my mom will be making her incredible pozole for my husband, my sister, and me. Even though there will only be four of us at the table, my mom always makes sure to dress it to the nines. One piece in particular has always been my favorite, and gives the night an even more festive feel.

    My mom typically sticks to hosting intimate dinners, but the accessories and decor she has for her table can just as well be for a big holiday party. From elegant wine markers and slate name plates to metal placemats, my mom has meticulously chosen her table setting decor to be sophisticated and timeless — especially when it comes to seasonal items. 

    She prefers keeping her table neutral with small pops of color, so it was no surprise when she whipped out these adorable stocking silverware holders a few Christmases ago. The bright, cable-stitched red knit and white cuff are a true ode to the coziness of a Christmas night, plus they also wonderfully fit a knife, fork, and spoon. That color red, in fact, perfectly matches my mom’s go-to holiday plant: the poinsettia, or Nochebuena (the same thing we call Christmas Eve). You can also snag a more inexpensive six-pack of similar mini stockings from Amazon here.

    [ad_2]

    L. Daniela Alvarez

    Source link

  • The Correct Way to Slice Brie Cheese

    The Correct Way to Slice Brie Cheese

    [ad_1]

    Are you doing it wrong?
    READ MORE…

    [ad_2]

    Cory Fernandez

    Source link

  • The One Thing Experts Wish You Would Stop Doing to Your Wooden Spoons

    The One Thing Experts Wish You Would Stop Doing to Your Wooden Spoons

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Everyone on TikTok is boiling their wooden spoons right now, but I just learned that it’s a big no-no. For me, this is very good news. Boiling utensils sounds labor-intensive, and I can hardly psych myself up to fill a pot to boil pasta. I was relieved to scroll upon America’s Test Kitchen’s TikTok addressing the issue. 

    In the TikTok, Lisa McManus, executive editor of America’s Test Kitchen Reviews, explains that boiling wooden tools removes the natural oils and causes the utensils to absorb water, which leads to the dreaded shrinking and cracking. 

    The Test Kitchen’s recommended alternative is a classic one: hot, soapy water. For the same reasons you shouldn’t boil your wooden tools, you shouldn’t soak them either. Simply wash, rinse, and pat dry. If the tools feel a bit “parched,” treat them with a food-grade mineral oil and let sit overnight. In the morning, wipe the excess oil and your tools are ready to go. 

    Luckily I already owned everything I needed to try this method out — even the food-grade mineral oil, believe it or not. (Treating my cutting boards was always something I meant to do but never did, like reaching inbox zero or practicing daily yoga — then one day I clicked “buy now,” and I became the sort of person whose cutting boards are going to last forever. It wasn’t even hard!).

    Until seeing this video, however, I hadn’t thought to use the oil on my wooden spoons, and it showed. My oldest spoon — one I probably “borrowed” from my mother’s kitchen — had significant cracks. 

    If you’ve already boiled your spoons, I’m here to tell you that all hope is not lost! I dutifully washed, dried, and treated my cracked spoon with mineral oil. The treatment didn’t make the cracks disappear (it’s not magical), but the dry spoon did soak up lots of moisture, and it looks and feels 100 times better than before. Now that I know how to care for it, I don’t have to worry about the cracks getting worse, and my other spoons won’t be subject to the same fate. 

    If you’re thinking, great, another cleaning rule to remember, I get it. I feel like I need to post a sign above my sink with washing instructions for each item in my kitchen: This can go in the dishwasher, that can’t, and you can’t even put soap on that one. But for anything wooden, just remember to hand-wash and oil periodically. Or, as one commenter put it, “Oil, don’t boil! Got it!”

    Buy: Food-Grade Mineral Oil, $8.99

    [ad_2]

    Meg Asby

    Source link

  • Before & After: A “Bright White” Kitchen Gets a Warm, Cottage-Inspired Update for Only $600

    Before & After: A “Bright White” Kitchen Gets a Warm, Cottage-Inspired Update for Only $600

    [ad_1]

    The goal was to add “personality and warmth” to a once all-white kitchen.
    READ MORE…

    [ad_2]

    Cullen Ormond

    Source link

  • 7 Not-to-Be-Missed Trader Joe’s Groceries That Just Hit Stores

    7 Not-to-Be-Missed Trader Joe’s Groceries That Just Hit Stores

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Much of the reason why I shop (and used to work) at Trader Joe’s is because it’s always a feast for the senses. Between the free samples, legendary people watching, and nights when your favorite manager played DJ for the shift, it’s truly sensory overload. This month’s shop, amongst all the post-turkey-buying and pie-ingredient-planning, more than proved that there is plenty to make all your senses pretty happy.

    As we solidly enter the giving season, Trader Joe’s is giving and giving and giving some more, in the form of new desserts I might try to play off as homemade, a few dinner ideas to save me on days I just can’t with cooking, and even a couple of items to cozy up my apartment. Not to cause any alarm, but I think you’ll want to rush to your TJ’s ASAP to get some of these before they’re gone for the season. 

    1.  Pretzel Bread Pudding, $4.99 for 7.6 ounces

    This dessert is a feat of imaginations run wild, and one that for a very brief moment in time, actually turned me into a Dessert Person. That’s not to say I always say no to desserts, but I have a few salt teeth, so to speak, so it takes a really special dessert to get me on board. Enter: Pretzel Bread Pudding. 

    This dessert is not holding back at all with the pretzels, meaning they’re not just a sprinkled-on afterthought. First ingredient? Pretzels, of course. Those same pretzels get soft and doughy and ready to absorb the salted caramel topping that makes this a dream in the form of custardy bread pudding. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and salty, and just takes 45 seconds in the microwave. All you really need is a dollop of something cool and creamy to cut through the dense pudding, which I did in the form of topping it with the grocer’s Salted Maple Ice Cream, naturally.

    Trader Joe's Chocolate Croissant Scented Candle

    2. Chocolate Croissant Candle, $3.99 for 5.64 ounces

    As I said before, sweets aren’t things I naturally seek out (my chip selection runneth over, though). That doesn’t mean I don’t wish things kind of always smelled like a bakery or cake shop. Thankfully, Trader Joe’s new seasonal candle solves that problem for me, with its Chocolate Croissant Candle. 

    Before you even think it, no, it’s not cloyingly sweet or artificial-smelling whatsoever. It honest-to-goddess smells just like freshly baked chocolate croissants in a way that brings me back to sampling all the seasonal lotions at a 2008 Bath & Body Works (a high compliment). If you’re trying to sell a home (the scent of baked goods like chocolate chip cookies and bread have been shown to help close the deal), or simply want to up the coziness factor to volume 1000, this candle is for you.

    Trader Joe's Almond Chipotle Dip

    3. Almond Chipotle Dip, $3.49 for 9 ounces

    Dips are a way of life, meaning that Trader Joe’s dips are basically my lifeblood. One new dip I think gets a permanent spot on my dip shelf? The newest Almond Chipotle Dip. 

    There are so many things to love about this dip: It is seemingly vegan (yet has a bacon-adjacent rich smokiness), is as good on carrots as it is on tortilla chips, and, dare I say it, would be an amazing spread for sandwiches or tacos, or on eggs Benedict in lieu of hollandaise. Creamy and cheesy — in a way that some vegan products try and often fail to achieve — with chipotle-tinged heat, this dip has some crossover potential into a pasta sauce, too, I think. 

    Trader Joe's Empanadas de Ropa Vieja shredded beef turnovers in cassava crust

    4. Empanadas de Ropa Vieja, $5.99 for 9.6 ounces 

    Foods tucked into a cute little pocket are kind of the best, right? Right. So it goes without saying that buying Trader Joe’s newest empanadas was a major no-brainer. Combining the powers of empanadas with a Cuban-style ropa vieja (a classic dish composed of shredded beef stewed in a spicy, aromatic tomato sauce) meant that these snack-sized bites were eaten by me very quickly. 

    The filling itself was a great tribute to the ropa vieja I’ve eaten in my home state of Florida, where Cuban food is hard to beat, and the crust became nicely crisp in the oven, ready to take a dive into some hot sauce. Best of all, the cassava crust makes these naturally gluten-free, which means they’re a killer party app that crowds can enjoy. 

    Trader Joe's Italian Tiramisu

    5. Italian Tiramisu, $4.49 for 13.05 ounces 

    Well, TJ’s has done it again: The grocer has possibly converted one of my salt teeth into a slightly sweet one, thanks to this new Tiramisu. Differing a bit from its cake-style Tiramisu torte, this new one comes very conveniently in a two-pack, which is great for when you want the Italian creamy, coffee-soaked treat but don’t want to make it into a whole thing by getting a whole tiramisu

    An eight-hour thaw in the fridge is all that keeps you from digging into one of these Italian Tiramisus, and I promise it’s worth it. This tiramisu really has all the depth of a restaurant-grade tiramisu, with hints of marsala wine transforming the ladyfinger cookies into a cakey dream, and plenty of chocolate-y coffee mascarpone cream to keep you spooning in for more. Is it possible I ate one of these for breakfast this morning? Absolutely. 

    Trader Joe's Shrimp Pouches of Many Colors

    6. Shrimp Pouches of Many Colors, $4.29 for 8.46 ounces

    The tinier the food, the better it tastes. I have no science to back up this finding, but I know it to be true. As a big fan of all of Trader Joe’s various dumplings, potstickers, and buns, I was excited to try this newest seasonal addition to the freezer aisle. These dumplings couldn’t be more perfectly timed, either; each bite-sized shrimp-packed pouch really does look like a little present, coming in bright shades of red, yellow, and green, along with a classic white.

    The filling is just as delectable as their appearance, too; each dumpling is loaded with shrimp and a savory blend of aromatics like garlic, onion, and ginger. With four of each color (the bright hues are naturally derived from spinach, beetroot, and pumpkin and turmeric), these pouches would be a great shareable appetizer for two when you’re in the mood for a dim sum night, or an entrée for one — especially when you serve them pan-fried and dipped into soy sauce. 

    Trader Joe's Crackling Red Fruits in the Forest scented candle with wooden wick

    7. Crackling Red Fruits in the Forest Scented Candle, $9.99 for 11.28 ounces

    If you, like me, are fawning over an online shopping cart full of those trendy “crackling” wood-wicked candles, but then immediately ❌out of the browser when you see the price? Well, sound the 🚨: It’s time to get yourself down to Trader Joe’s. Not only does the wooden wick charmingly “crackle” out a mellow campfire sound, but the scent also smells deluxe. Like, $40 candle deluxe

    Romantically (yet vaguely) named “Red Fruits in the Forest,” as if it’s a long-lost Taylor Swift song, the candle itself brings to mind tart currants, cranberries, and pomegranates mixed with a sage-y, pine hint which makes it really scream HOLIDAY SPIRIT. I’m already kicking myself for not buying two, so do yourself a favor and get a few of these candles (and maybe gift me one for Christmas). 

    Which new Trader Joe’s items are you adding to your cart? Tell us in the comments below.

    [ad_2]

    Mackenzie Filson

    Source link

  • The Mini Crock-Pot Lunchbox That Lets Me Take Cozy, Cold-Weather Meals On the Go and It’s on Sale

    The Mini Crock-Pot Lunchbox That Lets Me Take Cozy, Cold-Weather Meals On the Go and It’s on Sale

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    As my coworkers will tell you, I am hit-or-miss (but mostly miss) about bringing my lunch into the office. And if I do, it’s usually a sad Trader Joe’s salad — don’t get me wrong, I love Trader Joe’s and its salads, but they are not enough food for an entire lunch. Now that it’s chilly in NYC and I vastly prefer cozy foods like soups, stews, and pasta, I’m going to endeavor to bring my lunch. Here’s another thing I’m picky about though — I don’t like leftovers very much. I don’t like the way they turn out after a trip to the office microwave. They never seem heated evenly, and I swear the leftovers lose some of their original flavor.

    But I can’t use that excuse anymore, because I found a cute little gadget that warms up leftovers as if I were heating them on the stovetop at home. Enter: the Crock-Pot Electric Lunch Box. I saw this while I was browsing Amazon a few months ago and thought it’d be interesting to try, but I’m not the only person who was intrigued by it; 20,000 Amazon shoppers bought it during the past month. That’s a pretty big number, even for Amazon.

    What is the Crock-Pot Electric Lunch Box?

    The Crock-Pot Electric Lunch Box almost looks like a mini-slow cooker. It has a removable basin and inner lid (both of which are dishwasher safe) and then the warmer itself and outer lid, which has a handle for easy carrying. These two lids work in tandem to keep your food from spilling into your backpack, tote bag, or purse. The inner layer can hold up to 20 oz., which is basically a bowl of soup or maybe a dip serving for 3-4 people. It also comes with a cord, which is removable and storable at the bottom of the outer warmer. Basically — you need an outlet to warm your food, so I wouldn’t recommend bringing this on a camping trip unless you have access to electricity. It comes in four retro colors, which at least makes taking food to work a little more fun.

    Why I Love the Crock-Pot Electric Lunch Box

    After a few uses, the Crock-Pot Electric Lunch Box won me over and I joined the throngs of fans on Amazon. It boasts more than 16,000 5-star reviews. Truthfully, I’m not a huge lunch meal prepper (despite my goal to be one) and this lunchbox makes it easy to dump a can of soup in and then trot off to work. It heats soup more quickly than meals like chicken and rice, which reviewers agree with, and it doesn’t burn anything. I can let my soup sit there plugged in for 15-20 minutes, and it’s fine. My quick lunches and warmed-up leftovers taste so much better than they would have in the microwave.

    The lunchbox is surprisingly lightweight and not difficult to carry for multiple blocks to the subway. Some people leave the outer part of the Crock-Pot at their desks and just commute with the inner container and lid, which I think is genius and something that I will be doing moving forward.

    As it’s on sale for under $30, I think this compact, stylish, and practical lunchbox is worth every penny.

    [ad_2]

    Alicia Kort

    Source link

  • The One Carbon Steel Roasting Pan That Everyone Should Own Is On Major Sale — but Only for a Limited Time

    The One Carbon Steel Roasting Pan That Everyone Should Own Is On Major Sale — but Only for a Limited Time

    [ad_1]

    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    To be fully transparent, we used to believe that if you weren’t roasting a full bird (a turkey or a chicken) all that often, you didn’t need to buy a roasting pan. If you had to roast a turkey for Thanksgiving, we were big proponents of borrowing a pan or getting by with whatever you happened to have on hand (see: No Roasting Pan? 5 Alternatives Already In Your Kitchen). But that has changed! We now fully believe that everyone needs this carbon steel pan from Made In, and to sweeten the deal, it’s on sale right now!

    What’s so great about it?

    “It’s really lightweight but still manages to heat incredibly well. The size is great for roasting a standard chicken or a large-ish turkey — it’s smaller than my other roasting pan so I don’t feel like things are swimming in it. And it’s naturally nonstick, so cleanup was super easy.”

    And while you can use other roasting pans for things beyond roasting, this pan is especially versatile because it’s got super-high walls, features stainless steel handles (that are angled for holding and tenting tinfoil), and is oven safe up to 1,200 degrees (!!!). So beyond poultry, this pan is really great for roasting vegetables, braising, baking, making deep casseroles, and so much more. (The company suggests using it to make a deep-dish pizza and we couldn’t be more into the idea.)

    Just one thing to note: This pan is made of carbon steel, which creates an extremely tough surface that heats quickly and evenly. It’s very cast iron-y — just lighter! And like cast iron, it requires a little extra love when it comes to cleaning it, but it’s also virtually indestructible.

    Related: How To Season a Carbon Steel Pan

    So yes, we’ve come around on our roasting pan thoughts! Even if you’re not hosting Thanksgiving, we think this pan is worth adding to your arsenal.

    Buy: Blue Carbon Steel Roasting Pan, $99 (originally $139)

    Do you have a roasting pan? How often do you use it?

    [ad_2]

    Lisa Freedman

    Source link