I’ve had a few requests to share some of the recipes of meals I have shared in recent posts, like my Ode to Trader Joes. I originally didn’t think to share them because they are a) more just throwing things together or b) turned out tasty, but different than expected. I’m still happy to share, though! So, here you go…

Roasted Eggplant & Hummus Panini

Preheat oven to 425. Cut a large eggplant into 1/2” rounds and place on a baking sheet. Spray the eggplant with cooking spray and roast for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Layer up your favorite bread with your favorite sandwich toppings. I used pesto, TJ’s White Bean Basil hummus, tomato, sautéed mushrooms, olives, the eggplant, and spinach.

Press in a panini press or cook on the stovetop until the bread gets toasty and crunchy.

Spicy Jalapeno & Veggie Jambalaya

Prepare a package of Spicy Jalapeno (or other spicy variety) chicken sausages, according to package directions. Slice into rounds when finished.

While sausage cooks, take the “kitchen sink” method and toss your favorite vegetables or what you have on hand into a pan with a small amount of oil or coated with cooking spray. I used squash, zucchini, onion, mushrooms, and broccoli. Cook 5-10 minutes.

Add one 15 oz can no-salt-added diced tomatoes. Add Louisiana Cajun/Creole seasoning (or other spice component) to desired spice level. Let simmer an additional 5 minutes.

Serve the vegetable mixture over cooked brown rice and top with the sausage.

Enchilada Polenta “Stew to Bake”
(adapted from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker cookbook)

• 1 small onion, diced small
• 1 1/4 cups cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups boiling water
• 2 cups salsa
• 1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/3 cup sliced black olives
• 1 1/2 cups frozen corn, thawed
• 1/4 red onion, diced small
• cilantro, for garnish

Combine the diced onion, cornmeal, chili powder, and salt in a crockpot. Pour the 4 cups boiling water over and stir to combine. Cook on low 6-8 hours.

30-60 minutes before ready to serve, combine the remaining ingredients (besides cilantro) in a medium bowl. Mix together.

Spread atop the polenta base in the crockpot. Allow to cook 20-30 minutes, until bean mixture heats through.

Here’s where things got crazy. The polenta mixture should have “set to firm” while cooking. It never did for me, so I ended up serving the meal in bowls as a soup that night. I garnished it with the cilantro and a sprinkle of cheese and it still tasted great.

Then, the next day when I went to have leftovers the polenta had firmed up while in the fridge overnight. It ended up more like a casserole or bake. Interesting, no? I just served it as such for my lunch and it actually turned out really well.

I preferred it in the casserole/bake form, but only got there through the minor “kitchen fail”. Now, I have to find a way to recreate the recipe to just produce the casserole. I tell ya not to trust me in the kitchen…but I promise it is still very tasty!!!

Questions of the Day -

• Have you ever had a recipe “fail” actually turn out pretty good?
• Any ideas on fixing my recipe?

Oh Trader Joes how I love thee.

You give me all sorts of goods from pastas to coffee.

Roasted Garlic Sausage with Portabella Stuffed TJs Ravioli + Veggies

 

Your sausages always make an appearance
in our freezer for easy meal deliverance.

The Sweet Apple & Mango flavors are a breakfast delight.
Even if not the most beautiful sight.

Mango Sausage with Peanut Butter Waffles 

Spicy Jalapeno & Roasted Garlic too.

Spicy Jalapeno Sausage + Veggie Jambalaya 

Oh, Trader Joe’s how I love you.

We cannot forget that cereal aisle.
Or the dark chocolate that always makes me smile.

Speaking of dark chocolate, TJ’s you amaze me…
with all that you cover from almonds to pom seeds.

 

Then, of course, my favorite White Bean Basil hummus.

Perfect for spreading on a Roasted Eggplant Panini or for dipping veggies.  

And your Mandarin Orange Chicken that makes you so famous.

Serious yum! 

You have sauces and salsas of so many flavors.

They make any dish that much more worthy to savor.

I have searched high and low with no such luck
in finding a comparison to your 3-buck-chuck.

Even down to your breads, you make everything yum.
In fact, your multigrain thins are the only thing M deems worthy of her tum.

And though you suffer an identity crisis, Trader Joe/Jose/Ming,
I promise to still adore you. After all, you make my heart mouth sing.

Question of the Day – TJs fan? How often can you shop there or something like Whole Foods? We usually do our local Kroger, but will stock up on TJs when we can!

**Also, thank you all SO much for your comments and words of wisdom in my The Friend Break-Up post. It’s amazing how many of us have gone through similar situations. It seems there is a great split on whether or not to confront the issue head on or just allow things to move on naturally. I think I’m leaning towards the latter by not extending effort myself in the relationship anymore. I will openly discuss the situation, however, if the opportunity arises or becomes necessary. Once again, thank you for YOUR friendship!