By Kara Kimbrough

Food Columnist

 I’ve often shared my love of food stores…large supermarkets…family-owned food markets…neighborhood grocery stores and local bakeries…I’m no discriminator between any of them. Bottom line: I just want to shop locally for my food. As a result, I recently explored a “supermarket on steroids” and compiled a list of my favorite products in case you’re ever near a Trader Joe’s store.

My obsession with supermarkets was primarily spurred by the 12+ years I spent as communications manager for Jitney Jungle Stores of America. I saw firsthand how supermarkets serve as an employer for thousands and are the heart of any community. Plus, I simply like selecting my own food items so that I can comparison shop (reading the shelf labels is a must) but make sure I’m getting the very best products.

  As the holidays approach, I hope you’ll shop locally for your family’s meals. I realize some need the convenience of online ordering, but if you don’t, consider supporting local supermarkets, food stores and bakeries. The positive ripple effect of doing business with local businesses far surpasses any temporary convenience afforded by ordering from out-of-state corporations.

OK, I’ll get off my soapbox and share my thoughts on Trader Joe’s. For years, I’m listened to Mississippi friends talk about stopping by the Metairie location of the specialty supermarket when traveling near New Orleans. They shared the joys of purchasing hard-to-find gourmet items as well as the chain’s signature private label brand products. And, a couple of foodie friends from Jackson regularly drive straight to Trader Joe’s, shop for their favorite items and head straight back home. 

After asking for their top picks and watching several online videos from devotees of the store, I was excited to take a short detour to Metairie while returning from a recent trip to New Orleans. Here are the items I’d definitely purchase again, along with my thoughts at the end:

1.     Apple cider doughnuts – Trader Joe’s bakery gets an A+ for its large selection of delicious specialty breads, muffins, pastries and doughnuts. The apple cider ones were so good that I ended up making a batch at home after the box was empty.

2.     Rustic apple galette – Again, Trader Joe’s bakery did not disappoint. This tasty deconstructed tart was one of my favorite items.

3.     Burrata, prosciutto and arugula frozen flatbread pizza – Trader Joe’s frozen offerings were touted as some of the best around. I must admit, I wasn’t overly impressed with what I found, but did love this pizza topped with delicious ingredients.

4.     Maple fudge – It’s rare to find prepackaged fudge that actually tastes fresh, but this product did. I loved the creamy taste, but was disappointed in the small package size.

5.     Cream cheese spreads – I love cream cheese in any form or flavor, so finding two spreadable versions – onion and chive and red bell pepper, garlic and parmesan – was a special treat.

On the flip side, I was disappointed in some items, either due to the price, product size or flavor. And, the Metairie location was either out of stock or had discontinued some of products I’d heard about or seen online. I’m glad I experienced it, but when it comes to specialty or “fun to shop” supermarkets, my allegiance remains with Jackson-area based Whole Foods and Fresh Market, along with the Gulf Coast’s Rouse’s stores.

After my Trader Joe’s experience, I searched for a recipe for one of my favorites, the rustic apple galette. It’s easy to put together, is the perfect accompaniment to morning coffee and serves as a delicious fall dessert.

Rustic Apple Galette

1 single crust (can make or use prepared frozen crust)

3 large baking apples, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices

5 tablespoons light brown sugar

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/8 teaspoon fine salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large egg, beaten

1 1/2 teaspoons water, divided

Coarse sugar, for sprinkling

1 tablespoon apricot jam or jelly

  Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat oven to 375 degrees. If you have a baking stone, place on the rack to preheat with the oven.

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the pie crust from the refrigerator to soften slightly while you prepare the filling.

  Gently toss apples, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and vanilla together in bowl.

Roll out the prepared dough into a 13-inch circle on lightly floured counter, then transfer to prepared pan.

Using a slotted spoon, pick up the apples from the bowl leaving the excess juices behind, and arrange them in center of dough, leaving 2-inch border around edge. Carefully grasp 1 edge of dough and fold up 2 inches over apples. Repeat around circumference of tart, overlapping dough every 2 inches; gently pinch pleated dough to secure, but do not press dough into fruit.

   Beat the egg with 1/2 teaspoon of water. Brush all over the top crust. Sprinkle the crust with coarse sugar. Bake until crust is deep golden brown and fruit is bubbling, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Remove pan to a wire rack and let tart cool for 10 minutes.

While the galette cools, combine the apricot jam and 1 teaspoon of water in a small glass bowl. Microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or until bubbling. Brush over the apples.

Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.