I bought a copy of the Trader Joes Cookook and have been using it for inspiration. I don't follow recipes too well but it gives me a good jumping off point for making up shyt. It also, more importantly, gives me a shopping list which is the thing that always trips me up with cooking. I don't have the ingredients and can't figure out what to make with what we have, so we go out.

Whoa! Trader Joe's has a cookbook? I presume it's on sale in the store? It's been a month since I've been in TJs and do not recall seeing it.

No, it's not on sale at the store because it is not "their" publication. Another enterprising and brilliant person took on the task and it is wonderful!

I have the Portable version so I can take it with me to the store. There is also a larger, hardcover version that I don't have....yet.

Clams Casino, White Rice, Steamed Zucchini with Parmesan, Green Salad, Crescent Rolls

Beef, buttered green beans, and boiled red potatoes with butter, green onions and garlic.

Needed salt.

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Warm orzo salad with green beans and a meyer lemon vinagrette, sauted b-sprouts with pancetta, garlic and red chili flakes and tomatoes.

Was good!

Bacon and shredded provolone pizza. No room for pepperoni.

Baked polenta covered with puttanesca sauce with a sprinkling of gorgonzola served with herb bread stuffed and baked with roasted red pepper and artichoke bruschetta.

Oh wow, I love puttanesca. My mouth is watering NA, pictures next time, please, sounds divine.

last night was large tilapia fillets with home made lemon pepper garlic butter and a touch of dill. lightly saute'd in evoo and served over a bed of white rice dusted with a hearty cajun style spice blend.

absolute heaven