Trader Joe, how do I love thee?

Okay, most of you know that I am certifiably obsessed with TJ's. I wander the aisles like a kid in a toy store, loading up my basket with things I probably don't need but HAVE TO HAVE and I read and re-read the Fearless Flyer like an inmate with only one porn mag. Some things are so good they make me want to cry (bruschetta topping in the fresh veggie section, I'm looking at you!), and even when something is a disappointment (blue cheese stuffed skirt steak, where did we go wrong?) I can easily get a refund that makes it almost all better. So from time to time I'm going to bring you updates on my best new finds, such as:

Strawberries & Creme: Completely un-fucking-believable people. Frozen cream-filled, white chocolate dipped strawberries from heaven. The description sounded amazing but for some reason they sat in my freezer for a couple weeks before I finally broke into them. I don't know what in the hell I was waiting for, but I'm glad it arrived last night and opened me up to a whole new world of fruity delight.

They come 16 to a box and I believe the box was reasonably priced at less than $5, so two boxes would be a cheap but lovely addition to any party (such as Shelley's this weekend, to which I will certainly be bringing them). Each is individually wrapped in a sweet little white and green envelope, just right for a quick treat to reward yourself for doing the dishes, finishing a project, or whatever other excuse you can come up with. And at only 90 calories each (35% fat) they are practically low fat and guilt free!

You need to let the strawberries thaw on the counter for about 10 mins according to the package instructions, but let me tell you that is a damn long time to wait. Still, it is advisable unless you have teeth of steel or stone or some material that doesn't conduct cold very well or your dental pain will overshadow your enjoyment. The strawberries themselves are good, more like a fruit ice than fresh fruit but still yummy, but we all know it is really about the cream right? And you will not be disappointed my friends, it is luscious, there is really no other way to describe it. Tastes like sweetened condensed milk mixed with happy clouds. I want to buy 100 boxes of the strawberries, scoop out all of the cream filling, and take a bath in it. Trader Joe, will you marry me? You had me at the cream filled center, but then you had to go and totally knock me out with the white chocolate cap you use to keep the filling in place. I know there is much debate among chocolate purists, but I think that white chocolate is a delicious and valid member of the chocolate family, even if there is no actual cocoa relation. And besides, I enjoy that slightly waxy texture. But if you are completely insane and really can't accept the white chocolate I would recommend a hot fudge dipping sauce to cover the taste.

So in summary, Strawberries & Creme get a resounding approval. I would say they are probably in my Top 5 TJs purchases, but that would mean I would have to pick four other favorites and then any product that didn't make it would be jealous and it would be a mess. Try them soon people, you will thank me.

Mmmm, I can't believe I am stuck at work for another 5.5 hours before I get to go home and have another one. Or four.