The Trader Joe’s Taster: Mexican Hot Cocoa Cookies, Dark Chocolate Chipotle Hazelnuts and Edamame Hummus

Lucky we live in the land of Trader Joe’s, right? Every week we stumble across another unique — and most of the time, tasty (but not always) — treat. And then we usually blog about it.

My latest loves include the Mexican Hot Cocoa Cookies, which yes, taste about as good as they sound. I love Mexican Hot Chocolate (with that nice, cinnamony spice) and I love cookies… so yes, the merger of two equals works out well. The consistency — similar to Mexican wedding cake cookies — makes for a nice crumble in your mouth as well.

Oh yeah, it’s the holidays… so yes, we’re going a little crazy with the sweets. But again, I couldn’t pass up the promise of spicy dark chocolate “with a hint of cinnamon and cocoa.” Sense a trend? Again, I was pleased with the results. I can do without the hazelnuts; I’m really here for the spice. And although this item promises “mild, smoky heat,” I was actually impressed with how spicy they allowed it to be. I’m a big fan of mixing chocolate with other flavors (except orange, don’t ask me why), and this wins.

I was also pleased with my edamame hummus selection, even though the edamame flavor may be too subtle to notice. I find that I tend not to like flavored hummus these days… it always leaves such a lingering, garlicky taste in your mouth. But the edamame hummus flavor was pleasant, and didn’t leave a long-lasting aftertaste. I approve as well.

Wow, three for three. That’s why we heart the TJs.

MEANWHILE, thanks to the Atwater Village Newbie for his holiday hint: TJs goodies are great gifts for people who don’t live anywhere close to the chain.

Got any new Trader Joe’s finds? Leave your comments below.

Checking Out The Hype

(Flickr pic by The Gourmetro.)

We hit two recently opened food hotspots on Monday — and discovered that one lives up to the hype; the other, not so much.

First, the one that does: Intelligentsia Coffee, a recent transplant out of Chicago, boasts some of the best-tasting coffee I’ve had in a while. What’s more, the store’s urban decor fits in perfectly with its Silver Lake neighborhood. Place was crowded, but not too packed, for a Monday afternoon.

I ordered a coffee: Flecha Roja, from Costa Rica ($2.05); Maria bought a Macchiato ($2.50). The coffee is a little more pricey than most places, but it was the best coffee shop brew I’ve had in a long time. (Sorry, Swork!)

(Flickr pic by zomgwtf.)

Then there’s the new Pasadena Whole Foods Market, located on Arroyo Parkway. Yes, the scope and size of the building is impressive, and the huge array of food stands and grocery aisles impressive. But given the hype, it just came short. The store is laid out strangely — after checking out, you have to turn around and go through the store to get to your car. Also, there’s probably a few too many food stations.

But most key, those prices are just too steep.

Checking Out The Hype

(Flickr pic by The Gourmetro.)

We hit two recently opened food hotspots on Monday — and discovered that one lives up to the hype; the other, not so much.

First, the one that does: Intelligentsia Coffee, a recent transplant out of Chicago, boasts some of the best-tasting coffee I’ve had in a while. What’s more, the store’s urban decor fits in perfectly with its Silver Lake neighborhood. Place was crowded, but not too packed, for a Monday afternoon.

I ordered a coffee: Flecha Roja, from Costa Rica ($2.05); Maria bought a Macchiato ($2.50). The coffee is a little more pricey than most places, but it was the best coffee shop brew I’ve had in a long time. (Sorry, Swork!)

(Flickr pic by zomgwtf.)

Then there’s the new Pasadena Whole Foods Market, located on Arroyo Parkway. Yes, the scope and size of the building is impressive, and the huge array of food stands and grocery aisles impressive. But given the hype, it just came short. The store is laid out strangely — after checking out, you have to turn around and go through the store to get to your car. Also, there’s probably a few too many food stations.

But most key, those prices are just too steep.