TJ Maxx and HomeGoods Grocery Aisle: Recipes Using Items You Should (Actually) Buy
TJ Maxx and HomeGoods are known for their amazing deals on designer clothing, home decor, and, surprisingly, gourmet food items. While navigating the aisles filled with discounted treasures, it’s easy to get carried away and fill your cart with intriguing-looking sauces, snacks, and international ingredients. However, not all grocery finds are created equal. Some items might be near their expiration date, improperly stored, or simply not worth the price, even with the discount. So, before you load up on that exotic fruit jam or artisanal olive oil, let’s talk about what *not* to buy. But fear not, this isn’t a complete grocery aisle boycott! There are definitely some hidden gems worth exploring. This article will guide you through the grocery aisles of TJ Maxx and HomeGoods, highlighting the items you *should* consider buying and, more importantly, providing delicious recipes to use them in.
Grocery Items to Approach with Caution
Before we dive into the delicious possibilities, let’s address the items that often raise red flags. These are general guidelines, and individual experiences may vary, but it’s always better to be a savvy shopper.
* **Items Near Expiration Dates:** This is the most crucial point. Always, *always* check the expiration dates. TJ Maxx and HomeGoods often sell items that are nearing their “best by” or “use by” dates. While a day or two past isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker for some non-perishable items, it’s best to avoid anything too close to its expiration, especially if you don’t plan to use it immediately.
* **Damaged Packaging:** Dented cans, torn boxes, or leaky jars are major red flags. Damaged packaging can compromise the integrity of the food and potentially lead to spoilage or contamination.
* **Unfamiliar Brands (Without Reviews):** Tempting as it might be to try a new brand of pasta sauce or exotic spice blend, proceed with caution if you’re unfamiliar with the brand and can’t find any reviews online. It’s best to stick to brands you know and trust, or at least do some research before making a purchase.
* **Oils (Especially Flavored):** Oils, particularly those infused with herbs or spices, are prone to rancidity. Check the expiration date and look for signs of cloudiness or sediment, which can indicate that the oil is past its prime. Dark glass bottles are also preferable, as they protect the oil from light exposure.
* **Bulk Items (Unless You’re Sure):** Buying in bulk can save money, but only if you’ll actually use the product before it expires. Avoid purchasing large quantities of items you’ve never tried before.
* **Anything That Should Be Refrigerated:** Avoid anything that should have been stored in a refrigerator. If it’s on a shelf it is very likely not good, even if it doesn’t have an expiration date.
Grocery Items to Snatch Up (and Recipe Ideas!)
Now for the fun part! Here’s a list of grocery items that are generally safe and often a great value at TJ Maxx and HomeGoods, along with delicious recipe ideas to put them to good use:
1. **Gourmet Pasta:** Look for imported Italian pasta, unusual shapes, or pastas made with unique ingredients like squid ink or chestnut flour. These are often significantly cheaper than at specialty food stores.
* **Recipe Idea: Squid Ink Pasta with Shrimp and Garlic:**
* **Ingredients:**
* 8 ounces squid ink pasta
* 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup dry white wine
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Red pepper flakes (to taste)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **Instructions:**
1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4. Pour in the white wine and cook for 1 minute, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with a little pasta water if needed to create a sauce.
6. Stir in the parsley, salt, and pepper.
7. Serve immediately.
2. **Imported Olive Oil (in Dark Bottles):** High-quality extra virgin olive oil is a kitchen staple, and you can often find good deals on imported varieties at TJ Maxx and HomeGoods. Look for oils in dark glass bottles to protect them from light. Pay attention to the harvest date – the more recent, the better.
* **Recipe Idea: Simple Bruschetta:**
* **Ingredients:**
* 1 baguette, sliced
* 1/4 cup high-quality olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
* Fresh basil leaves, chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes, until lightly golden.
3. While the bread is toasting, combine the garlic, tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Spoon the tomato mixture onto the toasted baguette slices.
5. Drizzle with a little more olive oil and serve immediately.
3. **Gourmet Vinegars (Balsamic, Red Wine, White Wine):** Balsamic vinegar, in particular, can be pricey, so finding a good deal is a win. Look for aged balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy, for the best flavor.
* **Recipe Idea: Balsamic Glazed Chicken:**
* **Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and garlic.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the balsamic glaze over them.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve with your favorite sides.
4. **International Sauces and Spreads (with Long Expiration Dates):** Look for interesting sauces, chutneys, and spreads from around the world. These can add a unique flavor to your cooking. Just be sure to check the expiration dates carefully.
* **Recipe Idea: Spicy Peanut Noodles:**
* **Ingredients:**
* 8 ounces spaghetti or noodles of your choice
* 1/4 cup peanut butter
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
* 1-2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (or to taste)
* 1/4 cup water (or more, to thin the sauce)
* Chopped peanuts and green onions for garnish
* **Instructions:**
1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and chili garlic sauce in a bowl.
3. Add water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
4. Drain the pasta and add it to the bowl with the sauce. Toss to coat.
5. Garnish with chopped peanuts and green onions.
6. Add your interesting sauce. Some great options are a mango chutney or a spicy mustard.
5. **Spices and Herbs (Whole or in Sealed Containers):** Spices and herbs can be expensive, so finding them at a discount is a plus. Look for whole spices (like peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, or star anise) or ground spices in sealed containers. Avoid spices in open containers, as they may have lost their flavor.
* **Recipe Idea: Moroccan Spiced Chicken:**
* **Ingredients:**
* 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon ground coriander
* 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
* 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **Instructions:**
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown on all sides.
2. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened.
4. Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Return the chicken to the pot. Add the dried apricots.
7. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Stir in the cilantro, salt, and pepper.
9. Serve over couscous or rice.
6. **Teas and Coffees (Especially Unique Flavors):** TJ Maxx and HomeGoods often have a good selection of teas and coffees, including unique flavors and blends. Check the expiration dates and look for airtight packaging.
* **Recipe Idea: Spiced Chai Latte:**
* **Ingredients:**
* 1 cup water
* 2 chai tea bags (or loose leaf chai tea)
* 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
* 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (or to taste)
* Pinch of cinnamon
* Pinch of cardamom
* Whipped cream (optional)
* **Instructions:**
1. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Pour the boiling water over the chai tea bags (or loose leaf tea) and steep for 3-5 minutes.
3. Remove the tea bags and add the milk, honey, cinnamon, and cardamom.
4. Heat gently over low heat, being careful not to boil.
5. Whisk until frothy.
6. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream (optional).
7. **Chocolate (Especially Dark Chocolate or Imported Varieties):** Look for dark chocolate bars with a high cocoa percentage or imported chocolates from Europe. These can be a great treat or used in baking.
* **Recipe Idea: Dark Chocolate Bark with Sea Salt:**
* **Ingredients:**
* 12 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
* 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, etc.)
* 1/4 cup dried fruit (cranberries, cherries, raisins, etc.)
* Sea salt
* **Instructions:**
1. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
2. Pour the melted chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Sprinkle with the nuts, dried fruit, and sea salt.
4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
5. Break into pieces and enjoy.
8. **Crackers and Biscuits (Imported or Gourmet):** TJ Maxx and HomeGoods often have a selection of imported crackers and biscuits that are perfect for cheese plates or snacking.
* **Recipe Idea: Cheese and Cracker Platter:**
* **Ingredients:**
* Assortment of cheeses (cheddar, brie, gouda, goat cheese, etc.)
* Assortment of crackers and biscuits
* Fresh fruit (grapes, berries, apples, pears, etc.)
* Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, etc.)
* Honey or jam
* **Instructions:**
1. Arrange the cheeses, crackers, fruit, and nuts on a platter.
2. Serve with honey or jam.
9. **Canned Goods (Tomatoes, Beans, Vegetables):** Check expiration dates, but these are generally a good bet for savings, especially if they are organic or imported.
* **Recipe Idea: Tuscan White Bean Soup:**
* **Ingredients:**
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 cups vegetable broth
* 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
* **Instructions:**
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the vegetable broth, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley.
7. Serve with crusty bread.
10. **Specialty Baking Ingredients:** Extracts, flavorings, decorating supplies, and interesting sugars are often heavily discounted and very safe to buy at these stores.
* **Recipe Idea: Vanilla Bean Cupcakes:**
* **Ingredients:**
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
* 3/4 cup milk
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat until just combined.
5. Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost as desired.
Tips for Successful TJ Maxx/HomeGoods Grocery Shopping
* **Check Expiration Dates Diligently:** We can’t stress this enough! This is the most important step.
* **Inspect Packaging Carefully:** Look for any signs of damage or tampering.
* **Stick to Brands You Know (or Research First):** If you’re unfamiliar with a brand, do a quick Google search to read reviews before buying.
* **Consider Storage:** Think about how you’ll store the items you buy. Make sure you have enough space and that the storage conditions are appropriate.
* **Don’t Overbuy:** It’s tempting to stock up on everything that looks like a good deal, but avoid buying more than you can reasonably use before it expires.
* **Shop Regularly:** The inventory at TJ Maxx and HomeGoods changes frequently, so stop by often to see what new treasures you can find.
* **Be Prepared to Walk Away:** If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to walk away from a deal if you’re not comfortable with the product’s condition or expiration date.
Embrace the Adventure (Responsibly!)
The grocery aisles at TJ Maxx and HomeGoods can be a treasure trove of culinary delights, but it’s important to shop smart and be aware of the potential pitfalls. By following these tips and guidelines, you can confidently explore the aisles, discover new ingredients, and create delicious meals without breaking the bank. Happy shopping (and cooking)!