OT for Trader Joe’s fans: Cookbook & yummy recipe recommendation!

I know we have a lot of Trader Joe’s fans on this site –- did you know there are cookbooks out there devoted to recipes using Trader Joe’s products? I had no idea –- where have I been?

So, after some Barnes & Noble retail therapy (you can buy them at Amazon, too), I spent this weekend cooking from what seems to be the biggest, most comprehensive one: Cooking with All Things Trader Joe’s Cookbook, by Deanna Gunn and Wona Miniati.

The Apricot Baked Brie and Pear-Gorgonzola Quesadillas were fine, though not spectacular. And the Shredded Pork Enchiladas Verde made a good family dinner, though didn’t really rock my world.

But oh...my...the Almond Pudding. I mean, SERIOUSLY good, and very easy to make. I’ve pasted the recipe below, if you’d like to try a truly yummy, but different, dessert.

(And didn’t I read somewhere that almonds have cancer-fighting properties? I’m just sure I have. I really should go eat some more –- in the name of scientific research, of course....:-)

Traci
____________________

Almond Pudding
from the Cooking with All Things Trader Joe’s Cookbook

2 cups Trader Joe’s Just Almond Meal (finely ground almonds)
1 quart or 4 cups whole milk
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon instant coffee
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until smooth.

As it just begins to simmer, turn heat to very low, and continue stirring occasionally for 20 minutes. The pudding will thicken a little as it cooks, but don’t worry if it still looks runny. It will set nicely as it cools.

Spoon into small dishes and chill in the fridge for a couple of hours, or overnight.