Lemon Basil Cake uses the wonderful combination of lemon and basil to turn ordinary vanilla cake into something unique and delicious.  It might sound a bit odd to put an herb like basil in a cake, but think of how mint is often used in a similar way.  For this recipe, you'll be adding the lemon and basil ingredients to Trader Joe's vanilla cake mix.   If you prefer to make your cake from scratch, just add the lemon and basil to your favorite vanilla cake recipe in the same manner described below.  Slice and serve topped with fresh berries - blueberries are a perfect complement to the flavors of this cake.  The cake is already quite sweet, so I prefer it with fresh fruit or whipped cream, but you can also drizzle it with a sauce such as Wild Maine Blueberry Fruit Sauce, right before serving.

Vegetarian 

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This recipe uses the cute idea of making mini meatloaves using muffin or cupcake tins. I've tried it a few times and it's been a great hit with all of us. I've been making them with lean turkey, and they are not only very tasty but very moist. If you're thinking that meatloaf sounds boring, these are a fun twist on an old classic. The second time I made them, my kids cheered, "Yay! Meat cupcakes!" I haven't come up with the perfect name for this recipe, but I don't think that's it. The recipe is very easy; the only lengthy part is boiling the potatoes. If you want to skip the potatoes, use 2 lbs of turkey and only 1 egg.

Low Carb  Low Fat  Gluten Free 

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A mango lassi is basically a smoothie made with primarily yogurt and mango. We added a little orange juice and agave nectar to kick up the tart and sweet flavors. The flaxseed oil is optional if you want to add some healthy omega-3 essential fatty acids to your morning.

Vegetarian  Low Fat  Gluten Free 

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This is the recipe that appears on the back of Trader Joe's fried onions. A classic holiday side got even better, now that TJ carries mushroom soup in addition to fried onions. Trader Joe's fried onions appear seasonally during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Vegetarian 

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Eggplant has great texture and give a nice heartiness in vegetarian sandwiches.  In this sandwich, the rich eggplant and zucchini slices contrast nicely with some fresh, peppery arugula and tangy feta.  Don't skip the lemon garlic sauce - it adds so much flavor and brings it all together.  If you're not crazy about garlic, start with a little less and see how you like it.

Vegetarian 

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All aboard! Shrimp, mango, and jalapeños set sail on endive boats. No utensils needed for this seafood adventure. The sweet flavors in the fruit salsa offset the slightly bitter taste of crunchy endive. Be prepared for the salsa’s spicy kick!

Low Carb  Low Fat  Gluten Free 

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I make lots of different salads, but they often follow my golden formula: salad = greens + nuts + cheese + fruit (usually topped off by a variation of a balsamic vinaigrette, my favorite). This salad uses herb greens + walnuts + gorgonzola + fresh strawberries. The greens are washed and ready to use. The sweetness of the fresh strawberries contrasts nicely against the creamy tang of Gorgonzola and the crunch of sweetened nuts.

Vegetarian  Low Carb  Low Fat  Gluten Free 

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Pumpkin hummus is a twist on the classic party appetizer, perfect for holiday gatherings. Serve with pita chips. For a fun party idea, use cookie cutters to cut tortilla chips into fun shapes, spray with oil, sprinkle with 21 Seasoning Salute, and bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. If the idea of making homemade hummus makes you run the other way, just grab a container of pre-made hummus at Trader Joe's and mix with half a can of pumpkin puree, adding seasonings such as cinnamon, cumin, and salt to taste.

Vegetarian  Gluten Free  Low Carb  Low Fat 

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This simple sandwich is reminiscent of the kinds you'll find in cafes in Europe. Use fresh bread and minimally accessorize to let the flavors of the ham and Brie really shine.

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Panettone is a traditional Italian sweet bread that is served during Christmas and New Year. It's a fluffy sweet bread studded with candied fruit, and it makes for fabulous bread pudding. Eggnog adds to the festive holiday flavors.

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