Costco food finds - 4th quarter 2011 [old]

[greygarious]

Please include your Costco location, since inventory varies widely from region to region.

[greygarious]

New thread begun for Jan/Feb/Mar:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/825976

[awm922]

Enfield, CT - Phillips Mini Crab Cakes. Bought these for Christmas Eve. Everyone really liked them. Most people thought I made them from scratch. Just like their full size crab cakes, but bite size. Great finger food.

Red Roasted Pepper Skinny Hummus. I think it was Cedar's. Less fat and sodium of regular hummus. Tastes like homemade hummus. A lot less oil then Sabra, just not as creamy.

[Rilke]

Does Costco still carry that spiced pecan cereal? I've read about it elsewhere and went looking for it today . . . no luck.

[goodhealthgourmet]

i did a little Googling and apparently they change the name to Cinnamon Pecan Cereal. the next time you're there, stop by the customer service desk and ask if it's still available.

[ChandraNH]

Hollow Chocolate ornaments (from France, bag of about 40 or so, very pretty) on sale at my Costco in KC (Main Street) for 1.97 a bag. That's down from 11.00 a bag before Christmas. The exp date is 1/2013. Brand is Cemoi.

Also found a collier's welsh cheddar for about 7.00 that is very good, but also very very sharp. My husband says it is the sharpest cheddar he has ever has.

[Ruth Lafler]

Probably gone (or gone soon), but the Kirkland dark chocolate almond cherry clusters are insanely addictive, and an incredible buy at about $10 for a 2-lb plastic jar.

[Ruth Lafler]

In San Leandro: Wild Planet Skipjack tuna -- line caught, sustainable, low mercury, solid pack (processed directly in the can with no added liquid) six pack of 5 oz. cans was $10-something. Same package $24 on the company's website. I think skipjack is much tastier than bland albacore, too. http://www.wildplanetfoods.com/store/...

[Rella]

"Low Mercury" ?? Speechless!

[walker]

I bought mine at El Camino, SSF and it's great !! not fishy tasting, nice and white and firm. (cats loved their taste/share, too)

I was in Molly Stone (old Tower Mkt) and it was $5.29 PER CAN there. Their prices on all kinds of stuff were higher than Cal-Mart (not a cheap place, certainly).

[DuchessNukem]

Arlington, TX

"Three Cheese Petite Souffles" from La Terra Fina -- $8.99 for 30; in refrigerated section near the other prefabs (slightly bulky box for those with crowded fridges)

Basically partially pre-baked cheezy poofs (parm, jack, smoked gouda), gougere/popover style. 10 minutes in toaster oven at 350, tasty tasty fluffy festive goodness. If a friend had these at their holiday party I would shamelessly stand over the serving dish like an IT nerd at a potluck.

==
And the lobster bisque 2-pack (refrigerated soups, outside the veg/fruit cooler room) is often only through the New Year, so don't forget it freezes very well. I add corn niblets, shallots (fresh or sauteed brown-crisp), and chopped red bell pepper (roasted nice also) to stretch and enhance the goodness.

[peppergal]

Ohmygosh -- dare I say "thank you"? It all sounds wonderful. I love the picture of an IT nerd standing over the serving dish! But, hey, if they're that good, I can see those of us who know nothing about IT standing in that same spot.

Were the castelvetranos back? Still haven't found them in FW. I'd think we'd have much the same inventory as you do in Arlington.

Please keep your "finds" coming. Greatly appreciate your sharing.

[DuchessNukem]

*sob* Them olives are gone....so so gone. Can't believe I only had one package and it was over. Shoot, I couldn't even find the usual kalamatas today -- nowhere in evidence.

[peppergal]

Rats! And I never even had a taste -- and after all those wonderful posts. Upboard, gmm said we might be able to find castelvetanos at World Market, but I think not the Verdis. I'll be looking for them there. Good kalamatas can be found at Central Market, of course, but, with most everything they carry, very dearly.

Maybe when TJ's comes in, we'll have an alternative, Barbara76137 posted on the DFW Board that she'll contact TJs by phone to find out when they're opening in FW on Hulen. Hopefully, by early spring.

Thanks again for your wonderful posts. Let's keep hunting for delicious things close by.

[Rella]

Winchester, VA

Miche Celebration bread, a round, but somewhat flat instead of a globe shape, 4.5 lbs., $9.99. Great crust, somewhat dense crumb. Unbleached wheat flour, rye flour, dark beer.

I highly recommend it.

[oohmommy]

I was thrilled to find bags of Belgian endive - three large ones per bag - recently. So delicious and much longer shelf life than lettuce. I don't recall the price but think it was $3.50 or so. Please buy endive so they keep selling them . . .

[Rella]

I'd love to have this option of endive.
In Fairfax, VA a week or so ago, they had lettuces that they don't have here in Winchester, VA. There was the 3 types of 4 in a container, ohh were they wonderful. Then they had the butter/Boston lettuce, which we never get here in Winchester, VA.

[mrsjoujou]

The Grande Galette(french butter cookies) are great. I stocked up on them. I actually couldn't believe my eyes when I saw them, because you hardly ever see French products at Costco.

[Rella]

I see I made a mistake in the spelling of the best truffles I've bought in years, I bought at Costco, Winchester and Fairfax, Va:
The corrected spelling is Gavarny.

I will look for the Grand Galette cookies today. Thanks.

[Jeri L]

I was delighted to see the sweet peppers stuffed with goat cheese back at Costco #1 in Seattle. They were inhaled at family gatherings last year and asked for this year. They're in the refrigerated section near the refrigerated pastas, pesto and that sort of thing. Norpaco Sweety Pep with French Goat Cheese, if you're looking for brands.

[Rella]

Winchester, VA and Fairfax, VA

I always look for this brand of chocolate Belgian candy every Christmas. This year I think they've outdone theirselves for deliciousness. Bavarny Belgian Truffles in either a green & brown box, or a beige and brown box. I've bought 3 boxes so far and recommend them highly.

At Fairfax, VA I bought a never-seen product previously - sliced slivered almonds. Good sized bag for $10.69. Filling up almost 2 one-half gallon jars for freezing. Great for holiday baking - if one bakes.

Also bought at Fairfax, VA which I rarely see at Winchester, VA - celery. I like to buy organic celery for juicing and this is not labeled organic, but I will still buy for stews, etc.

[treb]

Interesting comment on the celery, I grab a few bags as it's not always available. Out on the west coast it's always available.

[givemecarbs]

Foolishly went to Costco on Thanksgiving Eve. But later, I'm not that crazy! At the Montgomeryville Penna Costco I found what I've been craving for almost a year now, since they last had it, brie en brioche. Very satisfying. Too bad the packaging does not recommend freezing. Or maybe that is a good thing. Also found a pack of two brie toppers, one with apples and one with cranberries. I grabbed some maple walnut coffee cake. I'm a sucker for new coffeecake but that brie! Baked brie is a great consolation for chilly weather.

[kriminalrat]

EP, Minnesota

I always get New York Strips for $7/pound

Just noticed they had Tri Tips for $6.50/pound and they had more marbling then the strips. They also had no fat/gristle on the edge like strips do that cuts down on portions. I really liked the tri tips...are these always available?

[rasputina]

Tri-tip isn't comparable to NY strip steak though. It's a different beast.

[cstr]

Tri tip is genreally found more common on the west coast, just as sirloin tips, a/k/a steak tips or flap meat is found on the east coast. Tri tip is excellent marinated and grilled.

[peppergal]

gmc -- Omigosh, that sounds so good -- the brie en brioche, that is -- well, must confess, all of it.

I went to Costco on Friday after Thanksgiving to get gas, my tire pressure checked, a scrip...picked up a package of raw almonds, some frozen stir-fry veggies, eggs, and broccoli slaw -- not terribly inspiring, though all are good. I was pretty darned perfect in staying away from all the *really* good stuff. May have to go back this week to look for the *soothers*. Was the brie en brioche with the cheeses or with the cold case items such as the chicken pot pies?

Thanks for letting us know. I'll be back in touch after I've joined Weight Watchers! Many months from now!

[carfreeinla]

Officially addicted to the honey cashews from El Paso and the seaweed salad from Staten Island.

[goodhealthgourmet]

is it this seaweed salad?
http://asianskinny.files.wordpress.co...

[givemecarbs]

Last year at my costco the brie was in a separate refrigerated tub near the cold case items with some gingerbread flavored cheesecake, but this year it was with the cheeses. Last year I only scored one before they were gone but this year I have scored three and that will probably be it for me unless they get another shipment. The package advises against freezing and I only have so much room in my fridge and in my jeans. :)

[DuchessNukem]

The Verdi Casteltrevano olives that Chandra mentions are lovely -- light clean flavor, and delightful to see/serve, very pretty green and without blemishes.

Marcona almonds are very tasty.

La Panzanella Rosemary Croccantini -- large water crackers/flatbread. Seriously good, crispy, light but substantial -- perfect with goat cheese. Maybe they have these all year and I've never noticed?

(Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, TX.)

[peppergal]

Duchess, I go to the Costco on Overton Ridge in Fort Worth, but haven't seen the Verdi Casteltrevanos. Do you, by any chance, shop there? If so, where are those olives located? I'm craving them! Thanks.

[DuchessNukem]

Lol sorry, peppergal, I should probably be more specific -- Costco Arlington. And they are worth the drive -- my husband adored them from the start, but I got to the third before I fell for them. So light-tasting and creamy.

[peppergal]

Went to Costco yesterday, Duchess (don't ask me why!), but no luck finding the Verdi Casteltrevanos on my own. Didn't bother customer service, as they were super-busy. Next time, I'll ask. Guess I'll need to make the trek to Arlington if that doesn't work!

I've had the Rosemary Croccantini you mentioned -- and you're right -- they are good.

Thanks.

[Rella]

I'd give an arm and a leg for some castelrevanos. I don't have hopes of getting any here in Winchester, VA, but I might be going to a Northern Virginia store in the very near future. Thanks for mentioning them as I'll be like an eagle looking for them.

[gmm]

I haven't looked for Castelvetranos at Costco, but if you have a Cost Plus World Market in your area, they carry the Mezzetta brand. I'm sure Costco's are nicer, but these have been better than the ones I've seen in the olive bars at the gourmet markets around my town.

[Rella]

re-reading my post, when I said I don't have hopes of getting any here in Winchester," I meant ".. at Costco, here in Winchester." But, Oh, Oh! The Mezzetta brand. I buy that brand from the Winchester, VA grocery store where I shop (when they have them). I told them how much I liked them and they ordered some more.

I bought some from the Olive Bar at an 'upscale' market, and one could not even tell they were castelvetranos. In fact they were junk. Sometimes I wonder if they add brine from another olive batch just to 'fill-her-up.' At any rate, something was off or wrong.

Costco has been carrying a brand of olives that I don't care for at all. It could be "Tasso"? which is a mixture. I'll be looking forward to looking for a new brand of Castelvetranos, hope it isn't Tasso.

[peppergal]

Thanks, gmm -- I'll look there!

[ferret]

If you have an Italian market anywhere nearby you'll likely find Castelvetranos for less. They're dirt cheap near me ($3-$4 a pound). The Costco ones are good but they are packed in a lot of liquid.

[Rella]

No Italian markets near me that I know of - but I always keep my eyes out for one. Particularly in New Haven area, I never ever saw any of these olives.

There is an Italian market in Baltimore I like that carries loose olives. I go there once a year, but this last month, they looked less appetizing to me. The price was quite high, as well, so that was a factor.

Do you recall the brand name for what Costco is selling - in a jar, I assume?

[ferret]

As the other posters have mentioned, it's "Verdi." They come in a large clear rectangular plastic tub. They were previously shipped in a larger zip-loc plastic container but they switched to the tub earlier this year. They are nice and firm but not as flavorful as the ones I get from my local Italian market.

[Rella]

Then, I'm not sure what "Verdi" means as it applies to this product. I'm thinking verdi means green and I thought that verdi was just an extra word description. Perhaps you can enlighten me, if you wish. Thanks.

[ChandraNH]

Verdi is the brand name. Be on the lookout for the squat rectangular clear plastic tub, in the refrigerated aisles (where they keep the cheeses, sliced meats, etc.) bearing the name Verdi Casteltrevano.

[treb]

A while back, I purchased some at Costco, Mezzetta brand in a glass jar. I recall that they were in an isle with other olives and speciality items.

[Rella]

Ah, ha! OK, I get it. :-))
I've never heard of this brand.
Thanks so much.

[gmm]

Found this website for Verdi:
http://www.verdillc.com/
Anyone seen them at Costco outside of the Midwest?

[ChandraNH]

Oh yum, they also have cerignola. hopefully costco will stock those as well

[Rella]

Just to let you-all know: Fairfax, VA checked their computers and have no brand of Verdi at all listed. I don't know what area their computers cover, but usually they can come up with a large area.

They do have another brand in a plastic container, both large and small, but it is a mix of olives. Something like "Castella."

It wasn't calling my name. Only casteltrevano and cerignola are in my sphere of interest now that I know that they are being imported to Costco.

[treb]

They are sold by dry weight, just looked at the bottle.

[ChandraNH]

In our costco, the casteltrevanos are in the refrigerated section, near the ravioli/empanadas, etc.

[DuchessNukem]

No more Casteltrevanos today. Noooooo, I was gonna stock up!

I settled for some holiday salamis instead.

[peppergal]

Just temporarily out, I hope. Or is this a permanent "no more"? I knew I should have gotten to Arlington when you first told me they were there....

[peppergal]

Duchess, I was in Costco in FW today, and they had a big supply -- in the cold cases around the cheeses, etc. In a case perpindicular to the roast chicken, pesto, hummus, etc., area.

You're right -- they're declicious.

[Coogles]

Last weekend the Costco in Niles, Il had vanilla beans ($11.99 for 10 beans) and Swanson chicken broth ($7.99 for 12 cans).

[Dax]

I believe the reduced sodium chicken broth cans were on sale two weeks ago for @ off here in Alabama. I bought a case. Now I hear they have the low sodium better than bullion chicken base and will be getting that next time.

[CanadaGirl]

My go-to store (Halifax, NS) has had big 5lb bags of Honeycrisp apples for $6.99 lately.

[jfprieur]

Marche Central location in Montreal had these had local ones as well.

[Rella]

Winchester, VA

Galvanina Organic Italian Blood Orange Soda

I just don't buy bottled drinks, period, but it was being demonstrated a few weeks ago and I was thirsty.

The big plus for me is that it is in a glass jar, instead of plastic.

I hope they still have it this week so I can stock up. Good stuff!

[cstr]

This soda is outstanding.

[suburban_mom]

Good to know. I've seen it but wasn't sure how good it was. I will try it the next time I go in.

[Ruth Lafler]

The guy in front of me in line (San Leandro, CA) had a big pumpkin pie (for $5.99!) that looked good. Anyone tried it?

[suburban_mom]

That pie has been my Thanksgiving pie for the past 2 years. I can't make a pie of that size for that price. I only make Thanksgiving for our family of 5 having a good pie made by someone else is a blessing.

[coney with everything]

+1 on the pie. Good stuff, especially for the price

[cstr]

Their pumpkin pie is excellent, I buy it for parties etc, always good.

[Rella]

Winchester, VA. I sampled this yesterday.
"Something Special Antipasto with Tuna"

I'm not sure whether they were promoting a new product or trying to get rid of the product. The price was $9.49 - the ending number being the clue as to its introduction or demise.

I haven't opened it at home because it's a large jar, but am looking forward to it. The promotion tasting made me buy it, as I probably would've passed it by as 'if-y."

So many times I will taste something there, but actually find it horrible when I get home. I attribute it to possibly the crackers on which they are served, and how hungry I am at the time.

Another product I have bought several packages of is Kirkland brand lavash in a green package.

A little tip about the broken bits of lavash at the bottom of the package - put in the food processor and save as a bread crumb for whatever dish you want.

I've not opened

[Rella]

Winchester, VA.
"Something Special Antipasto with Tuna"

Opened it up, I really like this.
I bought two jars and I'm glad I did.

[treb]

Just picked up some salted caramel bark... began eating it on the way home. Need I say more?

[ncyankee101]

Has anyone else found it absolutely impossible to open the "resealable" zipper on the 2.5 lb bags of the Kirkland Mexican shredded cheese blend? I even tried using a knife to pry open the zipper and no go. After fighting with it for a few minutes I just cut it open and have been using a chip clip to close,

[treb]

some of those finer and smaller zips can be challenging, same with some of the sliced cheese pkgs.

[rasputina]

Austin Costco

was there today and still no turkeys, the butcher said Saturday.

So I guess I will go next week and get it because it must be a true emergency for me to battle Costco on the weekends.

[greygarious]

Now that Market Baskets have at last begun carrying reduced sodium Better than Bouillon, wouldn't you know, the Nashua Costco has started stocking it too, in 1 lb jars.

[grammywheels]

Hadnt seen that yet in MB, but was pleased to find the 1# jar of both beef and chix Organic Better than B yesterday at Costco Nashua. Nice price too.

[gmm]

I'm in Washington state and I'm really hooked on the frozen Sam Choy's Veggie Yakisoba. It doesn't have the slight tanginess of a Japanese yakisoba, it's a bit more like a chow mein to me, but the the noodles are nice and chewy, and it has a nice mix of snow peas, edamame, shiitake mushrooms and water chestnuts. Just pop into a bowl and microwave for 3 minutes. It comes 6 packs to a box for around $11.

[rasputina]

My daughter is hooked on the yakisoba too.

[goodhealthgourmet]

has anyone seen the Marcona almonds lately? i picked some up for Mom at the Hackensack, NJ store a while back and she loved them. polished off the jar and asked me to get her more, but they've been out of stock and "on order" for several weeks now. i'm beginning to wonder if they'll come back at all...

[ChandraNH]

The Kansas City store (main street location) has the Kirkland Marcona almonds (up front near the candy and other snacks)

[goodhealthgourmet]

thanks - gives me hope that we'll get 'em back here eventually :)

[chez cherie]

they changed packaging a while ago, which might throw you off--instead of the can with the black lid, they are now in a clear, plastic jar. they've been in stockin that packaging for a few months at my costco in so CA,

[goodhealthgourmet]

thanks, actually i've only gotten them in the plastic container - i just started buying them for Mom a couple of months ago, never before. i confirmed with the service desk at my store the last two times i was in there - they're out of stock and "on order," but haven't been coming in.

[roxlet]

I just saw them in Yonkers yesterday. They were across the aisle from the other nuts.

[goodhealthgourmet]

excellent, thanks! hopefully i'll make it over to ours in the next few days & grab a jar...Mom will be very happy :)

[goodhealthgourmet]

would you believe NJ *still* doesn't have them? they were due in late September & never showed up - order still shows in the system. meanwhile, all the NY stores have them! i give up. just tasked Sis with scooting up to Harlem to get some for Mom...

[rasputina]

Has anyone seen turkey's yet? Especially Organic turkeys.

Was at Austin Costco Tuesday and they weren't in yet.

[Cathy]

There were fried turkeys in the open refrigerators (next to the spiral hams) in San Diego on Wednesday. Usually the majority of turkeys are in two weeks prior.

[peppergal]

This has been around awhile in Fort Worth (6 months or so?), but I've never seen it mentioned on the boards: Fat Tomato Tomatillo and Avocado Salsa, out of Austin. I use it all the time -- with chicken, eggs, in mayo, in low-sodium V-8 juice with several dashes of Tabasco, with chips, on Triscuits atop a slice of cheddar, on and on.

It's fresh (no preservatives) and is labeled "medium," though that, of course, would depend upon one's taste. If you run across it, I hope you'll give it a try. In FW it's in the cold cases, close to the hummus and other dips. It freezes well in small containers. Good!

[LuckyCharm]

I'm in the NE region (MD/DC/VA area to be exact), and I'm seeing 1 gram jars of saffron in a couple stores. It is running about $14.

[cstr]

A few years ago, they offered 2 oz jars of whole threads for around $23. I scored several jars back then. were these whole threads from Spain?

[mtngirlnv]

The ones in Thornton, CO were Spanish.

[ChandraNH]

Yes, yes, yes. Kirkland (I think) chocolate salted caramels with sea salt. Found at main street store in Kansas City

Very large canister for about $8. These things are so ridiculously good that I'm having to limit myself to two per day (and hid them from my husband for about a week, he's found them now though). I think I'll buy another canister or two this weekend for future. Found them in the section of the store where they keep the nuts, bulk candy and snacks.

[Dee S]

Chocolate covered salted caramels are good but we found them a tad too salty. I think it's the sea salt sprinkle on the top that pushes it over the edge. They're good as an occasional treat.

They're not as good as the chocolate covered salted caramel macadamia nut clusters from prior quarters. Those are addictive!

[jmckee]

"...we found them a tad too salty." My wife's reaction was "there is NO SUCH THING as too salty" :-)

[peppergal]

They are a little salty, but that's what they're named -- and, my, how good.

Have you tried the Kirkland Almond Toffee ("with real butter")? I keep mine in the freezer, and they are delicious. The freezer acts (sorta) as "out of sight....", but also I love the additional crunch. It's in the 70's in Fort Worth today (rain and colder forecast for tomorrow), and I may just have to go get a cool little treat!

[pippi1807]

The kirkland Almond Toffee is soooo good I just can't buy it any more. It is the best toffee I have had. I like that it is not brick hard but tender and chewable. YUM.

[gmm]

Is the toffee something they have for the holidays, but do they carry it other times of the year? I was Costco today and walked by the holiday candies, but I didn't see the toffee. I didn't look in the regular candy area.

[ChandraNH]

I believe the toffee is with the plastic jarred candy and nuts in the regular section (in my store, it's on the row right in front of the registers). it should be where they keep the salted caramels, dried fruit/nut combos, jarred nuts, etc.

[peppergal]

Yes, that's where it is in my Costco, in the regular candy area.. Fortunately -- or unfortunately, as the case may be! -- they carry it year-round.

[kpaumer]

Harrisburg, PA - Don Lee Farms Veggie Patties, nice substitute for potatos/rice, season,
add cooking spray to pan and lightly saute. Also I like the Chicken of the Sea Shrimp wonton soup, its not very good by itself, too garlicky but each wonton holds a nice size shrimp, thaw and toss the wontons alone in Hot & Sour soup or Pho, GREAT!! Going to Costco this weekend, I'll be checking stuff out.

[duncanhayden]

In Brookfield CT--the Pasta Prima spinach and mozzarella ravioli. 3 1/2lb bag for abt. $7.99. I've made it with Alfredo sauce--yum!! Also with olive oil and the breading/cheese/herb packet in the bag--still good.

[meatn3]

(Raleigh, NC)

I just tried El Destino grilled vegetables. This is a jar of grilled eggplant, peppers, artichoke and zucchini in lightly seasoned oil. It was in the aisle with the olives and such.

Flavor was good. I was tired and my body was sore - standing in the kitchen was not what I wanted to do. I had dinner in 10 min. -

Start orzo cooking in pot of water

Into a big bowl add the following:
chopped a few pieces of each roasted vegetable
chop a few campari tomatoes
Toss in a cup or so of Costco's cilantro lime shrimp (fresh in prepared foods)
Drain orzo, add to bowl, stir. Everything will warm up a bit.
Drizzled a little Italian dressing to up the flavor.

Quick, tasty and satisfying!

Feta would have been good, but mine had languished in the back of the fridge for too long.

This roasted vegetable assortment is going to be really handy to have on hand in my little world!

[Msample]

Anyone know what's going on with their seafood counter? In recent years, most weekend days they had a temporary station set up near the meat aisle where you could buy shellfish - shrimp, mussels, crab legs, all in whatever weight you wanted, and sometimes lobster tails. Not every weekend, but most.

The last few months, in both NH and CT where I go the counter hasb't been there and all they have is prewrapped stuff in the reach in cases. Or the prebagged frozen shrimp, which is smaller than the U-15 or sometimes even U-10s they would have at the temp counter.

[westaust]

I don't know the situation in NH and CT but i know that in most Costco in Quebec, the fresh seafood counter (which usually haves lobster, crab legs, big shrimps ...) makes a rotation between Costco outlets and comes back every month or so at my local Costco, otherwise it's prewrapped or frozen stuff.

[coney with everything]

We still have the fresh seafood stand in my Detroit area Costco, at least as of 3 weeks ago.

[treb]

I've seen pkgs of larger shrimp with the other fish selections, also sometimes scallops as well in NH. The specialty case, with crab legs etc, usually is around near holidays. I've also seen 2 oz jar of segruvia caviar for $69.95.

[Cathy]

Look on the wall above the meat counter- there is a GIANT listing of dates that the fresh seafood station is scheduled. By me, it is every other weekend. Maybe your shopping schedule changed...

[meatn3]

Now that I've used the grilled veggies a few times I want to note that the artichokes are predominate.
I like artichokes, but my interest in the product was in the variety. I'll still buy it, but now I know I'll get 1 meals worth of mixed, and then have lots of artichokes and peppers left.

[AsperGirl]

The grilled veggies packed in oil, marinated artichoke hearts, olives and sundried tomatoes grace my shelves. They are great for fast, hearty winter salads.

It turns out that the grilled veggies are good on polenta, along with some grated cheese and a simple tomato sauce. I like using the olive oil from the grilled veggie and sundried tomato bottles to dress pasta.

[Rella]

I prefer the grilled veggies they carry if they are packed in olive oil. If they are packed in any other oils, I don't buy.

(I also liked the artichoke hearts that they USED TO CARRY that were packed only in salt/water. When I found these plain artichoke hearts at BJ's (on my free pass) I bought several jars.

Re the sundried tomatoes, I like to use them, too (tho they always taste better at demonstration that at home.)

[AsperGirl]

I know what you mean about the sundried tomatoes. They tend to darken & go downhill faster than we finish off the jar! One thing I now do when I open a new jar is add more olive oil to the jar so the tomatoes are all covered up. Not sure how much that helps, but I end up eventually using the sundried tomato flavored olive oil anyways.

[mattstolz]

DO NOT BUY:

Rojo's Medium Pico de Gallo.

1) super watery
2) super acidic. literally cant taste anything over the extremely strong vinegar-y taste. its really not good.

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

Yeah, it sucks. Costco changed its pico de gallo brand at some point in the last year. I used to go through the old kind like crazy, but I really disliked Rojo's. The peach-mango fresh salsa they have now isn't any good either.

[SoozyQ]

Here is Montebello CA I buy Del Real's molcajete rojo salsa and it is excellent. Being Mexican American I've alway made my own salsa but now I buy this in place of. Turned on lots of family and friends and they love it. It really tastes like salsa made in a molcajete which is far superior to any other method. Now a good hot flour tortilla with some refried beans and this salsa and you think you've died and gone to heaven!!! Oh yeah, don't forget the oxaca cheese!

[peppergal]

Thanks, SoozyQ. It sounds great -- I'll look for it here in Fort Worth.

[givemecarbs]

Montgomeryville Pa in the frozen section. Capt. John's microwavable mahi sandwich. Crunchy fish, good bread tasty sauce. Not a bargain and probably not for large families but these things are damn yummy and convenient. Big enough to share.

[Peachie]

Is it worth going to the Costco in Richmond, BC, Canada ? I'll be 5 minutes from there in a few weeks and was wondering what products Americans are buying there. (Non-perishable, please.)

[ChandraNH]

Kansas City: Main street. found today (didnt buy yet)

La Mancha Saffron threads for $13
Gudrun Belgian Chocolates in gift wrapped box for $12

[nattythecook]

San Francisco Bay Area- I bought oxtail from Costco! Didn't know that they can move oxtail like other products. I'm curious to see if it is going to stay.
I made spicy Thai oxtail soup. Anybody else bought it and what did you do with it?

[stilton]

How much was the oxtail? I'm trying to justify joining Costco just for me and pop, and pop loves oxtails.

[nattythecook]

Just checked today, it was $4.49/lb. A package is about 20 bucks. I think it's on par with Asian markets.

[lazybaker]

Bay Area Costco stores have carried oxtails for many years now. I buy it all the time to make a bœuf bourguignon style braise. Like with all the beef products at Costco, the price seems to fluctuate. I have seen the oxtails for as low as $3.49/lb and as high as $5.99/lb.

[acgold7]

Interesting. Around here (Seattle area), the variety meats such as oxtail, tongue, cheek and beef tripe are available in the Business center locations but not the regular Costcos. Oxtail and Tongue are around $4/lb while the tripe and cheek are closer to $2. Less if you buy them by the case.

The Bay Area has at least one Business center that I know of.

I have to go to the regular Costco in my neighborhood tomorrow and will check to see if they have the oxtails as well.

[roxlet]

In the Yonkers, NY location, I bought a container of potato knishes. They were excellent -- very much like the ones I used to get on the street when I was a kid, and particularly good with some horseradish mustard. We had them as a side with dinner last night, and my son really liked them. He thought they tasted like latkes.

[acgold7]

No oxtails in our regular Costco.

[treb]

The Costco Business Centers always carry oxtails, beef cheeks and bags of fresh herbs. If there's one in your area, check it out.

[acgold7]

Um, yeah, that's what I said above. Two days ago.

[meatn3]

(Raleigh, NC)

I noticed today that Costco no longer has Pacific Chicken Broth. They now have a Kirklands chicken broth.

Most times I make my own, but I liked having the Pacific on hand for those in between times.

Has anyone tried the Kirklands?

I hope I still have a Pacific's so I can compare the ingredients and see if it is the same!

[LaLa]

the myrtle beach, sc store still has both brands.

[Dee S]

Kirklands brand is not as rich as Pacific. It's passable in dishes where the broth/stock is not the star.

I now go to Better Than Boullion for those times when I don't make my own.

[meatn3]

Thank you!

[oohmommy]

I find the Kirkland bran broth lacking -- but I threw a Costco roasted chicken carcass in it with a little leek and it was excellent.

[grammywheels]

Pacific disappeared for a while in Costco, NH..but is now back along with the Kirkland.

[meatn3]

That is promising! My local Costco indicated that it isn't coming back for us.

;-(

[ChandraNH]

Kansas City (Main Street). Verdi Casteltrevano olives. approx $7 for a 32 oz package (drained weight 20.5 oz). they are pretty good and certainly as good as or better than the 9.99 a pound ones you can get from Whole Foods' olive bar. They are with the cheeses and meats.

Also purchased a five pack (10 loaves) of frozen Le Petit Francais baguettes. Pretty wholesome ingredients, from France. Have one in the oven now (defrost for 15 minutes and pop in 400 degree oven for 8-12 minutes).

[marti]

Where are you located? I am in Southern Cal. and have been looking for these for months!! Used to buy them at Tader Joe but they nho longer carry them and,a week ago, neither did my local Cosco in Fountain Valley!! I"m desperate! Help!!

[ChandraNH]

I'm in Kansas City, sorry.

[ChandraNH]

Made the bread. It was excellent. Hot, crispy outer crust, soft inside. One baguette is just right for two people (with a little bit left over for a sandwich tonight with some meats, olives and cheeses).

[chococat]

Shoreline WA: Ajinomoto Japanese-style pork gyoza (not the LingLing chicken potstickers).

Crazy good! The gyoza are packed in trays of 12, encased in a block of ice/oil. Pop out the block and put in a nonstick pan (no need to oil the pan), turn the burner on to med-hi and come back in 12 minutes. The wrapper is very thin and delicate, and the bottoms get super crispy. I blot them on a papertowel to absorb some of the excess oil but they're not that bad. Yeah, they're totally overpackaged, and probably loaded with MSG (first manufactured by Ajinomoto), and we should all be ashamed that we are too lazy to oil a pan, but these things are really tasty and totally foolproof. In fact, I think I'll throw a brick of dumplings on the stove right now...

[acgold7]

Ooooh, man, I have a box of those in the freezer but haven't tried them yet. Too late to make them now but I know what I'm having for breakfast....

[roxlet]

Just tried those yesterday. Perfect for my son's after school snack! I was a little confused by the ice/oil block. At first I thought that they had defrosted and been refrozen. They were pretty good, and my son loved them.

[Dax]

Lingling potstickers have a coupon here in Alabama this week. Are they any good? Any better (tasting or price-wise) than the ones I would find in one of the Asian markets here?

[mlou72]

LingLings are very tasty, but I always chuck their sauce packets. I find any frozen potsticker is way better with a freshly made dipping sauce. Even plain soy sauce is better.

I've never bought any frozen except LingLing; usually make my own from scratch. I think in Asian markets you'll find more flavor varieties.

One thing I love the convenience of the frozen ones for is tossing in soup. Chicken broth, ginger slices, frozen veggies, and frozen potstickers makes a super quick tasty meal (yes, not gourmet, but yummy and healthier than takeout).

[acgold7]

Don't be so quick to throw away the sauce packets; they're great for making hot and sour soup. They can serve as both the vinegar and soy sauce components.

[michelley]

but they are really sweet.

[acgold7]

I think maybe we are thinking of different things. The sauce packets I'm thinking of are not much more than soy sauce and vinegar. They are not sweet at all; if anything, they are overwhelmingly sour. They're not like a sweet and sour sauce.

I have a bag full of them in the freezer -- I'll have to taste one tonight to see if it's changed compared to how I remember them.

[michelley]

Maybe they've changed them, I haven't tasted it in a few years. They were a sweet gingery soy sauce.

[acgold7]

Just checked; they're pretty tart to me but a look at the ingredients reveals that each Tablesppon serving does have about a teaspoon of sugar, so some people might perceive them as sweeter than I do.

[ncyankee101]

I happen to like the dipping sauce that comes with them quite a bit. I am always bummed when I run out and have to eat my last batch with regular soy sauce, though last time I mixed in some hoisin and it was pretty good.

[peppergal]

acg,do you have a hot and sour soup recipe, using the packets, that you particularly like? If so, do you mind sharing? Thanks.

[peppergal]

Thanks, mlou, for the soup idea. I've used it several times since your post -- adding to your suggestions spinach or cabbage, a little sesame oil, tamari, cremini, whatever was on hand. I stocked up before the coupon expired, and look forward to some quick, easy, tasty meals this winter. Thanks!

[CindyJ]

I just bought the Lingling chicken potstickers today for the first time. I've always made my own potstickers in the past, which means we don't have them often. I figured I'd use the same cooking technique on these frozen ones as I do on the homemade -- first fry, then steam in the same pot. They make a mighty mess, as you can imagine. I'm hoping these will be good.

[Bobfrmia]

I'm betting you'll be happy.

[Jeri L]

It works! I'm potsticker cooking impared and these came out perfect. Also love that they're in two serving trays.

[peppergal]

Has anyone found these in Fort Worth? I've looked, but so far no luck. Still find only the LingLing.

[MHasse]

I just bought Kirkland smoked salmon in NW Illinois....truly excellent.

[pine time]

Is this the large box of salmon? Mr. Pine's only complaint is that the wrap should be resealable, since no way he can eat it in 1 sitting (I don't like it). yeah, I know, re-wrap, which I do, but it falls apart.

[ferret]

Their smoked salmon (which I also think is excellent) is vacuum-packed in the refrigerator section (I believe it ships frozen to Costco). It was previously in a large 1-lb+ package and is now in a twin-pack of approximately the same weight.

[MisterBill2]

I'll have to look for that. I like the idea of two separate sealed packs of smoked salmon. We threw out part of a big package a few weeks ago because we never got around to using it (my wife always seems to think that if something has been around too long, it will get better if you just let it sit longer.. grrrr..).

[MisterBill2]

I checked out the smoked salmon in the twin packs -- excellent. Will make it much easier to use. Now all they need to do is make the containers resealable.

[debbypo]

I put it on a paper plate and then put wrap over it... that seems to help. When I have extra containers, I put it in a flattish snapware and put plastic wrap directly on the fish.

[Dax]

Does anyone else buy their Tzatziki? I think the cost went up by about $1 here in Alabama but the size remains the same. I still like it a lot but I may start making my own with their Kirkland brand greek yogurt.

[treb]

I have in the past, pretty good for commercial stuff. I did make some with Kirkland Greek Yogurt, came out great. BTW - most recent increases have been attributed to shipping costs, you know fuel.

[Dax]

While I would understand, a 20% increase is rough and fuel prices have been that high (higher actually) for some time. Guess I will just make my own.

[Berheenia]

October 1 Dedham MA

Got a huge bag of John Wm Macy's cheese crisps for 7.85 in the back of the chips area.
I have paid close to 5 bucks for a small box of these and they were worth every penny.
They really brighten up a bowl of soup.

[CanadaGirl]

We've got them in Halifax, NS, and I like them too.

[Feed_me]

Has anybody tried Costco's classic chocolates? The 1 lb. box costs about $9. Just wondering....
I've seen them at the Hawthorne (California) warehouse for several weeks now.

[treb]

I've purchased them in previous years, they're generally out for the holidays. I've also given them for gifts etc., very good quality.

[Feed_me]

Thanks "treb" for the reply. I've never noticed the Costco chocolates before this fall.

[greygarious]

I bought the Kirkland Classic American Chocolates based on this discussion. So far I tried the Almond Cluster, Maple Pecan Square, and Espresso Coffee Cream. All were excellent. Far better than Russell Stover or Fannie Farmer, and none of the fruit jell fillings no one likes. The flavors in the one pound box of 23 pieces are: DARK CHOCOLATE: Chocolate Walnut Fudge, Old Fashioned Honeycomb Chip, Toasted Almond Caramel, Raspberry Sorbet Heart. MILK CHOCOLATE: Almond Butter Toffee, Espresso Coffee Cream, Maple Pecan Square, Pecan Caramel Pattie, Almond Cluster, Brown Sugar Smoothie, Sea Salt Caramel. WHITE CHOCOLATE: Coconut Walnut Haystack.

[Ruth Lafler]

I bought them and thought they were just okay. For those of you who have the option, the discount certificates for See's get you a much better product for not much more money.