Yay: Nonpareille Capers

Capers add an element of surprise flavor to many dishes. Do not be fooled by their tiny nonpareille size -- these little flower buds from the caper bush are pickled to add a salty, vinegary punch. They are a great topping for a variety of fish and pasta dishes, adding a gourmet flair to your every day cooking. The best part about these carpers is that even though they are traditionally a gourmet food, TJs sells them at non-gourmet prices (pricing varies by store location).

Yay: 10 Minute Farro

I never cooked farro before trying TJs 10 Minute Farro. I had tasted it many times before this and always assumed it was a difficult grain to cook, much like rice. I assure you that if I can cook this stuff without messing it up, you can too (I am the world's worst at cooking rice, therefore my entire culinary life changed when I found TJs Frozen Brown Rice). Farro can be quite bland alone, so I recommend finding a recipe; I used this one from Whole Foods found here, making it into a cold salad as a side dish. I am curious how to use it in a hot dish. Do you have any other farro recipes to share?

Yay: Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake Mix

This Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake mix is delicious! Although I typically do all my baking from scratch, I've also never seen crumb cake in box mix form. It is very easy to make -- you just need milk, butter or vegetable oil, some more butter, a bowl, a spoon, a cake pan, and about 60-75 minutes. It takes a very long time to bake -- 40-60 minutes depending on the cake pan size and your oven -- but it is worth the wait because of the taste and simplicity. The cake comes out moist and fluffy, and the crumb topping bakes to crispy perfection. Bring this to a holiday party and you will hear rave reviews about your baking skills!

Yay: Creamy Fresh Goat Cheese with Herbs

Goat cheese is a must have for anyone who wants to add a gourmet flair to their dishes, and this Goat Cheese with Herbs is an excellent tool to have in the kitchen. The herbs in this cheese are a useful touch because they add a subtle flavor to a variety of dishes. Serve on crackers with a plate of fruit, mix in with red sauce to get a creamy style sauce, or add to salad for that extra gourmet flair. It complements the Candied Pecans in a spinach salad, and will impress whomever you prepare meals for!

Nay: Turkish Smyrna Figs

Dried figs leave much to be desired, and are much tastier served fresh. This "nay" is most likely a result of personal taste and not necessarily reflective of TJs dried fruit selection, which is typically of a superior quality and flavor. These dried figs are tough, with grainy seeds inside. Unless you already love dried figs or have a specific recipe in mind, they are not worth it.

Yay: Organic Corn Chip Dippers

This hearty, crunchy chip is a great addition to any party with dips! I recommend using it with heartier, chunkier dips as opposed to thinner ones (i.e., do not recommend it with the Mild Salsa, even though the salsa is delicious). These will work well with chunky guacamole and taco dips because they are very thick and sturdy, and therefore less prone to breaking. They will not leave you with a mess on your hands. Do beware though -- they are just as addicting and filled with fats as standard brand chips!

Yay: Vanilla Flavored Whey Protein Powder

This is a tasty and simple way to add more protein to your diet. Mix some in a smoothie or shake, or add some to baked goods such as pancakes or homemade granola bars. The vanilla flavoring is subtle and not sugary tasting. The serving size is 2 scoops, but I find this makes shakes a bit too thick and gelatinous in texture, so I typically use one scoop. How many different protein shake combinations can you make?