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Before I became a mom, I’d fly to foreign countries without lodging plans and cut my hair into various asymmetrical shapes for fun. Now I go to Trader Joe’s.
As most of my fellow tired parent friends can also confirm, this little shop of wonders is nothing short of magical. You walk in for oat milk, and leave with chocolate covered potato chips, an Alocasia plant the size of a small car and a watermelon face mask.
Now that it’s Pacific Northwest picnic season, it truly is Trader Joe’s time to shine. Here’s the guide you didn’t know you needed for creating the easy and elegant picnic of your middle age mom dreams.
In our charcuterie board era
As Instagram continues to rally support for charcuterie boards, Trader Joe's has reliably responded with gusto. This season there are a few new cheeses that are just what your board needs.
The Everything but the Bagel Cheddar is a teen fan favorite in our house. It’s everything you love about that little Everything but the Bagel shaker…but with cheese. In other words, it’s perfect.
Another must-have is the new Triple Cream Brie with Wild Mushrooms. It’s rich but subtle, with just the right amount of earthiness from the mushrooms.
Add some Sliced Prosciutto and a jar of the Organic Conversation Olive Trio and some Fig Butter, and you’ve got a spread that feels fancy without the gourmet price tag.
Crackers and breads
Of course, no charcuterie board is complete without some carbs. Trader Joe’s new Green Olive Flats have been a staple in our picnic basket this summer. They’re extra crunchy with a hint of saltiness from the olives.
I also highly recommend picking up at least a couple of bags of TJ’s new Norwegian Sourdough Rye Chips. If the rye chips were also your favorite part of the snack mix of your childhood, this one’s for you.
And, of course, let’s not forget the trusty ol' TJ's baguette—crusty on the outside, soft on the inside and perfect for making mini sandwiches or just tearing into pieces to enjoy with your cheese.
If gluten is not your friend, never fear. The Organic Seedy Crackers are excellent. Tamari gives these savory treats a little umami boost.
Protein power
Cheese and ham are solid standbys, but sometimes your picnic (and your Instagram pic) needs protein that’s a little less, well, basic. I have one word for you and that word is trout.
Lucky for us, Trader Joe’s has been serving up two delicious trout options for a while now, both of which make a regular rotation through my picnic baskets.
First choice: the Smoked Rainbow Trout Fillets from the refrigerated section. These are amazing. Break off some big flakes and eat them on bread with that mushroom brie.
Second choice: the Smoked Trout Fillets in canola oil from the canned food section. This one’s a little messier, but also a little cheaper and you can use the oil to make a great salad dressing.
If you’re not a smoked fish person, grab a container of the Just Chicken next to the prepared salads. This is, as its name suggests, simply sliced and ready-to-eat cooked white chicken meat. Do not eat this plain unless you are a toddler. Chop then toss the chicken cold with TJ’s Vegan Chimichurri or Chili Crisp and you have an easy chicken salad ready to eat with a fork or as a sandwich.
Sweet treats
Picnics are no time to indulge your inner chocoholic, unless you want a melted mess all over your sundress.
Good news is that Trader Joe’s is a haven for packable treats. The new Peanut Butter Pillows are a flaky, peanut-y delight that appeal to both sweet and savory snackers.
The Madeleines are a cute addition to any picnic. With the gluten-free version, the cookies come individually wrapped, which is not great for the planet, but it’s very convenient for picnic packing.
My personal favorite Trader Joe’s treat, though, has long been the Macarons. These Parisian-style meringue sandwich cookies in a rainbow of pastel colors will make your picnic feel like a little tea party. You can find them in the frozen section next to the ice cream. They come in a box of a dozen featuring a mix of six classic flavors like pistachio and lemon.
A treat for 21+ picnickers
While you’re picking up a box of macarons, do yourself a favor and grab a carton of TJ’s new Super Strawberry Sorbet. Does it seem nuts to take sorbet to a picnic? You’ll need a little extra gear, but trust me, it’s worth it.
What you’re going to do is pick out a nice bottle of prosecco from Trader Joe’s famously vast and affordable wine section. I like the La Marca. And then you’re going to–are you ready for this–take a big scoop of that strawberry sorbet and make a prosecco float! Welcome to the classy wine mom summer picnic you’ve been waiting all year for.
Hydration for all
If you’re looking for a buzz-free beverage, picnickers of all ages will enjoy the Sparkling Coconut Water with Yuzu. It's a unique and refreshing choice and not too sweet. Pro tip: the hint of citrus from the yuzu would make a great pairing with the strawberry sorbet.
Packing tips and picnic gear
Those wicker picnic baskets on your Pinterest board make for lovely photos, but let’s be real, they’re awkward to carry and your cheeses are going to melt in them. I recommend packing everything in a cooler with plenty of ice packs to keep things fresh. This jumbo insulated cooler bag is big enough to fit everything you need for an outdoor feast, and it’s tote-shaped for easy carrying.
I’ve been known to take regular metal forks and knives to picnics, but I also know that’s Very Seattle of me. If you’re looking for a more normal option, these bamboo cutlery sets are reusable and great for all of the on-the-go eating that seems to happen with kids in tow.
And last but certainly not least, you’re going to need an insulated ice cream travel buddy. This one from S’well is triple-layered and will keep your pint of strawberry sorbet frozen for up to four hours. It comes in multiple color options. The teakwood one would look great alongside this set of stainless steel travel wine tumblers.
Happy picnicking, fellow Trader Joe’s shoppers! See you all at Volunteer Park.
