Trader Joe’s Customer Choice Awards: Winning Recipes You Need to Try
Trader Joe’s holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many. Their unique, affordable, and often unexpectedly delicious products have cultivated a devoted following. Each year, Trader Joe’s honors its most beloved items with the Customer Choice Awards, where shoppers vote for their favorites across various categories. These award-winning products are more than just groceries; they’re ingredients that inspire culinary creativity. This article dives into some of the top Trader Joe’s Customer Choice Award winners and provides detailed recipes to showcase their versatility. Get ready to elevate your cooking game with these winning ingredients!
## Understanding the Trader Joe’s Hype
Before we jump into the recipes, let’s quickly explore why Trader Joe’s products are so popular. Several factors contribute to their appeal:
* **Unique Selection:** Trader Joe’s is known for its private-label products, offering items you simply won’t find anywhere else. This exclusivity fosters a sense of discovery and excitement.
* **Affordable Prices:** Despite the unique offerings, Trader Joe’s maintains reasonable prices, making it accessible to a wide range of shoppers.
* **Quality Ingredients:** Trader Joe’s often emphasizes natural and organic ingredients, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
* **Fun Shopping Experience:** From the Hawaiian-shirt-clad crew members to the free samples, Trader Joe’s creates a lighthearted and enjoyable shopping environment.
## Recipe 1: Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend Avocado Toast (and Beyond!)
The **Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend** consistently ranks high in the Customer Choice Awards. Its savory, garlicky, and slightly oniony flavor profile elevates everything it touches. While avocado toast is the classic application, don’t limit yourself!
**Winning Category:** Condiments
**Ingredients:**
* 2 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, whole wheat, or gluten-free all work well)
* 1 ripe avocado
* 1-2 tablespoons Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend
* Optional toppings: red pepper flakes, a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, sliced tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese
**Instructions:**
1. **Toast the Bread:** Toast the bread to your desired level of crispness. While it’s toasting, prepare the avocado.
2. **Prepare the Avocado:** Halve the avocado, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh into a small bowl. Mash with a fork until you reach your desired consistency. Some people prefer it chunky, while others like it perfectly smooth.
3. **Assemble the Toast:** Spread the mashed avocado evenly onto the toasted bread.
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 magic happens.
5. **Add Optional Toppings:** If desired, add your favorite toppings. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat, a drizzle of olive oil adds richness, and a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors. Sliced tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese offer a more substantial and savory option.
6. **Enjoy Immediately:** Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of creamy avocado, crunchy toast, and savory seasoning.
**Beyond Avocado Toast:**
* **Eggs:** Sprinkle it on scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or omelets.
* **Chicken or Fish:** Use it as a rub for chicken or fish before baking or grilling.
* **Salads:** Add it to salads for extra flavor and texture.
* **Popcorn:** Toss freshly popped popcorn with melted butter and Everything But the Bagel Seasoning.
* **Cream Cheese:** Mix it into cream cheese for a flavorful bagel topping or dip.
## Recipe 2: Mandarin Orange Chicken Stir-Fry
The **Mandarin Orange Chicken** is a consistently popular item in Trader Joe’s freezer section, and for good reason. It’s quick, easy, and surprisingly flavorful. This recipe takes it a step further by transforming it into a complete stir-fry.
**Winning Category:** Entrees
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
* 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
* 1 onion, thinly sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 inch ginger, minced
* 1 cup broccoli florets
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* Cooked rice, for serving
* Optional: sesame seeds and green onions, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Chicken:** Prepare the Mandarin Orange Chicken according to the package directions. This usually involves baking or pan-frying.
2. **Prepare the Vegetables:** While the chicken is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Slice the bell peppers and onion, mince the garlic and ginger, and chop the broccoli into florets.
3. **Stir-Fry the Vegetables:** Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened.
4. **Add Garlic and Ginger:** Add the minced garlic and ginger to the wok and stir-fry for another minute, until fragrant.
5. **Add Broccoli:** Add the broccoli florets to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until crisp-tender.
6. **Make the Sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
7. **Combine Everything:** Once the chicken is cooked, add it to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables and stir-fry for another minute or two, until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
8. **Serve:** Serve the Mandarin Orange Chicken stir-fry over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the stir-fry, such as carrots, mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini.
* **Adjust the Sauce:** Adjust the amount of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil to your liking. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
* **Use Different Protein:** If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can substitute it with tofu, shrimp, or beef.
## Recipe 3: Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Quesadillas with Mango Salsa
The **Unexpected Cheddar Cheese** is a cult favorite at Trader Joe’s. Its unique flavor, which starts out like cheddar but finishes with a parmesan-like sharpness, makes it a standout ingredient. These quesadillas combine the savory cheese with the sweetness of mango salsa for a delightful flavor combination.
**Winning Category:** Cheese
**Ingredients:**
* 4 flour tortillas
* 8 ounces Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Cheese, shredded
* 1 cup Trader Joe’s Mango Salsa
* 2 tablespoons butter or oil
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Quesadillas:** Spread half of the shredded cheese evenly over one half of each tortilla. Top with a generous spoonful of mango salsa. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the cheese and salsa.
2. **Cook the Quesadillas:** Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the quesadillas in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
3. **Serve:** Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool slightly before slicing into wedges. Serve immediately.
**Variations and Serving Suggestions:**
* **Add Protein:** Add shredded chicken, black beans, or cooked shrimp to the quesadillas for a more substantial meal.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the quesadillas for extra heat.
* **Serve with Sour Cream or Guacamole:** Serve the quesadillas with sour cream or guacamole for dipping.
## Recipe 4: Cookie Butter Cheesecake Bites
The **Cookie Butter** is another Trader Joe’s staple that consistently earns high praise. Its sweet, spiced, and biscuity flavor is incredibly addictive. These cheesecake bites are a decadent and easy way to showcase the versatility of cookie butter.
**Winning Category:** Sweet Treats
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package (14.3 ounces) Oreo cookies, finely crushed
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup Trader Joe’s Cookie Butter
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Optional: melted chocolate or crushed cookies, for topping
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Crust:** In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Oreo cookies and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
2. **Make the Filling:** In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the Trader Joe’s Cookie Butter and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. **Pour and Chill:** Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust. Smooth the top. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
4. **Cut and Serve:** Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator and carefully release it from the springform pan. Cut into small squares or wedges. If desired, drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with crushed cookies.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use a Different Crust:** If you don’t like Oreo cookies, you can use graham crackers or any other cookie for the crust.
* **Add Chocolate Chips:** Stir chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling for extra chocolatey goodness.
* **Make Mini Cheesecakes:** Use muffin tins to make individual cheesecake bites.
## Recipe 5: Cauliflower Gnocchi with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes
The **Cauliflower Gnocchi** has become a phenomenon at Trader Joe’s. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional potato gnocchi, and it’s surprisingly delicious when cooked properly. This recipe combines it with pesto and cherry tomatoes for a simple and flavorful meal.
**Winning Category:** Frozen
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/4 cup Trader Joe’s Pesto (or your favorite pesto)
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Gnocchi:** There are several ways to cook Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi. For the best results, avoid boiling it, as it can become mushy. Pan-frying or air frying are recommended.
* **Pan-Frying:** Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the frozen gnocchi to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy.
* **Air Frying:** Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen gnocchi in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Shake the basket halfway through cooking.
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 cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they start to soften and release their juices.
3. **Combine Everything:** Once the gnocchi is cooked, add it to the skillet with the cherry tomatoes. Add the pesto and toss to coat everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Serve:** Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
**Tips for Cooking Cauliflower Gnocchi:**
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Cook the gnocchi in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and gets crispy.
* **Don’t Add Water:** Avoid adding water to the pan while cooking the gnocchi, as this will make it mushy.
* **Use a Non-Stick Pan:** A non-stick pan will prevent the gnocchi from sticking and burning.
## The Enduring Appeal of Trader Joe’s
The Trader Joe’s Customer Choice Awards highlight the products that have truly captured the hearts (and taste buds) of shoppers. From the versatile Everything But the Bagel Seasoning to the convenient Mandarin Orange Chicken, these award-winning items are not only delicious but also inspire creativity in the kitchen. By incorporating these products into your cooking, you can easily elevate your meals and experience the magic of Trader Joe’s for yourself. So, next time you’re at Trader Joe’s, be sure to grab some of these customer favorites and try out these winning recipes! Happy cooking!