Costco food finds - 3rd quarter 2012 [old]

[greygarious]

For July-September. Since inventory varies a lot from store to store, please remember to include the location of your Costco.

[treb]

Just saw and tasted Kirkland chocolate chips, really good and a great value. 51% cacao.

[greygarious]

New quarter, new thread: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/872301

[biondanonima]

Not exactly a find, but has anyone bought the Cabot 3-year cheddar in the black plastic wrapper recently? This was always my favorite grocery store cheddar - I loved its sharp flavor and crumbly texture. I just bought a block for the first time in probably a year, though, and it has changed drastically. The texture is now similar to a standard Kraft cheddar (i.e. rubbery) and the flavor is quite mild. It's not horrible, but it's nothing like it was. A fluke, or has the product changed?

[treb]

I purchase the aged , in the black wrapper, regularly. Very sharp, a bit crumbly and not rubbery at all.

[biondanonima]

Yeah, that's what I expect from this product but it's definitely not what I got this time. Maybe I'll return it and try again...

[coney with everything]

try the tillamook in the black wrapper if you haven't already

[treb]

IMO, Tillamook is not nearly as sharp or flavorful as Cabot,

[splatgirl]

try the Kerrygold cheddar in the parchment wrapper instead.

[mcf]

Do you mean the Dubliner? We LOVE that, have for years. But it's not a straight cheddar taste. I think we started buying the Cabot cheddar in the white package not long ago, can't recall why, but it also used to be in black wax.

[splatgirl]

yesyes. It has the texture biondanonima described which is why I suggested it. I buy three bricks at a time. I hadn't considered the "not a straight cheddar" taste, but I guess I agree. Irish vs. American maybe? come to think of it, I have never been a fan of straight cheddar, maybe because it's hard to find a good one.
There is another aged cheddar in a different package but the same size/shape, right? I recall not liking that one as much, but I don't think I've tried the Cabot. I will next time.
I've also tried whatever that organic aged cheddar is and was not impressed. The texture is mooshy, not at all like what I think of as aged and not much flavor.

[biondanonima]

Hm, I wonder if the one I like is now in white packaging? I've always bought the black, but this is definitely not the same as what I used to get. I think I will take it back and see if they have the Dubliner or the white package of Cabot...

[mcf]

Dubliner is very cheddar like, but with an almost sweetish, toasted kind of flavor. Didn't Cabot used to come in two black wax block types? I *think* the one we buy now was once one of those. If I had one in the house I'd run down and check...

[biondanonima]

The Westbury Costco has only ever had one black Cabot type, to my knowledge - I think they also used to carry one in dark green plastic or wax, too, but I haven't seen that one in a while. I'll have to look when we're there next. I just grabbed the black one and didn't look closely at the label to see if anything had changed.

[treb]

Yes, Cabot also comes in a less aged green block.

[mcf]

My warehouse had two black ones, one with a green label, that might've been the Private Stock?

Edit later: Just found a delicious, crumbly and tangy Cabot cheddar block in my big cheese drawer. No longer wrapped in wax, sadly it's in black plastic and I can't tell you which one it is because DH cut off more than half the wrapper. It's as close to Canadian Black Diamond, the standard IMO, as anything else I've had.

[biondanonima]

Hm. I checked the label on mine - it says 3-year aged, the same as what I have always bought, but it is DEFINITELY not the same cheese. I'll have to persuade DH to stop at Costco while we're out and about this weekend so that I can investigate!

[mcf]

Husband says he thinks it's 3 yr aged that he bought. Sure wish it were still in wax; we've stopped using plastic as much as possible for food contact/storage.

[biondanonima]

Yes - I wonder if when they switched to plastic, they changed the product as well? I think the last time I bought it it was still in wax...

[mcf]

Our cheese is unchanged, though you may have gotten a bad batch, or badly stored batch.

[treb]

Depending on where you live, some local regulations require it be packaged in wax, while in other areas it's wrapped in plastic, still the same product.. The black wrap is the private stock and the green is less aged. Bad DH,.... Bad DH....

[mcf]

Well, it's got nothing to do with regs here, where cheese is sold in wax all the time. I'm guessing Bonbel isn't banned anywhere, either. Do they put that in plastic now?

What did DH do wrong? He was halfway done with the cheese; I just wish he'd tossed all the plastic, I hate it on my food.

[greygarious]

I am out of it just now, but as I recall once reading on a Dubliner label, it is a combination of cheddar, swiss, and parmesan.

[mcf]

You must be thinking of some other cheese. The wrapper only mentions that it's made from the milk of grass fed cows, and describes it as "a distinctive taste with a natural hint of sweetness." Ingredients are just milk and enzymes, basically. I'm guessing that the distinctive flavors come from what the cows are grazing on, and then from whatever enzyme starter they use.

[Leepa]

From their website:

"Kerrygold Dubliner

It has a distinctive rounded flavour and a natural hint of sweetness. Aged for 12 months, it has elements of mature cheddar, sweet nutty tones of a Swiss and the piquant bite of aged Parmesan."

[mcf]

Ah, not on the label, though, but thanks for the info.

[Dax]

I picked up some of the almond bark Saturday around noon. It made it through a small gathering of football fans (at home) but it probably won't last through the week. So good dark chocolate and the almonds.

[givemecarbs]

I almost bought that almond bark. Maybe next time. At the Montgomeryville Pa store the pumpkin spice quick bread mix has appeared and I finally tried it. Very good. It is krusteaz. I made the snack cake but the box claims you can use it to make pancakes. Since you end up with several individual pouches, maybe I'll try pumpkin pancakes this weekend.

[Dax]

My almond bark is rapidly disappearing.

I always find Krusteaz brand mixes at Aldi for very cheap.

[givemecarbs]

I have purchased the meatloaf and mashed potato entree in the refrigerated section with the bucket of chicken soup and the monster chicken pot pie twice now. This is at the montgomeryville pa store and I had to restrain myself from buying this a third time. Very yummy and perfect for the fall weather here in the northeast.
Since this is a zero effort dish, toss it in the oven for an hour, the first time I served the meatloaf and mashed with some leftover gravy from the dual chuck roasts I cooked up from Costco, and some organic carrots also from Costco. The second time I browned up some mushrooms from Costco to put on top of the meatloaf.
This is my favorite way to cook during the week, easy main dish means I have the energy to add some extras. Anyone else love the dual pack of chuck roasts? Usually I freeze one and make pot roast twice but this time I said screw it and just made them both up. Boy that gravy was rich.

[treb]

The roasts are a good value, I find them to be a better quality cut than the super markets. In addition to pot roast, I cube some up for chili.

[givemecarbs]

One of my favorite things about them as that they are large! Might make some beef vegetable soup with barley out of one of them soon.

[biondanonima]

Tried the new Kirkland brand frozen pizzas - $12.59 for a pack of four pepperoni pizzas in Edison, NJ. They're very similar to DiGiorno, with a crust that rises in the oven. They're ok, but I prefer a thinner crust. They're also REALLY greasy, but that's probably because of the generous pepperoni topping. I'm sure my husband's kids will like them, but I wouldn't buy them again for myself.

[givemecarbs]

Been eyeing the chocolate chunk cheesecake in the refrigerated desserts tub in the bakery section of my montgomeryville pa store. Finally gave in last night. It is huge and delicious. So glad I have a chest freezer.

[Cameraman]

I just discovered Jack's Garden Fresh Gourmet Salsa in West Nashville and I'm eating it on freaking everything.

[coney with everything]

That Jack's Salsa is the best!

[coney with everything]

I think the Kirkland caramel almond toffee ice cream was mentioned in the previous Costco finds thread, but I finally bought it this weekend.

Two words: AWE SOME

[treb]

Their ice cream is amazing.

[Shrinkrap]

I believe it is Haagan Daz.

[chompy]

Their ice cream *is* amazing, and that flavor combo sounds like it would be downright dangerous for me.

[randyjl]

Darn it, I would love them to make a chocolate ice cream as great as their vanilla. AND put one of each in the pack!

[Chowrin]

they couldn't do it (nilla likes cream a lot better than chocolate, which just dilutes). now a good coffee ice cream... that might do the trick... (it's strong enough to take the cream, and with a good coffee (brazil) will resemble chocolate)

[Rilke]

I have never seen this at my store. :-( Is it right next to the vanilla in yours?

[Chowrin]

yes. waterfront pittsburgh location.

[ChandraNH]

the Kansas City location has the better than bouillon back. I've been looking for it since last fall. They have the 16 oz organic lower sodium chicken version, for 6.79, which is about the same price as the non-organic, small size at the grocery store.

so I purchased three, since it doesn't seem to be a regular item.

[biondanonima]

I see this regularly (both chicken and beef flavor) at my Costcos on Long Island/Queens - it is a GREAT deal.

[rasputina]

Maybe they had this before and never noticed? Carrington Farms extra virgin organic cold pressed coconut oil, 54oz for 15 dollars. That is an incredible deal. I've been using Nutiva but was almost out and happened to see this at Costco. Haven't tried it yet.

Oh this was the Austin, TX Costco on William Cannon Dr.

[monavano]

Multi grain One Buns are delicious. It's like a less fragile pita with more flavor and texture. I'm loving eating egg, bacon and cheese sandwiches on them. Good stuff.
http://ca.ozerybakeryinc.com/products...

[AntarcticWidow]

A couple of months ago, I bought the Kirkland brand multigrain rounds (their version of Oroweat sandwich thins) to eat with the Morningstar black bean chipotle burgers. Tossed the bread up on the refrigerator and lost sight of them. I just found them again this morning - no sign of mold. I don't know whether to be afraid or not.

[treb]

I keep bread in the frig/freezer and lasts for a long time. If there's no mold, it should be fine.

[mcf]

AW said ON, not IN!

I'd be afraid!

[sedimental]

I bought the Kirkland brand pork sirloin tip roasts (they come in a 4 pack). Really terrific if you brine them for 2 days in the fridge, then slow roast at 325 for 1.5 hours (or until done).

Wow. Very impressed...."like butta"

[givemecarbs]

I know it is rushing the season but I scored a pumpkin pie for the usual six bucks at the Montgomeryville Pa location.

[angelsmom]

Not if you like it!

[rasputina]

I was really surprised to see pumpkin pies so early this year when I was at the Austin Costco last week.

[Dave_in_PA]

HAS THE PESTO SAUCE CHANGED?

I've been buying Kirkland pesto for years... always repacked it into smaller containers and froze them becuase the sauce would turn black. Like real pesto.

I got a jar in July, forgot to repack, and it's not changing color as i use it at all. It also tastes a little tart... like the unrefrigerated stuff in the supermarket.

I think they changed their formula . not in a good way.

[coney with everything]

the old stuff was made by Cibo...do you see that name on your package?

The Cibo was a smoking deal, Costco size container at the same price the little tiny deli tub cost at Whole Foods.

[mcf]

The package and the taste are identical to Cibo, but it's now Kirkland brand.

[eastbayjay]

Yes - they definitely changed it and it is so disappointing! It's definitely not the Cibo sauce that was so amazing. We have been eating that pesto regularly for over 10 years and this new version is just awful. I heard that Whole Foods still carries Cibo. It will cost much more but that doesn't matter since the Costco one is inedible.

[treb]

Just picked up some champagne grapes, awesome little gems of flavor.

[bte576]

Our Costco (Pewaukee, WI) had Federalist Zin marked down to $11.97 when I was there last week with a "discontinued " note on the sign.

I've bought this same wine at an area wine shop for around $20. After given a little time to open up, this is a yummy big Zin and IMHO a really great value if you can get for under $12.

[Fowler]

That sounds like a good deal, bte576. Which appellation is the Zinfandel from? That is the same Costco location that we shop at. If you like Manchego cheese, they have one that is very good for the price.

[bte576]

Dry Creek Valley
(Thief Wine Shorewood originally turned me on to this wine...)

Thanks for the Manchego tip.

They did have Sartori Sarvecchio BTW last week too. I don't know how regularly it is stocked, but I know the last time I was looking for it all I saw was BellaVitano.

[Bobfrmia]

As an FYI for those who don't know, anything at Costco ending with .97 in the price is being discontinued. They can be marked down very low.

[treb]

Just saw meyer lemons, looked great.

[learningtocook]

The Costcos in the bay area are carrying small twin tubs of what they're calling Africa red peppers. These are small red peppers stuffed with feta and mizithra cheeses and marinated in oil. They are absolutely divine!
I found them in the refrigerated section where they stock the hummus and stuff.The brand name is mani, if it helps!

[Rilke]

Oh my, this sounds right up my alley, but I am on the other side of the country :-(

[knowspicker]

Hannah Tzatziki sauce at the Seattle Costco. This was surprisingly good. Not as good as home made but good flavor and fresh tasting. Better than some I've had in restaurants.

Teva hummus from Costco Business delivery [or Lynnwood Business Warehouse] This was really good. It seemed to have more tahini than most of the store bought hummus. 5 lb tub but great for an event. Another Lynnwood Biz item is Ithaki Feta cheese a good cows milk feta.

Mangoes at the Seattle Warehouse are excellent right now.

New to Seattle - Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut oil. Best price around though you do have to buy a large tub. Less than half the price of buying the same brand at grocery stores in the area.

[rasputina]

ooo thanks, I'll have to check for the coconut oil! Nutiva is what I usually buy elsewhere anyway.

[Jeri L]

Finally tried the Gourmet Selections Spanish Omelettes (refrigerated, next to the quiche at Costco #1 Seattle). Pretty good. Ingredient list is simple--eggs, potatoes, onions, oil and seasonings. Heated in the microwave per instructions and thought it needed a little more time to be as warm as I'd like it, but otherwise can't fault it.

[awm922]

Picked up the Amylu Chicken Burgers with carmelized onions, red bell peppers and gouda cheese. I don't usually get this type of item, but they're gluten free, low in fat, low sodium, no artificial ingredients, minimally processed and low in calories. They are fully cooked, but I threw them on the grill at high for a couple of minutes just to brown them a bit. They tasted great, nice bite to them. Like eating a sausage patty without all the grease. The chicken must be coarse ground vs. fine ground like beef burgers. They come 10 to a container. They are 1/4 lb patties packed 2 to a cryovac package. I found them in the refrigerated meat section with things like the chicken sausage. I think we paid 8.99 for the package. I will definitely buy them again.....if they're not gone already. You Costco people know what I mean. "See it/Buy it"
These were in the West Springfield, MA store.

[biondanonima]

We bought these too, in Westbury NY. They're pretty good - I really like Amylu products in general. Now if only they would bring back the Amylu breakfast sausages!

[cheesemaestro]

I saw these yesterday (Harrisburg, PA) and was going to buy them, but we already had more food in our cart than we could put in our freezer. I'll be on the lookout for them on our next trip to Costco. The packaging (two patties per cryovac) is a definite plus. I wish that more items at Costco were packaged this way.

[meatn3]

Thanks for mentioning them!

I found them in Raleigh, NC on Monday. Very tasty! Much, much better than the turkey burgers I tried in the past.

[Dax]

Good to know. Once we finish the chipotle black bean burgers we might buy them. How much were they are your MA costco?

[mcf]

Just found the "Cibo" pesto in the exact same jar again, but with a Kirkland label on it this time after an extended absence. This was in Melville, NY.

[mcf]

I don't know if this is new, but the per lb price on Bel Gioso pre sliced fresh mozzarella logs is way lower than any form of the product I've found anywhere else. Much cheaper than the fabulous buffalo milk mozzarella, so we're alternating. In Melville and Commack, NY.

[biondanonima]

I just saw those pre-sliced logs in the Westbury store and I was wondering if they were any good. I've never bought the buffalo milk mozzarella either, for fear it would be a waste of money...I guess I've got two new things to try!

[mcf]

Oh, the buffalo milk one is worth every spendy penny! As far as pre made/packaged mozzarella goes, Bel Gioso is good, but it's hard to go back once you've had that Italian buffalo milk stuff.

[Rilke]

Hey mcf -- is buffalo milk mozzarella *supposed* to be like other mozzarella (in consistency / texture) on the outside, then softer and more ricotta-ish on the inside?

The only buffalo mozzarella I've ever purchased was like this, and I hated it, but I never bothered to find out if I merely got a bad batch.

[mcf]

it's got a more delicate, thin skin, and it's softer inside but not grainy like ricotta nor does it taste tangy at all. I find the taste and texture sumptuous, but hey, there's no accounting for tastes!

[Rilke]

I'm going to try it again. (And maybe report back :-) )

[mcf]

Please do report back... it's always interesting to see how different folks react to the same foods.

[monavano]

If you mean like burrata then no, but I find buffalo to be a bit softer in overall texture.

[biondanonima]

From Rilke's description, I wonder if what s/he had WAS burrata? Buffalo mozzarella is definitely softer overall than cow's milk mozzarella, but the comment about a "ricotta-like" inside has me wondering...

[Rilke]

Quite possible, as I wasn't really paying attention and this was years ago; I just remember it began with "b" and assumed it was buffalo mozz.

[biondanonima]

Just broke into my newly purchased container of the buffalo mozzarella from Costco - I really wish I didn't know how good this stuff is. I fear my regular Costco bill has just increased...

[mcf]

I know, right? It's just amazingly good, anything else pales by comparison. It's great with Campari or Kumato tomatoes and Costco pesto, too. Or just good EVOO.

[Rilke]

Reporting back! Interesting that you mention kumato tomatoes, as that's what I tried buffalo mozzarella with last week. Loved it. I just finished lunch -- tomato and roasted red pepper soup with more buffalo mozz melted into it.

I am not surprised that I didn't like the taste a few years ago, but I sure like it now.

[mcf]

Aren't kumatoes amazing? Even better than camparis.

[Fowler]

Just in case anyone should be searching for the cheese it is produced under the name BelGioioso, not Bel Gioso. Many of their varieties rival some of the better cheese I have even tasted from Italy.

[mcf]

Thanks for catching that...

[biondanonima]

I bought some Kirkland brand pesto today in Edison, NJ - a 22 oz. plastic jar from the refrigerated section, says something like 100% DOP imported basil on the front - is that the Cibo? If so, I am not impressed - it's made with pecorino instead of parmigiano, so it tastes like sheep, and it's way too salty and oily, with very little basil, nut or garlic flavor.

[mcf]

Is it square shaped plastic, about 7" high? White lid? That was Cibo, now Kirkland. I love pecorino romano...

[biondanonima]

Yes, that's the stuff. I love pecorino, but not in pesto - I should have checked the label, but it didn't occur to me that it would be made with anything other than parmigiano.

[treb]

Just saw Kirkland Spanish whole saffron threads. $14. per jar.

[biondanonima]

Yes, these were available at the Costco in Astoria this morning, $14 for a 1 gram jar.

[Cathy]

A 14 gram jar is available at Costco.com for $80

http://www.costco.com/Spanish-Saffron...

[biondanonima]

The Rego Park, NY store had Black Velvet Apricots today - not sure what possessed me, but I bought the 3lb. pack. They are dark purple and look like fuzzy plums (they're the size of plums too, much larger than most apricots). Anyway, the skin is tart and similar to a peach in texture, but the texture of the flesh is like a cross between an overripe peach and a plum. They are quite juicy but IMO too sweet and a little bland. Not sure what to do with them, as I'm not in love with the flavor - they might be good added to sangria, or perhaps as a sorbet (with plenty of lemon added for tartness). If you like sweet stone fruits, though, I'm sure you'll love them!

[treb]

I saw them, they did look interesting, maybe good for a fruit crisp application.

[biondanonima]

Maybe, although I'm not sure they have the right texture to stand up to baking. A fine dice might be good in a salsa of some kind.

[JerryMe]

Or try them in a crumble. Or freeze or can to make jam later.

[biondanonima]

We ended up eating a few of them plain (they were much better cold from the fridge than room temperature), but yesterday they were getting a little soft and I had 9 or 10 left, so I decided to take action. I pitted them and whizzed them in the food processor - they liquefied almost instantly and turned a really beautiful pink color from the skins. I strained the puree and found that it was actually quite tart with the skins blended in, so I added a little sugar, some lemon juice and white wine and turned the whole mess into sorbet. It's delicious - highly recommended!

[treb]

Just saw fresh figs, about a third of the price at regular super markets. BIng Cherries were $2.49 p/lb and they had more Rainier's as well. Also, peaches, from CA, have been excellent.

[biondanonima]

Premio fresh chicken sausages, purchased at the Costco in Westbury, NY. They taste just like a classic mild bratwurst - totally delicious. My husband, who is totally prejudiced against chicken sausages, LOVED these. A very nice lower fat alternative to regular brats.

[JerryMe]

Are those the ones with roasted red pepper? We get the chicken red sausages w/ the pepper and they are AWESOME! Good for a brat on the grill and / or chopped into sauce for spaghetti. They're a staple when I can find them at Costco.

[biondanonima]

No, these were plain, no red pepper involved. I will have to keep an eye out for the red pepper ones though, as I am a major red pepper fanatic!

[Rene]

I think you may be thinking of the Casual Gourmet Roasted Red Pepper and Spinach Chicken Sausage. This stuff is great and I've used it from just grilling to stuffed cabbage, omelets and the lasagne recipe in the package. What a find!!!

[biondanonima]

I don't know if this qualifies as a "find," but I sampled Mayorga coffee this weekend (not sure which blend), purchased from Costco in Vermont, and it was excellent - I need to look for it at my local stores.

[biondanonima]

Found it in Bridgewater, NJ today - but oddly, not in Edison, NJ.

[Rilke]

treb mentioned these in the last quarterly, but the "strawberry cherries" are scrumptious. They make up for the sad lack of Rainiers this year.

Newark, DE Costco

[treb]

Costco had a limited supply of Rainier's today.

[Rilke]

Thanks for the heads up. Any more strawberry ones?

[treb]

I was looking but, didn't see any. Those were a real treat.

[Rilke]

Picked up enough Rainiers today to feed an army. But I actually find I prefer the strawberry cherries now that I've had them. Why did I only grab one tub? :P Hoping they'll make another appearance.

[Leepa]

What are these strawberry cherries like? Do they taste similar to strawberries?

[Rilke]

They taste like cherries infused with strawberries. Seriously. Sweet like Rainier but with more flavor, and without that cherry "bite" of Bings.

[acgold7]

Minuscule supply of Rainiers in Woodinville, WA today as well. About 8 cases, each holding two (maybe four?) 3-pound tubs. $9.99 per tub.

[rasputina]

I was at the Austin TX Costco today ( the one down south) and noticed they had small containers of saffron. Didn't buy any, as I have plenty already.

They also still had red velvet cupcakes, didn't buy any as I ate enough last time I bought them LOL.

Saw an 80" TV too. No I didn't buy it LOL. I was mainly there to buy meat.

The peaches looked and smelled great though, so I bought a flat of them. I think they need a day or two on the counter before being ready to eat.

[Jeri L]

Oh good, I hope the saffron is a nationwide thing. I promised myself I'd buy it the next time they had it.

[CindyJ]

Do you happen to know where the saffron comes from?

[ferret]

Last time I looked it was from Spain (but I don't know if they source from different locations for different stores).

[Cathy]

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

If it's the same supplier as Costco.Com, then it is from Spain.

[CindyJ]

Interesting -- I wasn't aware of the "certified color score" mentioned in the product description. I do remember reading something a while back that said that often, products labeled as saffron, really aren't saffron at all, and one way to determine if what you have is authentic is to soak the threads in water. Real saffron threads will remain deep yellow but the fake stuff will fade in color. I wonder if the certified color score is determined by a similar test.

I'm intrigued and I'll definitely look for it on my next trip to Costco. The label on the jar of my most recent purchase of saffron shows the quantity in grains, not grams (1 grain = .06 grams). This seems like a great value.

[cstr]

I've purchased it at Costco, it's from Spain and they're full threads. It's a deal!

[Jeri L]

Saffron is back at Costco #1 in Seattle. It's Spanish, La Mancha Saffron, Kirkland branded. The label has lots of verbage about its quality. $13.79 for the 1 gram (not grain) bottle.