Pumpkin: Trader Joe Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix

This is my test of the TJ's pumpkin bread mix.  I actually wasn't allowed to buy the mix.  It went something like this:

"If you make it, I end up eating it all"

So to be supportive, I just sampled the pumpkin bread with chocolate chips at the sample station (three samples, I'll come clean).  That counts as enough for a pumpkin report out, right?

Last year I bought three boxes to stock up.  I do really like it, but love 2 recipes: one from his mom and the other from my mom.  Clearly, moms are good at homemade pumpkin bread.  I may have to make so I can report back with the recipe!

And I'm off to Maryland on Friday for Sarah's wedding!  Lots of picks to come, will be a great weekend with some very very good friends.

Trader Joe Fav: Mandarin Orange Chicken

There are quite a few Trader Joe's products I've come to love.  One of them is the Mandarin Orange Chicken.  It makes a great Sunday dinner (a bit of a treat).  And it's ready in minutes.  

M, the chef, masterfully stirs up the chicken and sauce on the stove top.  I run over to New Kam Lai for the white rice for $2.  Yes, we decided it was just easier to run around the corner for perfect sticky rice since we never have rice on hand.  We tag team this dinner.

Sunday we even added some onions we had on hand, just like they do in Southwestern China.  Really.  After a never ending amount of rain on Sunday, this really hit the spot.