I recently rediscovered the particular fun of a good, long shop at Trader Joe’s. I used to go regularly in my twenties (mostly for wine), but then I got married to a TJ’s die-hard who “swings by” the store pretty much every single day — therefore eliminating any reason for me to do so. But Trader Joe’s is an ever-changing wonderland, and I was thrilled to find some old favorites (still good! still well priced!), along with some spectacular new ones. Here are my current top 10…

Garlic Spread Dip. The first time I bought this, I made the mistake of buying only one. I had plans to try it on various dinner items (smeared on chicken breasts! dolloped on baked potatoes!). But, before I even started cooking, it was gone. I’m sure it would be great on all sorts of things, but I can tell you it’s DIVINE on a seedy cracker.

Mushroom Risotto. I love risotto, and before my daughter Margot was born, I loved hovering over the stove while it simmered, carefully adding broth and wine. But Margot doesn’t have time for all that fuss. TJ’s risotto takes five minutes, and the first time I made it I was almost annoyed by how good it was.

Rainbow’s End Trail Mix. For me, this is the only trail mix. I’ve yet to find another that nails the balance of salty, sweet, crunchy, chewy and tart quite so well. If they ever stop making this, I will simply stop eating trail mix. (Please, please, don’t ever stop!)

Soft & Juicy Mango. Everyone in my family has a pack of these dried mango slices in their backpacks. They last forever, take up no space, and are incredibly satisfying. I won’t take a car trip without them.

Jojoba Oil. I’m a major hand-cream aficionada. I could write a whole list of mega-fancy hand creams that help my dry skin, but for my cuticles? Not one works as well as this stuff. WOW. Did everyone know about jojoba oil? It’s like a Magic Eraser for the scraggly bits around your fingernails. I put on a couple drops once a day and it’s as if I don’t even have cuticles anymore?!

Vegetable Bird’s Nests. But back to food. Can we talk about veggie nests? They are so good, and so unsung! Every time I go to the store, I worry I will find them discontinued because everyone blows past them on their way to the dumplings. And I’ll grant you: on the box, they look like tangled wads of rubber bands. But they are the most flavorful, crispy-outside-chewy-inside, utterly scrumptious things, and they make our kitchen smell incredible. Put them in the oven before friends come over, and everyone will walk in asking, “Ooh, what are you making?”

Lavash bread. Lavash is a lunchbox hero, for both grown-ups and preschoolers. It’s softer and more malleable than pita, but much sturdier than sandwich bread, and it won’t go soggy if you stuff it with grilled vegetables or drizzle it with vinaigrette. It’s also conveniently perforated down the middle like a roll of paper towels — a feature I weirdly appreciate, because it means one less step when I’m making the aforementioned preschooler’s lunch at 7:22 a.m.

Giant Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce. We have these in the cabinet at all times. They’re always a crowd-pleaser — but they are also a ME pleaser. When eating alone, I don’t bother with plating or heating up; I just open the can and grab a fork. [Here’s a recipe with them, too.]

Sous Vide Chicken Thighs. We all know TJ’s shines in the freezer aisle, but these refrigerated chicken thighs are officially my favorite product in the store. They’re SUPER juicy, and easily jazzed up with any sauce, but I personally like them best with zero embellishments. Heat them skin-side down on the stove, serve on a heap of sautéed greens, and you’ve got yourself a dinner party.

A Dozen Sweet Bites. Here’s another easy win for a dinner party. But in addition to being cute and elegant, they’re also really yummy. I recommend grabbing one from the freezer in your pajamas, when you need a treat before bed.

Now, please, will you tell me your own current faves? What have I missed?

P.S. Three TJ’s meal hacks and the best party snack of all time.

(Photo by Maria Manco/Stocksy.)