Random header image... Refresh for more!

Time flies … at Trader Joe’s… and a give-away

by Linda Hopkins

traderjoes

The second of February! How is that even possible? I still have not gotten used to writing 2010! Honestly, sometimes I still write 19—when putting down the date on something. I guess that’s because we still do have to put 19—on so many things; for instance; when you have to fill in your date of birth, your kids’ birthdays, the year you graduated from high school… it all starts with 19, not 20….so I guess it’s understandable, but really, how can it already be February 2010?

Since this is so confounding to me, how about something I totally understand, appreciate, love, and might be just a little wee bit obsessive about? Trader Joe’s! I adore Trader Joe’s! Of course, I’m not the only one – for proof of that GO TO THIS LINK and be one of the more than 528,000 people who have already viewed this little ode to Trader Joe’s.”  As I watched this video; I smiled, I laughed out loud, and I shook my head in complete agreement.  After you watch, please share your thoughts and comments with me, and I’ll randomly pick one winner from all the comments. That person will receive a bag, full of some of “My Favorite –Must Have” items from TJ’s.

Trader Joe items for this soup

Trader Joe’s items for this soup

In that same vein, every single ingredient for today’s and tomorrow’s recipes is from my neighborhood TJ’s. And to prove my devotion to them and to you, I even went there on a Sunday to purchase it all!  As a rule, I do not visit TJ’s on a weekend day, but for you…I made the sacrifice. xoxo

potatomushroomsoup
 Potato and Mushroom Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, peeled and diced
1 shallot, peeled and diced
1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
10-ounce package sliced crimini mushrooms
10-ounce package sliced white mushrooms
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
2 cups water
1 pound bag “teeny-tiny yellow” potatoes, halved
1/3 cup soy sauce
Fage Greek yogurt, garnish

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and add oil, onions, shallot, and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper.

mushrooms letting off their water

mushrooms letting off their water

Add cremini and white mushrooms, and sauté as mushrooms let out all their water and become dry.

mushrooms brown after water evaporates

mushrooms brown after water evaporates

In the meantime pour the broth and water into a large pot, add the potato halves and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, 12 to 15 minutes.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer half of the potatoes to a blender, add a couple of ladles of the liquid and puree, and return to the pot. Add the onion-mushroom mixture from the skillet to the pot. Pour the soy sauce into the skillet to deglaze the pan and then add it to the soup pot.

Taste and season the soup with additional salt, pepper, and soy sauce. Ladle into soup bowls and garnish each with a dollop of yogurt.

Serves 6


Print pagePDF pageEmail page

12 comments

1 Sharon { 02.02.10 at 12:45 PM }

Love Trader Joes! I was there this morning. The youtube video is pretty funny. So true about the small parking lots and I like how all of us “beautiful moms” were included. Too bad they didn’t include the frozen cubes of minced garlic that you have taught all of us about.

2 Linda Hopkins { 02.02.10 at 1:44 PM }

Sharon, you are the first one to reply and the first one in the running for the give-a-way! And believe me, the frozen garlic will be one of the favorites in the TJ’s bag!

3 Alex Glueckler { 02.02.10 at 5:47 PM }

Trader Joe’s is my favorite!

4 Laurel { 02.02.10 at 6:35 PM }

I love the passion Trader Joe’s evokes in people,chefs, non-chefs, vegans,carnivores, alike and yet all so different. My out of town family members when come to visit, insist on stopping as soon as they land. It’s crazy what their favorite items are.
But most of all I wish I could cook like you!
Thanks for the inspiration you provide.

5 Marissa { 02.02.10 at 9:24 PM }

My new favorite song!

6 Joy Navrkal { 02.02.10 at 9:39 PM }

I enjoyed the video and found myself chuckling at the rithym and rhyme. I saw many products that I’ve enjoyed over the years. I especially like goat yogurt and the spicy roasted almonds. They don’t last in my home very long. I like the great selection of import cheese also and the clerks are always very helpful in recommending something new which I haven’t been disappointed in.

7 Jeanie Hays { 02.02.10 at 10:41 PM }

Great video! I am addicted to TJ”s. Can’t wait to try the soup. Cami and I enjoyed catching fleeting glimpses of you on Channel 12 commercials for the Valley Dish show tonight ; )

8 Debbie Quenneville { 02.03.10 at 8:45 AM }

Trader Joes is great!!! I love to shop there for items to send in my care packages I send to my son in the Navy. I will have to check out the frozen garlic cubes.

9 Kim S. { 02.03.10 at 9:12 AM }

I miss TJ’s! I wish there was one in my neighborhood. When I go it is a special trip…they have the best N.A.Beer (for mamma to be). Humm this is giving me an idea. 🙂 THanks Linda for sharing!

10 Susan C. { 02.03.10 at 12:53 PM }

I’ve sent an email to TJ’s asking that they look into a north Tempe/south Scottsdale location . . . I love their flowers, cards and wine, just to name a few!

11 Amy Kilpatrick { 02.03.10 at 4:49 PM }

Pick me, pick me! I heart Trader Joe’s! And I’m having so much fun trying all of these new recipes. Thanks a million Linda!

12 Linda Hopkins { 02.05.10 at 7:20 PM }

Marissa, you said it was your new favorite song – I read one comment in the Youtube comments sections where a guy said “I want this played at my funeral” Maybe I should add it to my list of songs too! 🙂

Leave a Comment