Best Food Finds at Costco Part 2 6/10

[Island]

Original thread goes back to 2007 and with over 450 posts it's too long to scroll thru. Can we start over guys? What are your Costco favorites?

[msgenie516]

Since both stores are within 5 minutes from my home (LUCKY me!), I am more of a fan of BJ’s but there are things that I make a special trip to Costco for. The ones that come to mind right now are:

White flesh peaches (OMG, are they good)! I know I purchased more than a dozen cases last season. And the season is long, starting somewhere around May or June and lasting until OCTOBER! I did notice the last case I bought in October wasn’t as good as the earlier ones. And I remember one case bought in mid-season that just wasn’t up to par. But, other than that, they are to DIE for. The only downside is that they keep my kitchen warm all summer baking those delicious peach pies! I care for my Mom, who is 89 years old, and she had one for breakfast every day. I also can eat them up in no time. The only one who doesn’t benefit from them is my husband, who insists he doesn’t like peaches--I can’t imagine anyone not LOVING peaches--I can’t wait until they have them again!

The boneless short ribs. I cut them up and use them to make beef stew--much more tender than the regular stew meat (and, of course, more expensive) but there is very little waste.

I see some posters mentioned that the beef rib roast was only available around the holidays, but my Costco (Nesconset, NY) carries it year round and I take advantage of that. It is very good and I already cooked one on my barbeque in the summertime for 4th of July (DELICIOUS)!

Pumpkin pie. They don’t always have it but when they do, I make sure I get at least one. Excellent price for a delicious, large pie. I find their other pies to be “chancy”, sometimes they’re great, other times not.

Leg of lamb. Very good (not marinated or seasoned) but I don’t buy it often because lamb is not popular in my house with anyone but me.

The fish I buy (flounder, cod, and scallops) are also excellent.

The rotisserie chickens. When I’m in a pinch for time, I pick one up along with some prepared mashed potatoes and add a vegetable. It makes a great, inexpensive meal and I save the carcass for soup with my FoodSaver (which I also purchased at Costco) and keep it in the freezer until I need it.

The Yukon Gold prepared mashed potatoes. They are the best prepared mashed potatoes I have ever tried, including Country Crock.

The frozen Organic Whole Green Beans, tender and delicious.

Red Velvet mini cakes with cream cheese frosting. Each one is a delicious mouthful.

Kirkland Solid White Albacore Tuna In Water. Better than any of the leading brands (Bumble Bee, Chicken of The Sea).

There are some non-food (but food-related) items worth mentioning:

Kirkland paper towels. They are strong and each sheet is a nice, large size.

The Rubbermaid Premier set. They are so much better than the regular Rubbermaid and a great price. The downside on them is that I feel I have to use a brush to clean the lids properly because they have deep ridges around the edge.

The Kirkland Cast Iron Enameled Dutch Oven. I actually wound up buying the Le Creuset ones--I have several as I discovered that I LOVE cooking in cast iron--for myself (at my husband’s urging) but I bought the Kirkland Dutch Oven for my neighbor for an anniversary gift along with supplies to make no knead bread and she was thrilled. I think I would have been very satisfied with this oven had my husband not insisted on the Le Creuset. Just a note to anyone interested--they just reduced the price by $10.00 to just around $40.00, a very good buy, especially considering I just paid $150.00 (for a “second”) for one that is a little smaller, because it is Le Creuset and made in France.

The FoodSaver is great and the price is fair.

The Kirkland Stainless Steel pots. I, unfortunately, purchased them when they changed their manufacturer to Thailand, instead of Italy. However, I have experienced no problems and I’m very pleased with them so far. I find the only downside with them is that it is a “pain” to polish the copper band around the bottom each time I use them. It looks nicer than all stainless but I would rather have less work. And they have to be polished each and every time, as the heat turns the copper dark. I use Bar Keeper’s Friend for the stainless and Wright’s Copper Cream for the copper.

Stretch-Tite Plastic Wrap. This is the best plastic wrap I have ever purchased and a very good price.

The Perfect Touch hot cups. I will definitely go out of my way for these.

Well, I guess that’s it for now. If I come up with anything else, I will post again! Genie

[goodhealthgourmet]

there's a newer thread in progress for next time ;)

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/757137

[mattstolz]

costco sells really good flatbreads at the ones here. they are whole grain, flavorful, and stay soft and chewy for a really long time!!

[c oliver]

Just found yellow fin tuna packed in olive oil!!! It was a little less expensive than I find in the grocery store but it's sold in four can packs so I can keep it on hand. One of my favorite ways is the tuna with oil of course, cilantro, red onion, capers and a bit more olive oil. Sometimes I've added a little sherry vinegar. A great, easy to have on hand hors d'oeuvre.

[c oliver]

At this time of year they sell rack of pork, like beef but it's pork. I buy a couple at least. One I'll cut in half, the other leave whole. FoodSaver. They're great. We've been buying them for quite a few years.

[Rick]

I just saw those at my local Costco this week and wasn't sure what to make of them as I've never seen them before. How do you prepare them? Are they to pork what bone in prime rib is to beef?

[c oliver]

Just the same and I cook it the same. Season, sear in CI skillet, 450 for 15, then 350 til done to 160. It's really great and so moist. As was said, they really do freeze great.

[Ruth Lafler]

Thanks for the tip. BTW, I ran across a thread from a couple of years ago where I convinced you to switch your dogfood from Beneful to Kirkland. How did that go?

[c oliver]

We're now using Nature's Domain, a premium dogfood carried only by Costco, though not a Kirkland brand. It's salmon and vegetables or turkey and vegetables with no grains.

http://www.naturesdomainpetfood.com/

[Ruth Lafler]

Excellent! Grain-free is even better, and Kelpie really likes salmon-based foods. How does your dog like it?

[c oliver]

They love it but they're not very discriminating. The salmon one actually has a bit of a scent, which I think is a good thing. A 40# bag is about $23 which is very good for a premium food IMO.

[Ruth Lafler]

Yup. I'm sure they like food that smells "good" just like we do! I'd buy it but it takes Kelpie forever to get through 40 pounds of food, and I like to rotate her foods so I usually buy food in smaller bags.

[cheesecake17]

Paula Deen was making one of those with stuffing on her show the other day... lots and lots and lots of butter!

[chez cherie]

these are heavenly. i buy several to freeze and use throughout the year. i'm a fan of fresh, not frozen meats, but these are great even when frozen and defrosted. i roast them with a spice rub, on a bed of onions and sliced potatoes. so, so good!

[Rick]

I'm going to get one of these for my New Year's Day party, what temp to you pull it out at? I'm guessing 150 and allow carry over to get it to 160?

[c oliver]

The label says 160 but I pull out sooner also. Makes my mouth water just thinking about. You having black-eyed peas and collard greens too?

[mamueller]

There is an awesome recipe on Epicurious - herb brined prime rib of pork. I have made this several times now to rave reviews. I watched Costco for weeks waiting for these rib roasts to show up

[c oliver]

I have THREE in my freezer. No more room, dang it :)

Is that the epi title? We're doing one when the "girls" and their husbands come for dinner soon.

[Rick]

I'm definitely buying some of these, how long do they usually keep in the freezer?

[c oliver]

Like all year :) Seriously, I try to make them last as long as possible. Never have had a problem.

[FoodDee]

I pull them at 145 and let them rest - perfect!

[givemecarbs]

Saw those yesterday but wanted to wait a week or so before buying. Hope I don't miss out! Thought about starting a holiday foods at Costco thread but think I'll just post here about the Brie en Brioche I snagged last night in the refrigerated food section. It is one pound 14 ounces and it is layered with caramel apples and cranberries by La Terra Fina and boy did it hit the spot. The ground is freezing early here in the North East and I was out picking out a place to plant my live tree later in the five seconds of daylight I had left after work. Knowing I had brie baking in the oven was a great comfort. The directions said to bake at three fifty for half an hour but when the cheese was still a bit cold in the center I just lopped off a slice and nuked it. Oh my gosh! Going for another slice now.

[Ruth Lafler]

New to me at Costco in Richmond, CA: grapeseed oil (product of various EU countries, packaged in California) -- a twin pack of 3-liter jugs (that is, a total of six liters) for $19.99. I was tempted but didn't buy it -- I think I'll check with my sister and see if she wants to share it with me.

Also, that Costco is featuring all kinds of fancy cheeses for the holidays at insanely good prices. If you see the La Tur for $5.69 buy it. You won't be sorry!

[artemis]

I was looking at that too - what can grapeseed oil do that olive oil cannot? I'm not familiar with grapeseed oil use!

[goodhealthgourmet]

it has a milder/more neutral flavor and higher smoke point.

[Ruth Lafler]

Right. Grapeseed oil is great for frying, and it won't add anything to the flavor profile of the dish (sometimes I don't want my food to taste of olive oil).

[Rick]

I've been extremely partial their bone in prime rib for $7.19/lb!

[Heidi cooks and bakes]

Vanilla beans are back! I just bought a package that contained two glass vials of 5 beans each, for $11.99. I'm zipping in tonight, and I'll probably be grabbing another pack, just because!

[goodhealthgourmet]

so glad i saw your post about the vanilla beans! i'll be stopping in to grab some at mine this week...

[Heidi cooks and bakes]

Glad you are going to get some. It's great that they come in two vials, they are also great for sharing! A very nice stocking stuffer!

[cstr]

This is great, just saw a demo of a 'canolli kit'. It comes with 24 mini shells and two plastic piping bags of filling. It was pretty good, the shell was crisp, a little on the thick side and the filling, ricotta cheese, was surprisingly tasty with good texture.

[Midlife]

This is a product they had in my area a few years ago......... if it's the same one. They were TERRIFIC! We owned a wine bar at the time and I used to serve them as small desserts. I wish I could remember the name of the company, but I think they were in the NY/NJ area. Unfortunately Costco.com says they're $29.99 now. I don't recall them being anywhere near that much before......... maybe these are larger?

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product....

[cstr]

I thought I saw them at $14.99.

[GourmetLight]

I saw them today in the Seattle area for $7.99

[bitsubeats]

Anyone try the ikura at costco? I saw this for about $9.99 and was intrigued. It was a light orange though and not bright bright red. Maybe that's because it was from farm raised?

[mdepsmom]

I just read on another board of a sighting of Wolferman's english muffins in the bread aisle. I love Wolferman's so I am hoping they have them at my (AZ) costco. Has anyone seen them there yet?

[givemecarbs]

I'll have to check next time I go mdepsmom. Those sound yummy. At my Penna Costco I got a tuxedo chocolate mousse cake in the bakery dept. and two vials of vanilla beans in the spice dept.

[mariacarmen]

Their pork tenderloins taste porkier than most I've tried. And the Madeleines! We bought a giant pack on Thursday; today is Monday; I just ate the last 2 tonight. They were delicious!

[MariaJ.]

I also love the Costco "artisan" breads. The multi-grain is great, as is the roasted garlic (which seems to come and go).

If you like croutons in a salad, do this: allow a loaf of the rosemary olive oil bread to sit around for a few days, then cut it into 1/2" cubes, and toast at 350º or so until just browned. It can take a surprisingly long time, but it worth it to watch carefully-- ultimately you'll get a perfectly dry, super-crunchy, toasty little nugget of perfection! No need to use any oil or salt (and I love both!). They hold up wonderfully in a salad. When I see what people will spend on some of those airy, crumbly commercial croutons, it boggles my mind. These are CHEAP, and GREAT!

[MariaJ.]

We're a two-person, vegetarian (L/O) household, but still get a lot out of our membership. I joined Costco originally because of CHEESE-- and that's still one of my main buys. Manchego, real Parm at the best price in town, that wonderful goat Gouda that comes and goes, etc. etc.! It seems Gruyere appears seasonally (fall/winter), and I generally stock up on that, as it keeps perfectly at the back of the cheese drawer-- ditto Emmenthaler. For fondue parties, I've sometimes use Jarlsberg as the base, and supplement w. the pricier Gruyere/Emmenthaler.

[c oliver]

In the Costco in Reno a couple of days ago, they were sampling Portabello mushrooms stuffed with stuffing and topped with three good-sized shrimp. It was really good. The stuffing is like turkey dressing which was a surprise. We bought a package of two for $7.30. Will make a good dinner with a salad.

[JungMann]

I can't believe no one's mentioned their pork chops. They have a rich, sweet pork flavor that really ought to command a higher price.

[LaLa]

I have mentioned them:) and I agree they are fantastic pork chops.

[Peachie]

I tasted a great combo yesterday of their goat cheese w/cranberries & cinnamon on their cranberry/walnut bread.

[ferret]

They now carry jars of sweet-hot peppers stuffed with goat cheese. Very, very yummy.

[coney with everything]

I bought a tray of the prepared mac and cheese a couple of weeks ago...baked in the oven and broiled to brown the top...YUM. Greasy cheesy goodness

[rcn44]

I did about the same, except I added Kirkland Bacon Bits...everything is better with bacon (apologies to my kosher friends.)

[coney with everything]

Bacon...sounds good. How bad could that be (apologies, Ina!)

When I bought it, the cashier remarked that she didn't know Costco had mac/cheese...she looked like she was ready to buy it too!

Presumably it's a newish item; I try not to go to Costco too much. Otherwise I'll "save" myself right into bankruptcy!

[justanotherpenguin]

i figure costco at $125-150 per hour.

[achtungpv]

Haven't seen it in a few months but our Austin location had vacuum packed rotisserie chicken meat already deboned. About 2 lbs for $10. It was fantastic for numerous dishes. Wish it would make come back.

[FlyerFan]

We found a beautiful pound of chanterelles for the first time and had them for dinner with a piece of prime sirloin and a perfectly cooked sweet potato. Talk about a successful Costco dinner!

[LuluTheMagnificent]

They told me at the atwater village costco they stopped selling the naked OJ. :(
is this true?

[LuluTheMagnificent]

Here is what Naked said in regard to the OJ.

Thank you for letting us know how much you enjoyed Naked Juice Orange Juice. We're afraid we're no longer making this product in 128 oz containers. I certainly appreciate how attached you have become to the product. Though we have no remaining supply to offer you, I'll let our marketing department know you'd like us to reintroduce that size.

There are many reasons why we may stop making a product, but it is usually because the product did not meet sales expectations. Store chains sometimes stop carrying slower-selling items to make room for new flavors or other products. When too many stores discontinue a product, it becomes difficult to continue making and selling the product.

[ndorr]

Our Must Gets:

-butternut squash ravioli (refrigerated section) - seasonal
-chicken apple sausages (refrigerated section)
-chicken noodle soup (from their rotisserie chickens)
-various cheeses
-english muffins (price can't be beat!)
-thai peanut sauce
-pesto
-pumpkin soup (seasonal)

[pdxgastro]

Tillamook Vintage White Cheddar cheese. I get a 2 lb block every month. So far have seen it in WA and OR stores.

[coney with everything]

If it's the stuff in the black wrapper, we have it in Michigan as well.

A mixed blessing...I love the stuff but it used to be one of the "unique" PNW products we always brought back when we visited, along with Starbucks coffee :)

[woodleyparkhound]

One of my regular buys at Costco is the huge 5 lb. bag (I think it's 5 - might be more) of Maine frozen wild blueberries for about $9. It's perfect for smoothies when I run out of fresh fruit. I have a small freezer, but I make sure there is enough space for these!

[mdepsmom]

Over the weekend I tried their lox for the first time (the one on the gold foil backing, w/ the lox all fanned out in a circular pattern). Now I've been eating lox my entire life but this stuff is like crack, it's the best lox I have ever tasted! It is sliced super thin, and has the best smoky flavor. I've only made two bagels w/ it so far and the package is already more than half gone. I will never buy lox anywhere else ever again.

[Bob W]

The Costco brand smoked salmon is an incredibly good buy. We just eat it right out of the package.

[cstr]

2nd that.

[cheesecake17]

We bought a package of lox that was circles spread out in rows- plain, dill crusted, and pepper crusted. Delicious and the package was 10oz so it was the perfect amount.

[Divamac]

Bear & Wolf canned Wild Pink Salmon - a great buy at $9 for 6 cans. Great quality for excellent salmon burgers or on a salad. I always have it on hand. I saw yesterday that they had Kirkland canned Sockeye salmon. $14 for 4 cans.

[givemecarbs]

Scored some carrot cake in the bakery section this weekend. Very yummy with plenty o' nuts.

[mamueller]

The pineapple upside down cake in the bakery section is very nice - not too sweet. We also just had the apple strudel - a few minutes in the toaster oven and they were great.

[givemecarbs]

I liked that cake too mamueller. Their prices are so reasonable that I try almost any new offering. It is in the name of research I swear!

[rcn44]

The NE side Costco here in Indianapolis started selling homemade paella in their deli case. It has shrimp, scallops, rotisserie chicken, anadouille sausage, rice pease and so forth. It is quite tasty.

[Davwud]

Is it ready to eat?? We often stay in NE Indy and are always looking for something to eat in our hotel room. One hotel we stay in is walking distance to that Costco.

DT

[rcn44]

You'll want to heat it, so if there's a microwave in your hotel, yes.

[Davwud]

Would a hotel microwave hold it?? They're really small.

DT

[Midlife]

Couldn't resist a large package of frozen shrimp, scallops, calamari & mussels I came across the other day. Looks great for cioppino or over pasta. Anyone have any experience with it? Sorta not 100% sure if these can all be cooked together time-wise, especially the mussels (though they're small.).

[Rick]

Just bought a brisket at Costco at $2.99/lb, boy was that good!

[Eric in NJ]

The frozen stuffed shells are good. Just bake them with some home made sauce Mmmm.

[woodleyparkhound]

I just tried the new gelato. For $1.50 you get 3 scoops. They only have 3 flavors: pistachio, mixed berry and strachiatella. I tried the P. and the S. The gelato was OK, not thrilling - the pistachio was the better of the two. What I really did love though was the waffle cone. It was very crisp and fresh tasting -- loved it! Too bad the gelato isn't better.

[chez cherie]

which costco?

[woodleyparkhound]

Pentagon City (VA)

[cstr]

They've had it at Costco in SD for a while and also sell a pre-packed quart for around $4. It tastes great and is far less than any gelato shop in the area.

[Fibber McGee]

As a child, one of my favorite foods was Howard Johnson's blueberry toastee's. Just adored them. When HoJo went out, so did the frozen food line. The last time I was at Costco, i saw Awrey's now makes bluberry muffin rounds, eight to a cellophane pack. I think the cost was like $5.99, but not totally sure. As good as HoJo's. Childhood fond memory restored.

[mdepsmom]

I used to love the HoJo's corn toastees! Haven't thought of those in years so thanks for the memory.

(Are you in Michigan? I am in AZ but grew up in MI and have never seen anything w/ the Awrey's brand outside of MI.)

[Fibber McGee]

The Costco I got those at is in Commerce Township in Michigan. I have seen Awrey's products in Korger stores, for example, in Ohio, but I'm not sure how far they reach from Michigan.

[mdepsmom]

Thanks . . . we have Fry's here, which is owned by Kroger, so I will have to check next time I am there.

[Fibber McGee]

My Kroger doesn't have the blueberry version, unfortunately, but they do carry cornbread, which is not bad. They sell it by the roast chickens.

[xman887]

awrey's is now owned by a private equity firm and they are transitioning the business to more of a national/commercial focus.

[Davwud]

The Kirkland brand Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is very good. It's not great olive but a good everyday workhorse type for vinaigrettes and such. Less than $10/L

DT

[Rick]

I regularly buy limes, lemons, red onions, Kirlkand brand canned tuna (large chunks of tuna, not the shredded up stuff they now seem to call chunk), hummus, white fish spread, leg of lamb, shrimp, pork shoulder, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, peppercorns.

[Divamac]

A big "yea" on the whitefish salad. If only could finish the whole thing in a week. I try, but can't.

[Rick]

The best part is that I've seen the same exact brand in tiny containers at gourmet stores for the same price as the huge container at costco! It's good on bagles, crackers, a spoon . . . I try to buy it about once a year, lots of sodium in it if i recall.

[artemis]

I LOVE that whitefish salad. I was introduced to it during Passover at my SO's family's home and I could not stop eating it.

[CharlieKilo]

Boneless Australian leg of lamb: $4.99 lb
Live Cherrystone clams: $2.69 lb.

At my Costco (Dallas), those two are worth the price of membership alone!

[justanotherpenguin]

if you buy a whole case of lamb (8 pieces) - easy with a freezer, they give you 10-20% off!

[starbucksbrew]

* frozen lamb shanks, 4 to a box, already in rosemary sauce. Just heat in the oven and serve, and they literally fall off the bone before you can even take a fork to them. Divine!

* The frozen crab cakes are pretty awesome too, especially with some remoulade or thousand island dressing drizzled on top. I was pleasantly surprised.

* Big cases of organic juices for my littles

* I discovered coconut water at Cosco! It is so nutritious, and I add just a splash of juice to it for flavor. However, at $15 for a case of 12 (more than $1 per can), it's the most expensive coconut water I have seen since I started looking for it. Vitamin Shoppe has it for 98 cents per can, and Super Wal-Mart has it for 78 cents per can.

* Kirkland's 91% fat free ground beef, packs of five individually wrapped 1 lb portions, for $10, and it tastes better than other grocery beef.

* Bulk honey, olive oil, and REAL maple syrup (not that fake pancake syrup full of high fructose corn syrup junk)

* as another poster said, the Pacific organic chicken stock is a great deal - 6 pks for $9

* Kirkland's organic strawberry spread! A huge jar for about $6, no high fructose corn syrup. My family goes through this stuff.

* The rotisserie chicken salad is soooooo good.

* And the piece de resistance: generic Zyrtec for my and my husband's allergies - 365 tablets for $15. Unbelievable!

[monchichi]

My Favs have been; Racks of Lamb chops, citterno pruschuto(sp), kirkland smoked salmon, roasted garlic bread loafs-oh my- I stay away from costo- the hundred dollar store. I haven't been in a while.

[pamd]

recently served the John Wm Macy's Cheese Crisps for visitors to snack on, everyone loved them. Kirkland Peanut Butter. All the nuts

[schifflaw]

San Francisco Bay French Roast coffee (Tempe, AZ Costco--$13.99/3lbs) is delicious, strong coffee. But now I instead buy the Marques de Paiva Estate Blend Dark Roast at Costco. It's even better and $3 less! It may not be available at all Costco stores until its trial period is completed. I also buy Dofino Havarti sliced cheese for less than $4/lb. I am hoping for some organic apples, lettuce, blueberries and strawberries (otherwise loaded with pesticides). And some bad news--my Costco stopped stocking Trident Seafoods Ultimate Fish Sticks (still in some AZ stores--the best fish sticks ever) and Breaded Tilapia (not in any AZ stores). I was told that if it doesn't sell enough, Costco discontinues (duh). Anybody know where else these are sold near Tempe, AZ?

[monkuboy]

Sorry I can't help you about the tilipia or fishsticks - my Costco carries both, but it is in Southern California. I was wondering if people still have the frozen crab cakes at their local Costco? Mine doesn't sell them anymore, sigh...

[LuckyCharm]

Phillips Crab Cakes, there are 6 in the box? They're still available at the Arundel Mills and Beltsville Maryland locations.

[jnk]

They've stopped selling "premium" coffees except for "Charbucks" in the N.J. store I shop in. Very disappointing. They've sent me back to Trader Joe's for my coffee.

[schifflaw]

Update: My Tempe, AZ Costco now has restored both Trident Ultimate Fish Sticks and Breaded Tilapia! Unfortunately, Marques de Paiva coffee was a bust and is long gone. I still like SF Bay French Roast. We still need organic fruits and veges in Phoenix Costcos. Everybody should go to the environmental working group website (ewg.org) and download its list of 50 fruits/veges pesticide ratings (apples, berries are especially bad), and carry in your wallet. Dr. Weil's dirty dozen and safe to eat non-organic lists come from ewg.

[artemis]

New to me are the chipotle black bean veggie burgers (green box, 12 count). Unlike the usual veggie burger, they are much bigger and thicker, so they are sized to fit a bun. With bold, smoky flavors, they actually taste like something, especially when topped with a few slices of heirloom tomatoes and some avocado. I finally found a veggie burger that I can look forward to eating.

[ferret]

They're Morningstar Farms brand.

[monkuboy]

I took one of their red velvet cakes to a potluck the other night and it was a big hit. Such a deal for just $9.99, too - it compares favorably to the trendy boutique cupcakes so popular now and a much better deal. It's probably equal to about 50-100 of those 2-bites for $3.00 ones, haha..

[woodleyparkhound]

I went to a gathering last night where Costco desserts were provided (I didn't know that up front). The cookies were OK - good, but not mind-blowing. However, what really did knock my socks off were these mini bite-sized cinnamon rolls. Holy s**t those were good! I was really stunned when I found out they were from Costco.

[DvorakQ]

I've got to disagree with a previous poster's recommendation for the paella, you've really gotten season that dish for yourself. Its gonna be bland otherwise.

They've got this tandoori naan over in the breads section that I'm really digging at the moment. Its just a wonderful base item for quick meals. If you heat it on the grill you can make it crunchy which leads to awesome pizzas and sandwiches. Or you can just gently warm it and use it in lieu of rice.

mozzarella cheese: awesome. That naan bread I was talking about? Combo it up with the mozzarella and you're in for a fun quick meal.

rice: split it with a neighbor... or 3.

mini-cucumbers: in the refrigerated zone along with well prices spinach/lettuces.

Pomegranate seeds: Oh man... I absolutely adore these when they're in season. I think I've almost shot a friend's eye out when I 'accidentally' spit one at him

Bacon. Decent prices, bacon makes so many dishes better ^.^
meats in general come to think of it. One of my neighbors is a Costco fanatic and we jointly purchase a beef tenderloin every summer. He strips it down and well its awesome how much money you can save by doing so.

Just a quick tip though, chest freezers aren't that expensive and are really really useful if you plan on going to costco. Waste of food cuts down on savings and theres plenty of stuff that you can buy bulk and freeze.

[operagirl]

Just bought a two-25oz jar pack of hearts of palm at Costco today for $7.99. They are very good, and I am tempted to stock up because I'm afraid they'll go away!

Also saw large vacuum packages of Chinese sausages, aka Lap Cheong, but did not buy any. They were a very reasonable price, but I've never used them before so I was a little reticent to purchase such a large quantity. Has anyone tried the ones from Costco?

[cstr]

Costco food alert, they just got their first shipments of champagne grapes, totally awesome little ruby jewels of goodness.

[Beach Chick]

love love love champagne grapes..little nugget bombs of nectar.
they didn't have them yesterday at my Costco..they did have Paella which monkuboy mentioned in a post above..looked really good and packed with lots of seafood.
Thanks for the heads up cstr sledge!

[Divamac]

Things I love and buy regularly:
Bag of 5 avocados - they ripen in a day or 2, keep well in the fridge. Never had a bad one.
Coastal rugged mature cheddar
Gorditas flour tortillas
Organic eggs
Silk Almond Milk
Naked OJ
Big wedge of Parmesano Reggiano

[xman887]

things i am currently hooked on:

- kirkland granola
- two loaves of multi grain bread from the bakery
- sabra hummus
- brisket (for smoking)
- pork shoulder (for smoking)
- kirkland green tea bags
- tilamook cheddar
- fresh rasberries

[monkuboy]

My Costco started selling Paella in their refrigerated prepared foods section so I bought a pan (it's $5.99/lb). It comes with a generous helping of scallops, shrimp, rotisserie chicken and chorizo slices, along with the rice and peas. I've only had paella about 3 or 4 times in my whole life and can't even remember the last time I ate it so I really don't have much to compare this to, but it was pretty tasty. We heated it in its own pan for about 40 minutes in the oven at 350 degrees as per the directions.

This makes for a nice and quick dinner. The only drawback is the amount that comes in the tray. I chose the lowest weight I could find, which was 2.5 lbs. Most of them are between 2.75 and 3 lbs.

[givemecarbs]

I don't know if David's Cookies make the rounds to every Costco but they hit mine (Penna) once in awhile. Not this past weekend though. I was moping around the back of the bakery section, getting my Milton's loaf of bread when what to my wondering eyes did appear? A deep dish brownie cake from David's Cookies for 9.99! I could not resist. What a bargain! And even though the center is nice and fudgey, slices are even better gently nuked.

[mcel215]

I love lots at Costco. In the winter I always get a Rotisserie Chicken and with the carcass, I make great chicken stock.
Pesto (refrigerator section)
Pistachios
Bulk cream cheese
Filet mignon
Bagels
Pamesean cheese
Olive oil
Flash frozen scallops (Kirkland)
Flash frozen salmon (Kirkland)
Flash frozen Mahi Mahi
Their boxed baby greens
3 english cukes
compari tomatoes
blueberries
strawberries
Frozen Tiramisu (9.99), is excellent
Dubliner Cheese

[jester99]

their whole roasted chicken, honestly is awesome. it is a good couple of meals in there and the bones can be used for stock. The chicken is legit.

[Midlife]

Costco's roasted chickens are far and away the largest and best available anywhere in our area................ and very competitively priced too.

[Ms. Verde]

Got to agree as to the roasted chicken. Too tired or hot to cook? We pick up one of these juicy birds and throw a salad together or simply make tacos. Yum!

[rockandroller1]

I've eaten the rotisserie chicken there twice (once bought, once eaten at someone else's place) and I think it's just awful. Very bland. Our local chain grocery's version of the same is surprisingly better and cheaper. Odd.

[pamd]

I've tried them from different stores, really are different, some seasoned much better. I generally shred and use in other food as a time saver.

[boyzoma]

I love their roasted chickens (and the skin is out of this world). Sometimes when it is too hot to cook or inconvenient, hubby will stop there on his way home and pick up one of those and their caesar salad as well. Its just a toss and a chop away from eating.

[sparkareno]

I call those crack chickens. I can't stop eating it. I got one a few weeks ago and it looked smaller to me. Maybe rather than raise the (extremely reasonable) price they just get smaller chickens.

[Beach Chick]

Just got a flat of peaches that are tasty for $6.99
Tapenade is really good, along with a blueberry goat cheese.
Love getting the shrimp ceviche for a big container for $6 bucks
Those baby red, yellow and orange peppers are my fav's and for $3.79 for a big bag they are great and my dog goes nuts for them too!

[cstr]

Fido's a foodie also! BTW - got some peaches, they were huge. Costco has pretty awesome fruit.

[Beach Chick]

Damn straight my doggie is a foodie...when I buy King Crab at Costco, I have to get a leg for him and he only wants Ahi seared rare and follow that up with fresh mango slices.
They just got nectarines in so I'm hoping they will be juicy good too.

[cstr]

Dang, ahi tuna and mango, can I be your junkyard dog? what a life!

[coney with everything]

Costco near me had Prime ribeye steaks yesterday for $10.99 a pound. There were two steaks in each package--big, thick, very well marbled--for about $22. Didn't buy them but boy did they look good!

I might have to go back on payday.

[cstr]

I got a whole prime ribeye, I think around $6.99 pp, a steal! i cut it into steaks, yum!

[roxlet]

My husband's been doing that ever since prime beef started showing up at Costco.

[susancinsf]

I recently got some of these at my local Costco, and yes, worth going back on payday.

[LaLa]

I love their pork chops....very addictive!
Always get a tub of palmetto cheese, a little shrimp cocktail, I love their premade spinach salad! Milk is a much....four gallons a week!

[CindyJ]

I know I don't take advantage of Costco food items the way I should, but I've found their boneless short ribs to be the most compelling reason to keep renewing my membership.

[woot4fun]

I just got the Cindy's Kitchen Mango Coconut & Pepper Sauce. I used it with some flash fried shrimp and it was very good. Just enough kick to offset the sweetness of the mango. Now that I have this huge bottle of the stuff I am trying to think of new ways to use it. I am going to marinate some chicken in it and serve it grilled over coconut rice later this week. Any other ideas?

And CindyJ is right, the boneless short ribs are phenomenal. Roll them in your favorite rub and place them on a skewer for instant kabob.. Approximately $5/lb for tender, fatty and flavorful beef. Be sure to read the label because they have hanger (or flap) steak similarly packaged. This is good too, but doesn't have the same fat content and will get real tough if you overcook it.

[Midlife]

A bunch of 8 or so large bananas is something like $1.29. They're usually green, but will ripen in a couple of days. That's a lot of bananas for 2 people, but at that price....................

[ferret]

8 bananas a lot for 2 people? Only if they don't like bananas. I usually have 2 a day myself.

[operagirl]

When I buy bananas at Costco, I peel and freeze 5 or 6 of them, enough to fill up a gallon bag lying flat. Then, I freeze them and use them in smoothies. It's a good option if you're a smoothie person!

[Midlife]

Great idea. Some things are just so simple you wonder how you could have missed them.

[coconutz]

The Milton's crackers with seeds are addictive. I used to only like water crackers, not whole wheat ones, but these are super good and crisp.

I wish they sold thw Swansons reduced salt chicken broth, they only sell the regular, and I do keep it in stock, but I'd really prefer reduced salt.

I like the onions, but they tend to go bad fairly quickly here. I use a lot, though.

They have shrimp dumpling soup, frozen, and there is a whole shrimp inside. Really good emergency food.

Good prices on breads, generally, like Orowheat Honey wheat and those low cal sandwich muffins. But I really like the LaBrea Bakery bread.

[treb]

I use their Pacific brand organic chicken stock which is low sodium, it's excellent and a bargin.

[givemecarbs]

I like that stuff too. Was looking for a different frozen treat the other day and found a sampler pack of mochi. Oh my! So delicious and nicely packaged so I can pop one out of the container as a refreshing snack!

[eimac]

If you can find it ( they don't always carry it) "Carnitas" - roast pork chunks. I nuke it as per directions, , then shred it and saute it with sliced onions until the meat is crispy. Makes a wonderful burrito or serve over white rice and black beans.

[treb]

USDA Prime whole boneless rib-eye, $7.99pp.

[Bob W]

The fresh apricots have been outstanding this year. Also, the raspberries we picked up yesterday (12 oz for $3.99) were great too.

[ferret]

Finished off a package of raspberries in the car on the way home from Costco yesterday. Big, flavorful and perfect.

[cheesecake17]

The raspberries at Costco are always excellent.

The 6-pack of romaine lettuce usually lasts for a long time in the fridge

[givemecarbs]

I bought a big bag of garlic bulbs last august and kept them in the bottom of my cupboard. They still haven't gone bad! Their onions seem to last much longer than those bought elsewhere. I like to buy the marinated flank steak in the refrigerated section once in awhile for a quick meal during the week. My friend likes the Cattle Drive baked beans he bought recently. Good thing too as they come eight cans bound together. He said they were good right out of the can. Usually he likes to doctor up his beans.

[ferret]

The Kirkland premixed margarita in a bottle is surprisingly good. Doesn't beat a good homemade but we have a BYOB Mexican restaurant in the neighborhood and this is just a perfect choice to bring along. Worth $16.

[ferret]

I went back for more today and it was $11.

[Barbara Saavedra]

This is some good stuff!!
I always have a bottle on hand.
And it is only $11.00

[operagirl]

We've been buying organic gem lettuces from Costco -- they're packed by Earthbound Organics, and I haven't seen them anywhere else at such a nice price. I think the plastic carton includes six or eight little heads of lettuce.

http://operagirlcooks.com

[Midlife]

These are absolutely terrific. We have 3 Costco's near us but not all of them have these mini full-head lettuces all the time. The similar plastic container of mixed fancy lettuce "pieces"(?) is also very good.

[contemporaryscarlett]

I love these- I eat a lot of salads for one, and being able to have variety without waste is appealing. Plus, those little lettuces are cute. :)

[loghia]

there are a few things that i always get at costco. one of them being the grimaud farms duck confit....it is delicious and keeps forever. also the packaged lump crab in the refrigerator section....it keeps pretty much indefinitely unopened and is literally packed full, one pound of crab meat for 13.99.

[sparkareno]

duck confit?? I have never seen that there---where is it?

[Barbara Saavedra]

They said that they do not have duck confit anymore..........
Is that true or maybe it was just @ my local Costco?!