Trader Joe’s Customer Choice Awards Winners: Delicious Recipes You Need to Try!
Trader Joe’s is a haven for food lovers, known for its unique and affordable products. Every year, the grocery chain holds its Customer Choice Awards, where shoppers vote for their favorite items across various categories. These award winners are not just popular; they’re incredibly versatile ingredients that can be used to create delicious and easy recipes. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most celebrated Customer Choice Award winners from Trader Joe’s and provide you with mouthwatering recipes to try at home.
## Understanding the Trader Joe’s Hype
Before diving into the recipes, it’s essential to understand why Trader Joe’s products are so beloved. Several factors contribute to their popularity:
* **Unique and Innovative Products:** Trader Joe’s consistently introduces new and exciting items that you won’t find anywhere else. From globally inspired flavors to creative twists on classic dishes, their product selection is always evolving.
* **Affordable Prices:** Despite the high quality and unique offerings, Trader Joe’s maintains competitive pricing, making it accessible to a wide range of shoppers.
* **High-Quality Ingredients:** Trader Joe’s focuses on sourcing high-quality ingredients, often organic and sustainably produced.
* **Customer-Centric Approach:** Trader Joe’s is known for its friendly and helpful staff, creating a pleasant shopping experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
## Featured Customer Choice Award Winners and Recipes
Let’s explore some of the top Trader Joe’s Customer Choice Award winners and the delectable recipes you can create with them:
### 1. Mandarin Orange Chicken (Winner: Consistently a Top Performer)
**Why it’s a Winner:** This frozen entree is a perennial favorite for its crispy chicken pieces and tangy, sweet sauce. It’s incredibly convenient and satisfying, making it a weeknight dinner staple.
**Recipe 1: Classic Mandarin Orange Chicken with Rice and Broccoli**
**Ingredients:**
* 1 bag Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken
* 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine or brown rice recommended)
* 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Follow the package instructions to cook the Mandarin Orange Chicken. You can bake it in the oven for a crispier texture or heat it in a skillet for a quicker option. Make sure the chicken is heated thoroughly.
2. **Cook the Rice:** While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rice according to package instructions. Fluff it with a fork once it’s done.
3. **Steam or Sauté the Broccoli:** You can steam the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp (about 5-7 minutes). Alternatively, sauté them in olive oil over medium heat with salt and pepper until they are slightly browned and tender (about 8-10 minutes).
4. **Assemble the Dish:** Divide the cooked rice among plates. Top with the Mandarin Orange Chicken and the cooked broccoli. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the chicken over the broccoli and rice for extra flavor.
5. **Serve Immediately:** Enjoy this quick and easy meal while it’s still warm.
**Recipe 2: Mandarin Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps**
**Ingredients:**
* 1 bag Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken
* 1 head of butter lettuce or romaine lettuce, leaves separated
* 1/2 cup shredded carrots
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
* Optional: Sesame seeds, sriracha sauce
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Cook the Mandarin Orange Chicken according to the package instructions. Once cooked, roughly chop the chicken pieces into smaller, bite-sized portions. This makes them easier to fit into the lettuce wraps.
2. **Prepare the Lettuce Cups:** Wash and dry the lettuce leaves thoroughly. Choose the largest and most intact leaves to use as your wraps.
3. **Assemble the Wraps:** Fill each lettuce cup with a portion of the chopped Mandarin Orange Chicken. Top with shredded carrots, green onions, and cilantro.
4. **Add Optional Toppings:** If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds over the wraps for added flavor and texture. Add a drizzle of sriracha sauce for a spicy kick.
5. **Serve Immediately:** These lettuce wraps are best served immediately to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
### 2. Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend (Winner: Spice Rack Essential)
**Why it’s a Winner:** This seasoning blend is a game-changer. It combines sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt, adding a burst of flavor to everything from avocado toast to scrambled eggs.
**Recipe 1: Everything Bagel Avocado Toast**
**Ingredients:**
* 2 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough or whole wheat recommended)
* 1 ripe avocado
* 1 tablespoon Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend
* Optional: Red pepper flakes, lemon juice
**Instructions:**
1. **Toast the Bread:** Toast the bread slices to your desired level of crispness. Aim for a golden-brown color.
2. **Prepare the Avocado:** While the bread is toasting, mash the avocado in a small bowl using a fork. You can leave it slightly chunky or mash it until completely smooth, depending on your preference.
3. **Assemble the Toast:** Spread the mashed avocado evenly over the toasted bread slices.
4. **Season Generously:** Sprinkle the Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend generously over the avocado toast. Don’t be shy – this is where the flavor comes from!
5. **Add Optional Toppings:** If desired, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
6. **Serve Immediately:** Enjoy your Everything Bagel Avocado Toast as a quick and satisfying breakfast, snack, or light lunch.
**Recipe 2: Everything Bagel Salmon with Roasted Asparagus**
**Ingredients:**
* 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 2 tablespoons Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend
* 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Lemon wedges, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare the Asparagus:** Toss the trimmed asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. **Prepare the Salmon:** Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush them with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle generously with the Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend, pressing it lightly into the flesh.
4. **Bake the Salmon and Asparagus:** Place the salmon fillets on the same baking sheet as the asparagus. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
5. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the baked salmon and roasted asparagus immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing.
### 3. Unexpected Cheddar Cheese (Winner: Cheese Champion)
**Why it’s a Winner:** This cheese is a customer favorite due to its unique flavor profile. It starts like a mild cheddar but develops a tangy, almost Parmesan-like bite as it ages. It’s perfect for snacking, grating, or melting.
**Recipe 1: Unexpected Cheddar Grilled Cheese**
**Ingredients:**
* 2 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough or multigrain recommended)
* 2-3 ounces Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Cheese, sliced or grated
* 1 tablespoon butter
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cheese:** Slice or grate the Unexpected Cheddar Cheese. If slicing, aim for relatively thin slices that will melt easily. If grating, use a coarse grater.
2. **Assemble the Sandwich:** Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a cold skillet.
3. **Add the Cheese:** Layer the Unexpected Cheddar Cheese evenly over the bread in the skillet. Make sure the cheese is distributed well to ensure even melting.
4. **Top with the Other Slice of Bread:** Place the second slice of bread on top of the cheese, butter-side up.
5. **Cook the Grilled Cheese:** Turn the heat to medium-low. Cook the sandwich for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwich to help it cook evenly.
6. **Serve Immediately:** Remove the grilled cheese from the skillet and let it cool slightly before slicing in half. Serve immediately and enjoy!
**Recipe 2: Unexpected Cheddar and Apple Quesadillas**
**Ingredients:**
* 2 large flour tortillas
* 1 medium apple, thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
* 2-3 ounces Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Cheese, shredded
* 1 tablespoon butter
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Ingredients:** Thinly slice the apple. Shred the Unexpected Cheddar Cheese using a coarse grater.
2. **Assemble the Quesadilla:** Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle half of the shredded Unexpected Cheddar Cheese evenly over the tortilla. Layer the apple slices over the cheese, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
3. **Top with the Other Tortilla:** Place the second tortilla on top of the apple and cheese, creating a quesadilla sandwich.
4. **Cook the Quesadilla:** Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Use a spatula to gently press down on the quesadilla to help it cook evenly and prevent the filling from spilling out.
5. **Slice and Serve:** Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool slightly before slicing into wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet and savory combination of apple and Unexpected Cheddar Cheese.
### 4. Joe-Joe’s Cookies (Winner: Sweet Treat Supreme)
**Why it’s a Winner:** These sandwich cookies are Trader Joe’s version of Oreos, and they come in various flavors, from classic chocolate to seasonal specialties. They are a perfect treat for kids and adults alike.
**Recipe 1: Joe-Joe’s Cookie Milkshake**
**Ingredients:**
* 6 Trader Joe’s Joe-Joe’s Cookies (any flavor)
* 2 cups vanilla ice cream
* 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
* Optional: Whipped cream, chocolate syrup, extra Joe-Joe’s cookies for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a blender, combine the Joe-Joe’s Cookies, vanilla ice cream, and milk.
2. **Blend Until Smooth:** Blend the ingredients on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the milkshake is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. **Pour and Garnish:** Pour the milkshake into a tall glass. Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and a few extra Joe-Joe’s cookies for garnish, if desired.
4. **Serve Immediately:** Enjoy your delicious Joe-Joe’s Cookie Milkshake immediately!
**Recipe 2: Joe-Joe’s Cookie Crumble Parfaits**
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Trader Joe’s Joe-Joe’s Cookies (any flavor), crushed
* 2 cups vanilla yogurt (Greek or regular)
* 1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
* Optional: Granola, honey
**Instructions:**
1. **Crush the Cookies:** Crush the Joe-Joe’s Cookies into small pieces. You can do this by placing them in a resealable bag and using a rolling pin or by using a food processor.
2. **Assemble the Parfaits:** In individual glasses or parfait dishes, layer the crushed Joe-Joe’s Cookies, vanilla yogurt, and fresh berries. Repeat the layers until the glasses are full.
3. **Add Optional Toppings:** If desired, sprinkle granola on top for added crunch or drizzle with honey for extra sweetness.
4. **Chill and Serve:** Chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!
### 5. Cauliflower Gnocchi (Winner: Health-Conscious Choice)
**Why it’s a Winner:** This gluten-free gnocchi is made primarily from cauliflower, making it a healthier alternative to traditional potato gnocchi. It’s surprisingly delicious and versatile.
**Recipe 1: Cauliflower Gnocchi with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes**
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/4 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Gnocchi:** Unlike traditional gnocchi, Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi is best cooked in a skillet. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the gnocchi and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
2. **Sauté the Cherry Tomatoes:** While the gnocchi is cooking, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly burst.
3. **Combine and Season:** Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the sautéed cherry tomatoes. Stir in the pesto until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the Cauliflower Gnocchi with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes immediately. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
**Recipe 2: Creamy Cauliflower Gnocchi with Sausage and Spinach**
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 5 ounces fresh spinach
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Gnocchi:** Cook the Cauliflower Gnocchi as directed above (in a skillet with olive oil until golden brown and crispy).
2. **Brown the Sausage:** While the gnocchi is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Sauté the Onion and Garlic:** Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until it is softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. **Wilt the Spinach:** Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until it is wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5. **Add Cream and Cheese:** Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. **Combine Everything:** Add the cooked gnocchi and browned sausage back to the skillet with the creamy spinach sauce. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
7. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the Creamy Cauliflower Gnocchi with Sausage and Spinach immediately.
## Tips for Shopping at Trader Joe’s
* **Go During Off-Peak Hours:** Trader Joe’s can get crowded, especially on weekends and evenings. Try shopping during weekdays or early mornings to avoid the crowds.
* **Read the Fearless Flyer:** Trader Joe’s publishes a monthly newsletter called the Fearless Flyer, which highlights new products, seasonal items, and recipe ideas. Pick one up in-store or view it online to stay informed.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Samples:** Trader Joe’s is known for its generous sampling policy. If you’re curious about a product, don’t hesitate to ask a crew member for a sample.
* **Embrace the Seasonal Items:** Trader Joe’s is constantly introducing new and exciting seasonal products, so be sure to check out the seasonal section for limited-time offerings.
* **Check the Return Policy:** Trader Joe’s has a very generous return policy. If you’re not satisfied with a product, you can return it for a full refund, even if you’ve already opened it.
## Conclusion
The Trader Joe’s Customer Choice Awards winners are a testament to the quality and uniqueness of their products. These award-winning items are not only delicious on their own but also incredibly versatile ingredients that can be used to create a wide range of mouthwatering recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to impress your family and friends. So, head to your nearest Trader Joe’s, stock up on these award-winning products, and get cooking!