I love to cook up culinary creations in my kitchen, but sometimes when I need a quick snack and am pressed for time, I buy something ready-made. Here are five fabulous food finds from our local Costco (a warehouse club) that have proven their worth to me time after time. These are all high-quality noshes, and I can vouch for the fact that they are delicious and real crowd-pleasers!
Goat Cheese with Cranberries & Cinnamon
 |
| 10.5 oz. for about $5 |
This unique goat cheese log wrapped in sweetened, dried cranberries is so creamy and satisfying atop a whole grain cracker. With its ruby-red coating, it is festive, too!
If you don't have a Costco, you can read more about this product
here and maybe request it from your local store.
Dark Chocolate & Almond Lacey's Cookies
 |
| 25 cookies (1 oz. each) for about $8 |
I am a dark chocolate fanatic, but my second favorite flavor is butterscotch or caramel. These crisp cookies satisfy both cravings. Although they technically don't have any caramel (that I'm aware of), they have a toffee-like quality that is totally addictive.
These decadent cookies are also available
here as well as at some Whole Foods Markets and Trader Joe's.
Ghiradelli Triple Chocolate Brownie Mix
 |
| 6 packets (each makes an 8x8" pan) for $9 |
Baking is my passion, and whipping up homemade brownies is almost as quick as using a mix.
Almost. There are more than a few times that I have relied on this old favorite. These brownies are dense and chewy and chocolaty. They don't have an artificial taste that I can detect. And they have three (3!) kinds of chocolate: milk, semi-sweet, and white.
I believe this brand is widely available in most grocery stores.
Phillipine Brand Dried Mango Slices
 |
| 30 ounces for about $11 |
These dried mangoes are sweet and chewy and positive addicting. I only buy them to bring them somewhere else because I could probably eat most of the two-pound bag! Mango lovers, beware!
You can check availability in your area
here
Sabra Hummus
 |
| 2 lb. container for $5 |
I have become a big fan of Mediterranean food in the past few years. Hummus (chickpea dip) makes for delish and healthy nibbles when served with crackers, pita bread, or veggies. This 2-lb. tub of hummus is smooth and creamy (I get the roasted pine nut version, but there are also red pepper and garlic lovers varieties). I don't think you can make this quantity from scratch for $5! And try as I might, I've never been able to get mine as smooth as store-bought, either. Hummus keeps well if there is any left over
Click here to find a source near you.
Do you have a favorite ready-made, go-to item to serve when you're pressed for time? Please share!
5 comments:
Vicki, this is a great list. I also love hearing what people enjoy from Trader Joe's - trying a new prepared food there is hit or miss. I'll have to look for that goat cheese - what a yummy combination. Also, LOVE that Ghiardelli brownie mix and most especially - Sabra hummus. We adore the Supremely Spicy version!!
Thanks for sharing your list!
Vicki, When I saw the title on this post, I immediately had to check it out. I love finding new things to buy at Costco. One of favorites is their chicken meatballs. But even more than that are the raw flour tortillas. They are so easy to cook (a couple minutes) and I wrap just about everything in them.
I'm definitely going to be trying the goat cheese and the cookies. Thanks for the tips.
Ohhhhh! I think I really need to have some of those lacey cookies! Joni
I took this post with me to Costco tonight. Bought the goat cheese and the hummus. Looked at the cookies but just couldn't do it. Too many sweets from testing for my blog hanging around the house already. But they look wonderful.
Question: Do you/can you freeze the hummus? It is SO good. Wonder how long it stays good if you don't freeze it.
Paula, I have not tried freezing it. It probably stays fresh for a 2-3 weeks at least. I think I'll try freezing some and find out!
Post a Comment