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: 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!

Yay: Baby Spinach

I have yet to purchase a "bad" bag of baby spinach from Trader Joe's. It is always fresh, not wilted, crispy and delicious. Many times I've tried to purchase spinach from a different grocery store with standard packaged brands, and the bottom 1/3 of the bag is nearly useless because the spinach is wet and wilted. At $1.99 a bag the price is comparable too (although your store's pricing may vary). Top with some Candied Pecans and a delicious cheese, and you've got yourself one yummy salad!

Yay: Candied Pecans

This little golden nuggets of tasty goodness are super pricey for the small amount, but are worth it for adding that extra "YUMMY" to a dish. The front of the package says it all: they are crunchy with just the right amount of sweet. I used them in a spinach salad, and these are not nearly as sugary as pecans found in restaurant salads. The front of the package says great for snacking, but beware because they will not last long!