trader joe's top 10 {part deux}

in case you missed my top 10 items from trader joe's the 1st time around, be sure to check out that original list from my all-time favorite grocery store!

because of a combination of 1) trader joe's adding new fun items to the store, and 2) i'm branching out and trying new stuff, i thought it was time to make a 2nd list...

10. gnocchi alla sorrentina // basically, it's gnocchi (potato pasta) w/ tomato sauce & mozzarella. it comes frozen, so i always have one or two in my freezer, then usually prepare it with a fresh sauteed vegetable (like zucchini) or some grilled chicken (see #1 below!)

9. whole wheat pizza dough // only 99 cents! just flatten it out w/ some flour, throw on your favorite toppings, and you have your own unique pizza! (note: it helps to pre-cook the dough for a bit, and then add your toppings and cook again)

8. lite popcorn // already air-popped & bagged for you (sold where the chips are) this is my favorite guilt-free snack. disclaimer: it's tempting to eat the whole bag (i may or may not have done this.)

7. cage-free liquid egg whites // i switched to egg whites a while back, but lately i've been getting really grossed out when i use my egg separator (it just starts looking too alive...ewww..) so i've gone to liquid egg whites for my own sanity's sake. but - this can be more expensive. thanks to TJs, though, this doesn't have to be the case. you get this little guy (16 oz - the equivalent to 10 large eggs) for just $1.69!

6. beer bread in a box // seriously -- all you add is a 12 oz. beer and voila! amazing beer bread. (goes great w/ chili, by the way!) really impresses your friends :)

5. almond butter w/ roasted flaxseeds // i'm a recent nut butter (peanut-to-almond) convertee, and this stuff is my favorite. (i prefer crunchy & salted)

4. chimichuri wild pacific salmon // i didn't even like cooked salmon before, but i love this stuff. they come frozen, with 3 or 4 fillets per package. you can grill, broil, or pan fry those suckers to your liking. oh so tasty (and healthy!)

3. frozen green beans // (the extra fine french cut ones) i know. simple, right? but really amazing. you get a huge bag, and can just take out the portion you need. (i enjoy steaming them for a couple minutes, then adding a little sea salt afterwards!)

2. whole wheat naan // if you don't know about this indian bread, do yourself a favor and branch out. it's soft and yummy, and perfect to dip in hummus or just enjoy plain (i like toasting it, too)

1. fully-cooked, boneless, skinless chicken breasts // oh my goodness. i seriously think these are the best thing since sliced bread. the pkgs are about 2 lbs (at $2.99/lb), so you get 3-4 of these lean, tender, breasts for around $6! they're already cooked, and come individually wrapped. microwave them, and in just 2 minutes you have a delicious grilled chicken breast, ready to throw in a salad, a quesadilla, or just enjoy plain (it's already seasoned w/ salt, pepper, & garlic). deeeelish.