Monday, March 2, 2009

Pile of vegetables and some soy nuggets

Today's pantry item comes to you from the freezer. It's 3 little Trader Joe's soy nuggets. I've got a shoebox sized freezer to begin with that actually needs to be defrosted. And I mean defrosted, like turned off and scraped with a spatula every hour or so and dumping out snowman sized chunks into the sink. Yeah, I need an appliance upgrade. I'm sure it's an electricity hog even though it's small, but it still works and I guess I'm keeping it out of a landfill.

So I need to use stuff up and three little nuggets sitting in a big cardboard box isn't doing much for my space issue.

Anyway, I usually whip up some agave mustard sauce or BBQ sauce for dunking the nuggets, but on this snowy evening, I was feeling like something more homey. There's the nuggets, roasted green beans, some radicchio endive salad, roasted brussel sprouts, the sauteed kale from yesterday's empanadas, and some garlic smashed potatoes.

If you don't live near a Trader Joe's or have never been to one or live in a country where there are no TJs, then you are missing out on an experience and some awesome foodstuffs. There's one near my house, but the TJs in NYC is particularly interesting. Since there's only one in Manhattan, it's quite the novelty. I went once and never again. Even on a Monday night at 7:30pm (not today), there were 2 lines that went ENTIRELY around the store. No lie. I'm sure there are people that go as a team and one shops from the line while the other one runs around the store.

I know someone had a recipe for soy nuggets, but I can't remember who/where...if it's you or you have a recipe post a link in the comments.

Cheers!

18 comments:

Tara said...

That looks good! I've never been to a Trader Joe's, but it would be neat to go. I've never been to a Whole Foods, either. A recipe for soy nuggets would be great!

Tara said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

ugh it's terrible...the 14th st one.....someone one said that he wouldnt be surprised if someone pulled an uzi out and started blasting.

u know what i'm talking abt;)

Vic Robinson said...

When I was younger I had a bad experience at TJs and have not been back. One just opened here in Atlanta, maybe I should give them another try. Those soy nuggets sure look tasty.

Sindy said...

That looks really good, given that it was so easy! Good use of leftovers and cleaning out the freezer ;)

Jen Treehugger said...

Trader Joe needs to get his ass over to Spain!

:)

Tami said...

So far we've only tried the soyrizo from TJ's. We ran in and grabbed it without even looking around. That place is always a madhouse!

The nuggets look good though.We may have to get our courage up and actually look around next time.

Binx said...

Well, 7:30 is a bit late to be that busy, but speaking from the experience of someone who works in a grocery store (whole foods), Monday nights between 5:30 - 8 can still be really busy. The best time to shop (I've noticed) is before 11 am, after 8 pm, or in the middle around 1-4. Also, Tuesday and Wednesday are the slowest grocery days.

Is that sad that I know that? :)

Jen said...

i need to get up to TJs. there's one about an hour and a half north of me, and i've always wondered if it would be really worth it.

good use of freezer/pantry purge!

For the Love of Guava said...

nom... I love TJ's soy nuggets... not sure why they're not so much chickenlike at all but they remind me of the old mystery meat nuggets mcdonald's used to serve! hahaha... I've said too much already...

Sal - AlienOnToast said...

yum, they look a bit like the meatless nuggets one of the supermarkets do over here.

Bianca said...

I've never tried TJ's soy nuggets, but I love the Health Is Wealth brand. Hardly ever buy them cause they're so expensive. But I do love 'em.

Mike K said...

I really wish we had a Trader Joe's around here - the closest is 3 hours down the road in the Twin Cities. The soy nuggets and veggies look great, and those empanadas from the previous post are inspiring!

Amanda said...

are your soy nuggets vegan? cool if they are! I don't think Whole Foods sells vegan ones..I saw a new vegan brand at a local market recently..will have to investigate. I usually don't go to TJs but might reconsider because they are building one right across the street from my Whole Foods!

Jenn said...

Amanda,
The TJ's soy nuggets I got were labaled vegan. I think they had other ones that weren't, so still check the labels if you go to pick some up.

River (Wing-It Vegan) said...

That is crazy!! People must really love their Trader Joe's in NYC!

Thank you for your birthday wishes, Jenn! Sorry it's taken me so long to reply!

Joanna said...

hey, girl!!! trader joe's is pretty awesome. i am addicted to all their nuts and dried fruit. it's always SOO crowded, but the cashiers are smokin hot so i guess that makes up for the long wait in line.

i've been on a kale kick lately. the stuff is soo good. i've been putting it in my smoothies.

drepublic said...

love the fridge/freezer purge, it's always the best day of the month. i must say though, yourodds n ends meal looks better than mine ever do (i actually ate apsaragus and a three-mustard sandwich for dinner tonight.)