Trader Joe’s Fall Food Finds

We know you all love Trader Joe's as much as we do! And, there's really nothing better than wandering the aisles in the Fall to find the most delicious and seasonal food finds. Whether a Pumpkin Joe Joe Cookie to snack on or the best Pumpkin Chipotle Roasting Sauce, they are all sure to find a perfect spot in your cart this season!

Our picks of the Season…

Pumpkin Spiced Joe Joe Sandwich Cookies: Joe Joe’s are always #`1 in our heart. They are cute, delicious and the perfect treat almost any time of day. The Pumpkin Spiced Cookies have just the right amount of sweetness and the sea salt really amplifies the flavors. Currently hiding these from my kids!

Pumpkin Brioche Bread: Thick, not too sweet and delicious. Great for toast, topped with cinnamon sugar or pumpkin butter. Also the perfect ingredient for two of our favorite seasonal recipes. Head to our recipe section and search “Pumpkin Brioche French Toast” or “Pumpkin Brioche Overnight French Toast Bake.” Perfection.

Pumpkin Butter: Delicious on toast, graham crackers, pancakes and more. I love it so much, I might even bathe in it if given the option. Head to our recipe section and search “Pumpkin Brioche French Toast Bake” for a great dish that incorporates this amazing butter!

Butternut Squash Ravioli and Pumpkin Ravioli: Find these fresh and delicious pastas in the refrigerated section. Perfect with a simple sauce for a meal in minutes. Want to get fancy? Head to our recipe section and search “Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter.” So easy and delicious yet slightly elevated. Your family will think you were in the kitchen for hours!

Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancake & Waffle Mix: We love these year round for the quickest, easiest pancakes and waffles. Throw in some pumpkin puree and the mix can easily be made into muffins, too. Great for a quick morning breakfast on a school day or a weekend brunch that everyone will think you slaved over.

Fall Zucchette Pasta: Cute little pumpkin shaped noodles in a pumpkin/squash flavor. Great with the Autumnal Harvest Pasta Sauce and some freshly grated parmesan cheese!

Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce: One of our absolute favorite pasta sauces! We’ve even been known to stockpile in the fall for use later in the year. Rich, flavorful and delicious. Pour over the Butternut Squash Ravioli, Pumpkin Ravioli or the Fall Zucchette Pasta for an easy and tasty weeknight meal!

Pumpkin Bisque: Rich, thick, flavorful and perfection. Top with a dollop of greek yogurt, some fresh chives or scallions and some pepitas and you have a meal! Great for lunch if working from home.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Mix: So fast and easy! Toss in a few ingredients with this dry mix and you have seasonal deliciousness in minutes. My kiddos had fun making these!

Pumpkin Spiced Teeny Tiny Pretzels: The cutest little snack of the season. Kinda tastes like a yogurt covered pretzel but better. Perfect for little hands or a lunch box.

Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bites and Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese: Find these little gems in the Freezer Section. The butternut squash brings a little richness to both entrees. Kids and adults like have been known to gobble these up!

Pumpkin Spice Hummus: Just the right amount of flavor for a healthy and delicious snack. Perfect with vegetables and even gingersnaps!

Mara

M • A • R • A •  What an absolute delight you were!  Chef Gavin Kaysen never disappoints and Mara was no different.  The newest Kaysen restaurant is located inside the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Minneapolis.  Perfect ambiance, impeccable decor, attentive service, delicious food, unique drinks and perfect desserts.  Chef Kaysen is known for his open concept kitchens, making guests feel like they are a part of the meal preparation.  This Mediterranean inspired menu delights at every turn but there were definitely a few favorites for us.  We loved the Whipped Hummus and Homemade Pitas, Watermelon & Tomato Salad, Chermoula Spiced Chicken, Crispy Fried Potatoes, Olive Oil Cake and Arrabiatta Drink.  (Believe it or not, we ate much more than just that!). While a little pricier when you order multiple courses, the portions are generous for a high end restaurant and the flavor combinations were unique and delicious.  A reservation can still be hard to get but we have an insider tip for you!  You can walk right in without a reservation and sit at the bar (including bar tables) and order the full dinner menu.  While you lose a bit of the ambiance of the restaurant itself, the bar is still special and worth it!  Make your plans to dine at Mara now.