Dark Chocolate Crisps

Impulse buy. Impulse buy. Impulse buy. We all know what those are--items strategically placed by the checkout line, so as you wait, you stare, as you stare, you read, as you read, you crave, as you crave, you grab, as you grab, you buy, as you buy, you take home only to find yourself asking 'why did I buy this?!'

Well folks, that is news of the past. Let @traderjoeslist tell you something, impulse buys at Trader Joe's are not based in corporate greed, they are based in YOU smiling. Let's do the 6-step process described above using Dark (or Milk) Chocolate Crisps: step 1 of impulse you wait (the checker-outer is a cutie, huh?) /step 2 you stare...so far so good (no one minds staring at chocolate)/step 3 you read--read what? thin, curved waves of Belgian chocolate with crunchy bits, okay YUM/step 4 you grab (now there's no turning back)/step 5 item purchased (safely secured in your bag)/step 6 take home and immediately try this dark chocolate haven that resembles a potato chip with an identity crisis. NOW, this is generally the point you sigh and think 'why did I buy this'--right? NOPE, with this treat, you think, why did I buy only one box?! (Yes, the extra large exclamation point is needed). Next time you're in the check-line challenge yourself to the 6-step impulse buy at Trader Joe's. We promise you will smile : )

Call me skinny, but how happy are you that 12 of these identity crisis chocolates round out to about 200 calories?

Get nutrition facts HERE

Spiced Cider

Thanks to @avantgarland we have a new review on TJ's Spiced Cider! Send your review of your favorite product to traderjoeslist@gmail.com and get posted!

As the leaves turn here in North Carolina, where we have the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains that make for an amazing display of autumn, I turn to the seasonal foods: apples, pumpkin, chai. Trader Joes carries a spiced Apple Cider that rings in the season perfectly. You can drink it cold or heat it up for a snuggly drink that goes splendidly with the first fire of the season. Halloween and Thanksgiving are upon us and nothing soothes and puts you in the spirit quite like a great hot cider.

Call me skinny, but I'm waiting to hear from YOU! Be the next feature review on TJsList. Email to traderjoeslist@gmail.com

Nutrition Facts HERE

Chocolatey Cats Cookies (For People)

LOW FAT (For People)

Have you ever wondered what is meant by the expression "the cat's meow"? Well, lucky for you @traderjoeslist has the answer! The expression actually means 'EAT Trader Joes Chocolatey Cat Cookies'....and it also means 'something considered to be outstanding'. But clearly the two meanings are one-and-the-same...kinda like an egg--you can have it scrambled or sunny side up, but either way you're still having an egg. You can have a CCC or 'the cat's meow', but either way you're having something considered to be outstanding. Keep in mind when the ever infamous, controlling sweet tooth start's talking, these cookies are your carrier food away from tempting, guilt-full sweets like milks favorite cookie Ore(oh-no)! To tell you the truth, the latest gossip magazine revealed Milk is having an affair with Oreo's and it's no secret it's with Chocolatey Cat Cookies. Let's put it this way, it doesn't matter if you're drinking Soy, Rice, Hemp, Almond, or Moo-Cow Milk, the CCC's don't judge; they completment each variety of milk and promise to shut up that nagging sweet tooth. Go ahead and send your sweet tooth on a much needed vacation and enjoy some CCC because one serving of 15 CCC carries only 120 Calories (vs 2 oreos 100 calories!)? Not to shabby...cat.

Call me skinny, but I think I hear meowing at your local TJ's :)

Get Nutrition Facts HERE

Trader Joe's List TOP 10 WINES

TOP 10 WINES thanks to: Jason's Wine Blog

You've asked and asked...so here it is. Depending on when you read this you have 2 days to carefully select a wine before the weekend. Don't be afraid to grab a couple bottles, this Jason guy knows what he's talking about....

1. 2007 Castle Rock Mendocino County Pinot Noir ($10) – Worries were this one was on its way out but a fresh supply arrived. Delicate floral nose, soft strawberries on the palate and a silky finish. Get it while you can, at $10 this Pinot is worth every cent.

2. 2007 Chariot Gypsy ($5) – Those that are following along know I have been tracking the Gypsy from coast to coast. While stock in the west is limited or sold out this one seems to still be available across the rest of the country. A perfect fruit forward, juicy quaffer that pairs perfectly with burgers. I grabbed two cases

3. 2007 King Shag Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc($7) – The mercury is spiking and so is my consumption of Sauvignon Blanc. Lot’s of nice ones available at Trader Joe’s. This one strikes the perfect balance between grassy and citrus flavors and delivers a crisp, minerally finish. This one is my top Sauvignon Blanc pick, perfect for a warm summer evening on the patio.

4. 2007 Epicuro Aglianico ($5) – This bottle previously lived atop the Top 10 list and made a strong impression recently. The nose showed cherries while the palate and fruity leading to a lingering spicy finish. A nice light red for the summer. Don’t be afraid to try any of the other Epicuro offerings either. I’ve yet to post a review for this vintage but here is the review for the ‘05.

5. 2008 Honey Moon Viognier ($5) – There are times during the summer when you really want to drink a nice red but need something more refreshing. This is when I turn to Viognier. On the nose this one delivers fully pollinated flowers and red/orange fruit. On the peach and honey are prevalent on a full bodied frame of white stony, fruits with a hint of sweetness of the finish. Perfect with salmon.

6. 2005 Perrin Cotes du Rhone Reserve ($7) – With more cooking on the grill there has been more of this on the table. A typical Rhone GSM blend here (60/20/20) with a nose loaded of fruit and pepper. The palate brings cherry and blackberry before merging with spicy, barrel flavors on the finish. Could have just as easily picked the J. Vidal-Fleury or San Greal Red Supper Wine here as I drink them interchangably. Pick one next time your barbecuing chicken.

7. 2008 Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc ($8) – Another one that previously held the top spot, this one starts with citrus aromas. Light, crisp and tart in the mouth the finish is full of lemon and lime flavors interlaced on a crisp, acidic backbone. Another perfect summer wine, pair it with salad or on its own. I’ve yet to review this vintage but here is my post on the ‘06.

8. 2006 Chiusa Grande Tommolo Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo ($5) – Despite the reappearance of the Aglianico this one is still a regular in my house. Tart cherries on the nose that make it to the palate with a light tannic, tingly finish. Should be on your table whenever pasta is and then some.

9. 2008 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carmenere ($8) – It’s summer and this is a bit heavy given the weather but sometimes I just need a bigger red.. Here you get smoky, leather tobacco notes on top of nice, rich fruit. Give it a try next time you are grilling fajitas or pork chops for that matter. Again yet to review the current vintage but here are my notes on the ‘06

10. 2006 The California Wine Party Franc Merlot ($5) – This one is still on the shelf but guessing its days are numbered. Fruit and a bit of green pepper on the nose. Soft tannins stay in the background and the chewy, cherry flavors linger on leading to a long dry finish. I’m looking forward to my next bottle.

Just Missed– these were those that were close to making the list but couldn’t squeeze into the Top 10… Bogle Petite Sirah($9), Callabriga Dao Red ($9), Archero Nero d’ Avola Ruggero di Tasso ($4), Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling ($6), VINTJS Sauvignon Blanc ($6), Kono Sauvignon Blanc ($8), Chateau des Cleons Muscadet ($6)

Special Selections– for those looking for bubbly or dessert…
Bubbly: NV Zonin Prosecco Brut ($6) or if you prefer sweeter NV Schloss Biebrich Sekt
White Dessert: 2008 Flore de Moscato ($5)
Red Dessert: NV Porto Morgado Ruby Port ($7)

Others of Interest– those I’ve bought but yet to drink or those that I am looking forward to trying again… Picton Bay Pinot Noir ($8), Caretaker Pinot Noir ($10), Dr. Jebediah Drinkwell’s Meritage ($9), Hunter Ashby Cabernet Sauvignon ($10), Howell Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon ($15), Gaetano D’Aquino Orvieto Classico ($5), Epicuro Vermentino ($5), Pancake Cellars Big Day White ($5)

Tweet @jasonswineblog

Crunchy Curls- A Tasty Lentil & Potato Snack

CAUTION:

EXTREMELY CURLY, EXTREMELY DELICIOUS

Never judge a book by its cover. Never judge a snack by its bag. This completely under dressed bag somehow jumped out at me while in route to checkout. I'm not sure what caught my eye, the fact that it said CRUNCHY or LENTILS. Either way the curls on the bag made my mind start to curl around what a hybrid lentil potato snack would taste like. It's like Lentil had a one night stand with Potato and BAM--> a new love child named Crunchy Curls arrived. When Crunchy Curl grows up it's Facebook would headline with this picture, and flaunt about the fact that 31 of these 'better than french fries' snacks come out to only 130 calories (4g Fiber, 3g Protein). It's profile would be open to everyone and every network headlining pictures on your news feed showing off its crunchy, mildly salty, filling, and great after taste (like a french fry). Realistically, I know nothing can compete with a french fry, not even an Oreo, BUT, Myspace still competes with Facebook, and Mytouch still competes with iPhone. POINT: if its competing its worth eating.

Call me skinny, but did you just get a facebook friend request from Crunchy Curls? Please don't hesitate to add.

Get NUTRITION facts HERE

Lite Kettle Corn

'Tis The Season!

Pop*POP*poP*Pop! It's not the sound of bubble wrap, but it is equally as exciting! TJ's just came out with LITE Kettle Corn. Personally, the name should be called Heaven Corn for 3 reasons: (1) sweet & salty & guilt-free, 110 calorie servings with 50% LESS fat than the original (2) the fact they are the what clouds would taste like if you could eat them: light and crunchy (3) the inventor clearly has omniscient powers. Okay, now that we've got that straightened out, lets discuss the logistics of this wonderfully delicious treat when you check out-- you MUST put this item on the very top of your bag for 2 reasons: (1) easy access for munching on the ride home (2) like eggs, they are best when not squashed. If you buy 1 bag, you will be upset. No one goes golfing with just one golf ball. You take at least 6, just in case someone borrows one, you loose one, you save one...etc. I've said all I can on this topic. Now please follow the light and go pick up some Heaven Corn.

Call me skinny, but arn't 'kettles' supposed to be big, black, and used to brew a potion by a witch? Hmm...maybe there was a love spell potion made in a kettle by a witch who put it on the corn so once its popped all who eat it fall in love with it....