Costco food finds - 4th quarter 2012

[greygarious]

Srarting over for the remainder of the year. Please remember to include your Costco location, since inventory varies a lot from one region to another.

[rasputina]

new year new thread

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/885069

[Berheenia]

My friend's husband went to Costco in Dedham MA Xmas eve and he bought a frozen turkey dinner for 10 bucks. It was precooked and there was a ten pound turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes and more. She is a good cook herself and said it was delicious. I would never venture to a major mall on the eve of a big holiday but it sounds like it might be worth it. There was no name brand mentioned.

[Cathy]

Christmas Eve is the best day of the year to go to Costco. All checkouts are open and all the crowds are at home. Lots of fresh food marked down.

[liza219]

I caught this deal as well. Came with sweet potatoes, green beans, mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy. I have to say, it was pretty Damn good! I may keep this in my mind for next year. The hubs said their was another dinner kit available, much bigger, but another great price. No room though.
Also the turkey gravy was marked down, the thin mints, butter cookies and Italian cookies marked down. It's times like these I curse my husband's job. (@Costco). ThIs was at the Port Chester, NY store.

[knowspicker]

Organic baby kale at the Seattle Store #1. Prewashed and very tender when cooked.

[cheesecake17]

I bought this at the Brooklyn store. We used it mostly raw in salads and it was delicious

[Jeri L]

Costco #1 Seattle: Royal Asia Chow Fun, in the freezer section. The only mention I've found of it on line is a tweet that calls it "amazeballs"...I don't know as I'd go so far as that, but pretty darned good for chow fun from the microwave. I was not expecting wok char taste, but it's there, along with a decent array of vegetables. Note to vegetarians: contains oyster sauce.

[Bob W]

Hmmmm, microwave chow foon? Will have to check that out.

[Beach Chick]

Cheesy scalloped pot's..so so good for around $6
Pretzel rolls
3 baked loaves of the Chocolate banana, pumpkin struesel and plain.

San Diego

[Ruth Lafler]

I just roasted the Australian boneless leg of lamb ($4.99/lb purchased at San Leandro, CA) and it was really delicious and amazingly tender. Since it was deboned it had been reassembled into a roast with netting, but I opened it up and there were two large pieces held together with one thinner piece. I cut out the thinner piece and roasted it a shorter time than the other two pieces. Yum!

[mcf]

I love the Ozzie lamb there, too. I usually roast one half and cut the other into cubes and marinate for kebabs. Great price, too.

[givemecarbs]

Thanks Ruth, I've been tempted by the leg of lamb many times. I've been having fun playing with the leftovers from the lamb osso bucco I bought last week at Mongomeryville Pa and I figured out something.
I've never been a fan of beef stew, I'd always rather have pot roast, but lamb stew is a whole different matter. I want to roast the lamb just so I can have lamb stew and sheperd's pie later!

[emu48]

The Oz boneless lamb leg roasts are easily cut into several smaller roasts ... or cubed and frozen for future stews, kababs, curries, etc. Or ground in your food processor. I like grilling the whole thing, unrolled and marinated at least overnight in various Sicilian or South Asian ways. The fact that the unrolled boned leg is shaped so irregularly ... parts are thick, parts are thin ... means you can grill an unrolled roast for a bunch of people and there will be some for those who like rare, some that's well done, some that's medium. Plus the fact that it's really top-quality meat.

[Ruth Lafler]

Agreed. As I noted, I unrolled it and cut it apart and had two roasts in the 2-pound range plus one other piece that I used for a "personal" roast but which could have been cut up, ground up, etc.

[Encinitan]

Purchased a 1.25 lb package of MealMart New York Kosher Deli pastrami ($10) from a San Diego Costco. God awful. I threw it out.

I wish they still sold Carnegie pastrami.

[Bob W]

Every time I see MealMart I think of the fake store in the National Lampoon Sunday Newspaper Parody -- SwillMart.

[carfreeinla]

Now that that Seaweed salad is back, has anyone seen the eggplant salad? It could have been a Sabra product. I am in NYC

[Dax]

I saw a bunch of Vitamix 5200s at my local Hoover, AL Costco last weekend for I believe $374.99 or close to it. I believe that this is the discontinued model that Costco used to sell before it was replaced by the 6300.

[cstr]

At their last roadshow, my Costco had both for sale.

[Dax]

I am considering returning the Ninja I bought there and upgrading. I was all set to buy the 5200 when I showed up at a roadshow and they had replaced them with the $499 6300s.

[cstr]

Vitamix has their roadshow at my Costco this weekend, they have both models available.

[MisterBill2]

Surprised that I have not seen a post about this here, but I picked up some really good Gulab Jamoon at Costco a few weeks ago, and got another pack last week. They're in the refrigerated deli/cheese section, not the dairy section. For those not familiar with them, they're an Indian dessert and the box says they are "Milk-Cake Balls in Rose Syrup with nuts and cardamom filling". They were sampling them a few weeks ago at my store in NY. They're made by Jyoti Natural Foods (www.jyotifoods.com).

Most importantly, I served them at a work meeting with a bunch of Indians attending, and they thought they were very good.

[Monch]

New member and am unable to find the following.

Am I out of luck at Costco?

1) Bone-in pork shoulder roasts...can find boneless, but...

2) Peanut oil...really? No peanut oil?

3) Slim-Fast - Preferably the powder in large cans.

Any input will be helpful and appreciated.

[treb]

1. No bone in
2. Yes, must be out of stock
3. Not sure, don't use the stuff

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

I don't buy Slim-Fast, but if Costco did have it, it would probably be in the health section (with vitamins and over-the-counter drugs) rather than the food section.

[Cathy]

1. Have never seen bone in (and have been a member since 1984.
2. There was a lot before Thanksgiving. Some inventory changes a lot; seasonal.
3. If there were Slim Fast, you'd likely see it around New Year Resolution time; again, seasonal.

[mutti]

Overland park,Ks had the bone in pork,just keep going back this is a big Holiday Item and a must get in my opinion,they probably ran out,I went to 2 Costco's one in the before mentioned location the other one 13 miles away in Kansas,Mo one had smoked whitefish the other one didn't between the 2 I found a huge difference in the items they carried.
In the Mo Costco they had the already cooked roast duck 2 half's for $15.00 I loaded up.

[Dax]

I always get shoulder roasts at my local markets as at least one store tends to drop down to ridiculous per lb pricing at least once a month.

[carfreeinla]

I saw bone in on Staten Island yesterday

[Berheenia]

I have to get a brie and don't remember if Costco in Greater Boston has large wheels. I don't want one in a pastry.

[treb]

They do carry regular brie cheese, I believe it's Presidential Brand.

[givemecarbs]

Mine has Presidential at a very good price as well as kirkland brand. Montgomeryville Pa. The wheels are small though

[suburban_mom]

Has anyone tried the Starbucks hot chocolate mix? I have a child who will only drink milk if it is hot chocolate an only likes the Ghiradelli Double Chocolate mix. The Starbucks could save me some money only if I know he would drink it.

[Jeri L]

They're good. I'd say comparable to Ghiradelli, but if he only likes the Double Chocolate, he might be more particular and not care for ANY difference in flavor.

[suburban_mom]

Particular totally describes him. I might try to find a smaller container of the Starbucks for him to try before I buy the big container.

[Chowrin]

That's a make your own from penseys if I've ever heard it.

[suburban_mom]

I'm not even sure if I can get away with make my own with this kid. His sister made her own chocolate syrup (homeade "hersheys") using Penzeys cocoa powder and her oldest brother is using it all the time.

[John E.]

We recently discovered Kasia's Pierogies at Costco in the Twin Cities. They are made in Chicago and are the closest thing to what my grandmother made (potato and cheese anyway).

[suburban_mom]

Are they frozen or refrigerated? And which Costco did you find them?

[John E.]

They are in the refrigerated section and I saw them at both Coon Rapids and Maplewood but I am sure they are at all of the Minnesota Costcos. Last Easter we bought frozen pierogies at Aldi that were pretty good as well, but they must have been a special because I have not seen them since. (I have been attempting a low-car diet so I am also attempting to avoid pierogies).

[suburban_mom]

Thanks! I will have to look for them.

[Jeri L]

I got some today at Costco #1 in Seattle. Bought them on your recommendation, John!

[axial]

Yes, 100% agreed, exactly like my Ukrainian aunts used to make, absolutely heaven aren't they?

How do you cook them? I usually run under cold water and let stand in water for an hour or so; to prepare, I saute onions in butter until slightly browned and then add the pierogies and heat until warm through and golden, maybe 15-20 min.

EDIT: what I meant was if I cook them from frozen I let them stand in water to fast defrost

Serve with Darigold "Mexican-style sour cream" (it's saltier and thicker than regular sour cream).

I've found other varieties (meat, and sauerkraut) in some European deli stores in Seattle but I like the potato/cheese ones the best.

[John E.]

The Costco pyrohy (that's pierogi in Ukrainian) are not frozen but we still boil them, it takes just a few minutes. We also boil frozen pyrohy. After draining we use a lot of melted butter to keep them from sticking. We traditionally just eat them with butter and salt. If there are leftovers (?) the next day they are sauteed in butter.

I remember my mother learning to make them from her MIL, my grandmother. My mom stopped her along the way to measure the ingredients. Of course my grandma didn't measure, she just made them. It's been several years since I have made them. It's not difficult, just time consuming. I always liked the potato/cheese the best. I never acquired the taste for the kapusta (sour kraut) pyrohy, to my father's great disappointment.

[ferret]

Kasia's Kraut & Mushroom is their best variety.

[John E.]

Have you purchased them at Costco? If not, where have you seen them?

[ferret]

Not at Costco. I live in Chicago and Kasia's Pierogis are widely available in local stores.

[Bob W]

Has anyone tried the "Ancient Grains" crackers? They are made with millet, teff, quinoa, and spelt (I think). My kids just learned about millet in school.

I just don't want to invest in a huge thing of crackers if they are tasteless!

[rasputina]

I was wondering too, when I saw them.

[Dax]

have any of you purchased any of the holiday gift packages (gourmet foods, chocolates, etc)? I hear they are a great value but there is a large discrepancy in cost/items included. Any favorites and local cost?

[cstr]

They have a ton of offerings this year, anything from imported chocolates and cookies, some great deals on many brands of single malt scotch, champagnes and large format (big bottles) of wine. I also saw whole procuitto di parma at $8.99 per pound, that less than half the price of specialty stores and super markets.

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

You guys! Costco now has Stacey's Pretzel Bread Chips, which are EVEN BETTER than their Pita Chips. They're awesome plain, but would probably be even better with some goat cheese, spicy mustard, smoked salmon, and/or prosciutto.

[peppergal]

What's your location, please, BBV?

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

Costco in Orlando (Winter Park) Florida. Sorry about that.

They're amazing, you guys!

[Ariadanz]

Costco Delaware has them too. They were fabulous with the goat cheese they were selling that came in a log covered in cranberries and I think some spices.

[peppergal]

Thanks so much, BBV. I'll be on the lookout. And, Ariadanz, the goat cheese log sounds wonderful, too.

Happy Thanksgiving, all.

[peppergal]

They were demo-ing the Pretzel Crisps (not the Pretzel Bread Chips) today (Fort Worth) with a spinach-parmesan dip, and they are good. When I got hom, I tried them with some smoked salmon, capers, cream cheese and onions left over from Thanksgiving dinner - good! But what wouldn't be with smoked salmon? I think I'll prefer the Bread Chips, which were sitting right next to the Crisps. 'Fraid I picked up the wrong bag.

Alas, the Del Destino grilled vegetables appear to be no more. A Costco employee told me they "aren't available at this time", but may be brought back after the holidays. Loved those.

eta: This was supposed to be a reply to BBV. Thought I clicked there.

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

I'm sorry about any confusion! I just double-checked my bag, and they're called "Pretzel Bread Bakery Crisps." I had no idea there were two similarly-named varieties, which seems like pretty bad marketing.

[peppergal]

It wasn't you, Lou -- I confused myself! Since I love, love, love the Stacy's pita chips, I looked for the pretzel crisps as soon as I hit the snacks aisle. Didn't see any, and when I saw the demo of "pretzel crisps", I immediately swooshed in. Saw the Stacy's Pretzel Bread Chips right next to the demo station, and asked the woman doing the demo if she knew when they'd be demo-ing "them". She didn't know, so I picked up a package of the pretzel chips being demo-ed.

Took them home, did the snacking (as I reported) with the smoked salmon. Then last night, when I read your post, I finally looked at the package I bought -- and discovered they're the "Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps" -- not the Stacy's at all!

My apologies for the confusion! So it's not bad marketing on Stacy's part -- or Costco's fault -- and surely not yours -- simply my over-eagerness and poor attention.

Next time, I'll buy what you suggested. And can't wait. As I mentioned in my first post on the subject, I think I'll prefer the bread crisps (Stacy's!) and not the pretzel crips I purchased! Thanks for your suggestion. And I'll try to buy the right thing next time!

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

I will say that I usually hate crunchy, hard pretzels like Rold Gold, but I love soft pretzels, and thank goodness for this new trend in pretzel bread and rolls for burgers and sandwiches! And the Stacey's Pretzel Bread Bakery Crisps are really like crispy, buttery slices of pretzel bread, not at all like dry, boring hard pretzels.

[somervilleoldtimer]

Let me tell you the story of Stacy's chips. When I was a younger pup, maybe 20 years ago, I worked in downtown Boston. At a busy intersection, a very nice young couple set up a cart selling wraps, i.e. meat or cheese sandwiches with lettuce, wrapped up in a large pita bread half. I think the idea of wraps hadn't hit yet, or maybe there were particularly good, because there was always a line by the cart. Stacy was the female half of the couple. I don't remember her husband's name. After a few months, they started selling little bags of pita chips, with cinnamon/sugar, or garlic. Very delicious to eat at ones desk. Then they started selling just the chips, and the business got bigger and bigger, and now they're all over the nation! And they are indeed very delicious. I fear that Stacy and her husband split up, however, sometime during those early years.

[meatn3]

" Del Destino grilled vegetables" -Are these the jarred vegetables which have eggplant and zucchini? If so a Costco employee told me these reappear regularly. I had inquired when they went on markdown this summer. (I loaded up just in case!)

[peppergal]

Yes, the same. Wish I'd seen/noticed the markdown! I love them! I'm glad to hear that they're (hopefully) not gone forever. When I see them again, I'll do the same -- load up. Thanks, meatn3.

[peppergal]

oh, my goodness, Lou! Finally got back to Costco and picked some. They are wonderful -- and thanks so much for the heads-up. Going to be a staple now!

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

I went back to Costco this evening and hoped to get another bag to bring to work, and they were GONE. I'm glad I got to buy two bags while they lasted.

[Dax]

They taste like a great quality bagel chip to me. Salty and buttery? here goes more holiday pounds!

[FoodDee]

They had 3 kinds of freshly made sushi at the Kirkland,WA store today. Doesn't quite compare to a good sushi bar but a 100 times better than the commercial stuff they have been selling.

[Rick]

This is the only time of year that they have the Rack of Pork at my Costco, in Pittsburgh.

[FoodDee]

The rack of pork is amazing

[mutti]

Your both right on the pork,my next trip to Costco will be Dec 6th,am not privy to one close by,so when I go I usually buy 3or 4 of them portion them and then cry vac which has to last me till the next hoiday,hopefully they'll still have them then,I'll be ttraveling to the Costco in Overland Park,in Kansas,So KANSAS CHOWHOUNDS LET ME KNOW IF YOU SEE THEM,I will of course also call.

[Chowrin]

... which pittsburgh costco? there are three. I suspect if it's the kosher one,you might be able to find it the rest of the year at a different one.

[Rick]

Go to the one at the waterfront. I've never been to the others, I assume they don't have a kosher section? I'd be willing to drive to buy the rack of pork after they quit selling them in Homestead! Which one have ou seen the racks of pork at year round?

[brilynn79]

Has anyone spotted the dark chocolate sea salted caramels yet? I shop at the Indianapolis Costcos and have been looking for them, loved them last year.

[treb]

haven't seen those yet, got some last year, totally delicious. They did have their dark cholcolate covered crunchy caramel with a nut crumble on the top, also very tasty. I'd bet they'll be there after Thanksgiving.

[randyjl]

They have them in Rockwall, TX if they are the ones in the clear jar. I miss the chocolate covered peanuts.

[brilynn79]

I found them today! So Thankful:)

[CanadaGirl]

I just bought a 500g bag of maple sugar for $9.99 in Halifax, NS. So good, and so inexpensive for maple sugar!

[kittenwithawhip]

I hope they restock the giant bags of Farro they had last spring. I bought 2 but i am runing out quickly!

[knowspicker]

In Seattle they have the Farro in stock at the 4th Ave S store.

[givemecarbs]

The peppermint bark is baaack! Some hounds call this christmas crack. Last year at my montgomeryville Pa store I snagged some on sale after the holidays. They got me. No way I was going to wait that long. I have a slight head cold with somewhat of a scratchy throat and the mint chocolate is soothing. That is my excuse and I'm sticking to it. I was looking for the almond bark I've been eyeing in the bakery section but that was gone. I guess it's true, when one chocolate door closes another one opens.
I also saw the brie en brioche in the refrigerated cheese section. I wait all year for this and generally go through about three of them. Alas my Oster convection oven heating element died so I have to wait until I can replace it to buy the brie. The new Oster model is only fifty bucks just like my old one that gave up the ghost, but I also spied a kitchenaid one for only about twenty dollars more. More research needed.
Hounds are recommending the Costco foodsaver and I did see a coupon for thirty dollars off a foodsaver in the coupon book I got today from Costco. That sale will start in a few days.

[mutti]

I would not hesitate buying the food saver,It's the best one so far,I'm just ticked that I paid full price 4 months ago,bought a Kurig coffee maker 2 months ago on line,now again they have $30.00 off.Needless to say I'm in pain. Ha-haaaaa

[cstr]

You can return them to the store and re-purchase at the store.

[puzzler]

Just take in the receipt and they will adjust the price.

[mutti]

Thanks,will try it.

[mutti]

They did reimburse me.thanks.

[KaimukiMan]

most people (including alton brown) seem to recommend the breville toaster oven.

[Bob W]

We bought a tub of the peppermint bark this year. Mrs W didn't think it was more than ok so we offloaded it onto my in-laws.

[maxie]

78 oz jar of Nutiva Organic extra virgin coconut oil for about $21. Just in time to make holiday baking with coconut oil affordable. Novato, CA

[goodhealthgourmet]

interesting that you guys have a different product than we do - down here in LA it's Carrington Farms, and 54 oz for $17.49

[CanadaGirl]

I actually find that a lot with Costco. There are two near me, about 10 and 15 minutes away from my home. They carry eggs from a different supplier at each store.

[VickiL]

The turkey moussaka from the refrigerated section in Ann Arbor, MI. It was very nicely spiced. The stuffed turkey breast from the same section was good, although covered with way too much garlic (and I love garlic). I wasn't too fond of the fruit glaze but it's packaged separately.

Thanks for all of the great recommendations.

[biondanonima]

On a Hurricane Sandy related note, the Kirkland-brand French vodka (a Grey Goose knockoff) is really, really good. I think it was $22 or $23 for 1.75 liters at the Edison, NJ Costco - about half the price of Grey Goose. A screaming deal - I'll never buy Grey Goose again!

[pagesinthesun]

Agree! It is really good

[Samalicious]

I have a neighbor who pours the Kirkland vodka into a Grey Goose bottle to serve it. None of her guests can tell the difference. She confessed at the pool this summer.

[biondanonima]

LOL - I LOVE this. If I ever have an opportunity to nab an empty Grey Goose bottle, that's exactly what I'm going to do. The Kirkland bottle is actually GORGEOUS, but I hate the hideous Kirkland label displayed prominently on the front!

[Chowrin]

Grey Goose is another product made on a bet. It's not actually high quality, just marketed as such. folks can't tell the difference...

[sal_acid]

GG is all marketing. In general the designer vodkas are.

[splatgirl]

I do this too, but only because the bottle is too tall to fit in my liquor cabinet ;)

[John E.]

My father has been known to take cheaper whiskey and pour it into a Crown Royal bottle. He says he's 'aging' the whiskey.

[Jambie]

I don't have a local Costco but a friend on the west coast shipped me a container of cinnamon rolls that she bought at her Costco and we devoured them pretty quickly. I'm kind of picky when it comes to cinnamon rolls but these were really good.

[cstr]

No local Costco, where are you located?

[Jambie]

In the midwest. Closest Costco and Trader Joes are both 125 miles away but at least no membership is required for Trader Joes. We had a Costco membership at one time but found that we just didn't make the drive enough to justify the cost.

[randyjl]

I bought some Tortilla Crusted Tilapia (sorry forgot the brand but it's in a blue and white box in the freezer). It is awesome; as good as a restaurant. Rockwall, TX.

[biondanonima]

The Costco in Westbury, NY (Long Island) was a ZOO today - people preparing for Hurricane Sandy, no doubt. Anyway, they were sampling something that I've never tried before - torta rolls from the bakery. DELICIOUS. However, I was sad to see that Amylu brand sausages of any flavor have disappeared. They also didn't have the Santa Fe Tortilla Co. wheat (lower carb) tortillas that I usually buy, which was very disappointing. A frustrating trip, but at least we have plenty of water and such just in case of emergency!

[mcf]

Fairway often has (not reliable) Joseph's excellent low carb tortillas.

[biondanonima]

Good to know - if I can't get the ones at Costco I'm stuck paying $6.99 for 8 tortillas at my local market. Luckily they were back in stock last weekend!

[mcf]

Also, La Tortilla Factory is in Waldbaums and elsewhere, and they have some really nice new low carb ones, including some with olive oil. Very high fiber, low carb. I used to avoid the brand due to trans fats, but I think they've cleaned up their act.

[meatn3]

I was afraid to ring this into my house - Brownie Chips! Bagged crunchy thin cookie-like slices of brownie. In the cookie/cracker aisle. Raleigh, NC.

[greygarious]

The correct name is Brownie Brittle. I thought it was okay, but would not buy it again.

[meatn3]

Thanks.

I'm glad I didn't succumb. The thought of it was really tempting though.

[givemecarbs]

Saw some lamb osso bucco for about ten dollars a package today in with the other lamb such as chops and rack of lamb and such at my Montgomeryville Pa Costco. Didn't succumb but it was tempting.

[Rick]

I saw the lamb osso bucco (in Pittsburgh) and it looked so good that I bought two packs! I haven't tried them yet though but it sure looks like a great $12 dinner!

[cstr]

I tried it yesterday, they were handing out samples, not much flavor.

[mcf]

I finally tasted a sample the other day... did not live up to any sort of considerable yum factor.

[Bob W]

We tried the brownie brittle too. It's ok. My daughter tried some and likes it, so we'll use up the bag by giving it to her in her school lunches.

[Rilke]

Found a trail mix by a company called WildRoots. Greek Yogurt Fruit and Nut Blend. I don't know how long it's been there; I may have just been missing it all along. Either way, delicious, especially the little yogurt chips.

[knowspicker]

We got the Seaweed Salad for th first time. They were sampling it at the Seatte store. This very good and just like the seaweed salad at the kaiten sushi places... course it could be the same stuff. It's got sesame seeds, sesame oil and a few pepper flakes but not enough to seem hot.

[Dax]

Awesome news.

[goodhealthgourmet]

is it the Azumi brand in the plastic tub? i tried it once, decided it was much too sweet (actually made me sick after a couple of bites), and decided to rinse & re-dress it with my own blend of seasonings instead of returning it. once i doctored it up it was really good, but i wouldn't buy it again.

[knowspicker]

It is the Azuma brand in a plastic tub. I didn't find it particularly sweet. Sugar is the 7th ingredient with sesame oil and sesame seeds ahead. Those were the main flavors that came through for me but as always YMMV. After buying it though I find it's just a larger quantity that we can consume unless we are going to have a party or something.

[goodhealthgourmet]

seaweed salad actually freezes well, so don't let the size deter you from buying it again if you enjoy it! and yes, it's probably just my palate - i'm wicked sensitive to sweet flavors, and the sugar overpowered the sesame for me.

[Chowrin]

do you experience the same sensation with other bitter foods? (that sweet overwhelms them?)

[goodhealthgourmet]

i generally find that foods with sugar in them that taste "normal" to other people are noticeably sweet to me. same goes for salt. interestingly though, i'm a fiend for sharply acidic/tart and spicy flavors.

[khh1138]

I've tried the same seaweed salad from the Alhambra,CA Costco - too sweet for me as well. I also don't care for overly sweet sweets - I'm to the point I actually prefer to make most of my desserts because store-bought desserts taste more like sugar to me than the chocolate or strawberry or whatever flavour the dessert is supposed to be. When I make a recipe I often cut the sugar in half, just to suit my palate. So I think if you are similarly sweet-sensitive, this seaweed salad is not your seaweed salad!

[knowspicker]

Thanks for the tip. I hadn't thought of freezing.

[mcf]

It's NOT just your palate! I was so bummed out that it tasted like candy sweet. I had to rinse it off and it was still too sweet for my tastes, which is too bad because it was otherwise a good product rendered inedible to me.

[Dax]

I picked one up and agree it is overly sweet. We might return it.

[Dax]

Not a find but a lack of finding the almond bark at my Hoover, AL costco yesterday. Boo! Lots of other holiday stuff seemed to have bumped it.

[treb]

Ask the front desk, my Costco just loaded up on bark, most likely for the holiday's.

[treb]

Just picked up some Kirkland Lake Country Cheese. It's a hard style cheese with a nutty flavor but has a sharp taste like a cheddar. Made in Wisconsin and aged over a year, $5.89 per pound.

[elise h]

thumbs up or down? would you buy again?

[treb]

Definately 'buy again', will go well in a mac&cheese setting, grated for pasta, or on crackers. I like the texture and nutty taste, IMO, It's an excellent value.

[biondanonima]

I tried this recently as well - it's ok, but I probably won't buy it again. It's mainly salty, without the bite that I look for in a cheddar. I melted some in an omelet this morning and it melts better than cheddar (not so oily) - it might make a good grilled cheese, especially if mixed with another more flavorful cheese, or maybe a good component in mac and cheese.

[FoodDee]

Whole ducks - frozen - at the Kirkland, WA store the passed couple of weeks.

[mutti]

Did you happen to notice the price of the duck's. In our grocery stores they are running around $2.40 a pound.

[FoodDee]

OK - not as good as your local market - $2.79/lb. These are from Maple Leaf Farms and are their Halal Ducks which are more expensive (and are over $2.79/lb on their website).

[biondanonima]

I wish I could find duck under $3 a pound - the lowest I usually see it around here is $4-5. I'll have to see if our Costco has them in the Halal section.

[mutti]

Thank's for getting back,I realize this has nothing to do with Costco,just want to share with you keep an eye on the price of duck's ha-ha right after the holidays, at my Wal-Mart in Branson,Mo they usually reduce the price to $1.25 a pound thats when I load up for the year,still have 2 in my freezer but it's time for more duck fat.

[biondanonima]

Turns out our Costco (Westbury NY) has whole frozen ducks for $2.79 a pound! In the large freezer cases near the chicken wings and whole Cornish game hens.

[rasputina]

Thanks for posting, I'll have to check for them at my local Costco when I go next.

[meatn3]

Raleigh, NC -

Just an FYI:

I keep looking for this duck. Today I inquired. While we were looking at the computer the fellow noted that the duck breasts (refrigerated deli area) were being discontinued. The whole ducks don't show up for my area...

[FoodDee]

We still have the whole frozen duck -- but alas no duck breasts. Holiday goodies are arriving though. Found a sampler of 5 caviars today and also a 2 pack of liver mousse.

[elise h]

Bocon Epplant Parmiagiana. Found in Sunnyvale, CA store. 2 trays, each 28.25 oz. Precooked. Product of Italy. Just heat up. Not your traditional heavily breaded and fried eggplant. Light on the frying, with excellent mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce. Wonderful. I couldn't make it as well from scratch. Will be my staple as long as Costco carries it. About $14 for the 2 trays.

[Xellosw2099]

I noticed they are restocking Pacific brand roast pepper and tomato soup.

[doublehelping]

I have been hunting for the Eggplant Parmigiana ever since I saw this post. I looked in both Costcos in South San Francisco with no luck. Is this item available only in the South Bay? Is it still available in Sunnyvale?

[cstr]

They were demoing it at my So CA Costco this past Friday.

[biondanonima]

Not exactly a food find, but I picked up a 3-pack of Tramontina non-stick skillets for $25 last weekend (in Westbury, NY) and so far, I'm very pleased. I fried several eggs last night without any oil or spray - no sticking at all. We'll see how the non-stick coating holds up, but they seem very nice for the price. Oven safe to 350, too, which is helpful.

[treb]

I bought a 2 pack a year ago, working out fine.

[baseballfan]

I got those as well and have been pleased especially for the price. The smallest one somehow got dented in my pan cabinet so I would be careful if like me, you tend to be a bit of a clutz in the kitchen.

[ohmyyum]

20oz package Galil organic roasted chestnuts-- $4.99. I love chestnuts and these would be great for stuffing!

12pk 8oz Lifeway kefir smoothies, blueberry and strawberry-- $10.49.

Has anyone tried the celebrity fig goat cheese log? I hope they will sample it soon-- looked interesting but not figgy enough.

Did they stop carrying Kerrygold butter?

[rasputina]

The Austin Costco had Kerrygold a couple days ago but only the stick butter, not the Kerrgold in the tub.

[debbypo]

Where oh where did you find the chestnuts? (what Costco and where in the store) I adore them and would like to score.

[ohmyyum]

I found the chestnuts in a display in the middle of the aisle between the seasonal and frozen/refrigerated cases. They come in a recloseable foil-type bag. Other items in that same display were the Kirkland chocolate chips, panettone, chocolate truffles, and bags of walnuts and pecans.

This was at the Winston-Salem, NC Costco. I am going back to snag another bag ASAP!

ETA: Product of China, if that matters to you. Certified organic in compliance with terms or US-Canada Organic Equivalency Arrangement. No preservatives. Gluten free. K star logo signifies Kosher?

[biondanonima]

My Costco (in Westbury, NY) has them with all the dried fruit - currently across from the produce section, but they've kept the dried fruit elsewhere in the store before.

[roxlet]

I bought the Galil chestnuts and wound up tossing them. I thought that they were unpleasantly slimy. I guess they would be OK in stuffing.

[ohmyyum]

I thought they were comparable to what I've found at Asian
markets at a much better price. I froze them and that got rid of the wetness issue.

[roxlet]

I usually roast chestnuts myself, despite the fact that they are a major pain to peel, and I'm the only one in my house who loves them. And I do. I could make a meal out of a pan of roasted chestnuts!

[randyjl]

I hope Costco reads this. I WANT my Kerrygold in the tub back!

[caseycm]

The Fra'Mani turkey meatloaf is delicious ! The package contains two separately wrapped loafs, which is convenient. Each loaf is normal size. I could eat the whole thing myself in one sitting, but I am not going to try it. Good for sandwiches the next day too. It has a small amount of marinara sauce on it, but I augment that with more pasta sauce and also pasta, natch. It freezes well too, and can be microwaved or oven baked.

[Dax]

"It has a small amount of marinara sauce on it, but I augment that with more pasta sauce and also pasta." This does not compute. You add pasta sauce AND pasta to turkey meatloaf?

[goodeatsgal]

Agreed. That meatloaf is yummy. I eat it on its own, without adding any sauce.

[Leepa]

So, it's fully cooked or par cooked?

[Cathy]

Sweet Kale Vegetable Salad Kit. 28 oz (9 servings), $4.49. (Located in the walk in refrigerator)

Kale, red and green cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and chicory, all finely sliced/shredded. Dried cranberries, toasted pumpkin seeds and two packages of a poppyseed dressing.

Very tasty, filling and different. Two of us had half the package topped with cold chicken as dinner. "Contains 7 superfoods".

[ChandraNH]

Just discovered this and it was excellent. A great way to sneak vegetables that people don't think they like, into their diets. I'm going to have to stock up as this would make an excellent work lunch for me and I want to see how it turns out if I roat it and toss it with some bacon.

[rasputina]

Just found out that if you buy meat by the case you save 5%. We bought 2 cases of chicken thighs for the dogs. The butcher will weigh and tag the case for you with the discount price.

Noticed the Nathan's mini's are back in stock for the holidays.

Vanilla beans are back in the test tubes.

Saw Nestle's chocolate chips, where are the Ghirardelli bittersweet chips though???

[treb]

See my post above, Costco now has Kirkland 51% cacao chocolate chips, probably replacing Ghirardelli. They were giving samples last week, tasted very good. I'm going to get the details, cost per oz etc tomorrow.

[rasputina]

Not comparable since the Ghirardelli bittersweet are 60% cacao.

[treb]

For the past 2 years Costco has been carrying the 'double chocolate' Ghirardelli chips which does not specify cacao %, so I'd say the Kirkland are better.

[ohmyyum]

Rasputina, how much were the vanilla beans, and where is your Costco? My location in NC didn't have them yesterday.

[rasputina]

I can't remember exactly, but I want to say they were in the 10 dollar range. This was in Austin, TX

[sccrash]

I'll be forever grateful to HillJ for recommending this source http://www.theposter.com/vanilla2.html for vanilla beans a couple of years ago.
Quality is great, and the price blows $10/tube out of the water.

[ceekskat]

Still on the lookout for Cointreau in Redwood City, CA...someone had mentioned previously their place had it. OTOH, if anyone is interested, they just started carrying Macallan 25yr for $629.99 and a few other $300+ spirits :) Guessing it's for the holidays.

[treb]

Yah saw that, does look like a holiday offering.

[aznartfag]

If there's really a choice, I would recommend that you pick up Grand Marnier. Cointreau is really just one step above Triple Sec and Grand Marnier is really the superior product by comparison. This answer was arrived at through a challenge held by a bartender friend of mine at a high-end NorCal East Bay restaurant. I happened to win the "bet" on Grand Marnier. That said, however, "De gustibus non disputandum est!" Merry, Happy, Joyous Whatnot and a Successful New World Calendar! See you on the other side of the Mayan Wheel of Time! LoL!

[jmckee]

Completely disagree. They are two different products. I find Cointreau to be less sweet. "One step above Triple Sec" may be the most untrue statement I've seen in a while.

[KaimukiMan]

Agree, Cointreau has a cleaner flavor. I don't object to either but I prefer Cointreau. During "taste tests" strange things can happen. The order the selections are served, the amount of time between selections, and what if any palate cleansers are provided.

[rasputina]

Add me to the completely disagreeing crowd. They are two different products. And the brandy base of Grand Marnier is not always the flavor note one is seeking in a drink or dish.

[ChristinaMason]

Yes! I really don't care for GM in a margarita (or at all). Cointreau has a nice, clean, true orange flavor.

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

Tonight I bought a two-pound package of Frankly Fresh vegetarian stuffed grape leaves from the refrigerated case where they keep the meatballs, sausages, pulled pork in containers, etc. They were DELICIOUS! All natural ingredients (rice, onion, tomatoes, parsley, red bell pepper, tomato paste, grape leaves, canola oil, water, cilantro, EVOO, salt, lemon juice, garlic powder, citric acid, dill, mint, black pepper), and a serving is only 60 calories, 25 calories from fat. Of course, according to the package, a serving is one piece, and they're just too good to stop there. I ate three right away, but could easily have had more.

I love dolmades, but they're hard to make, the random canned varieties are packed in goopy oil and full of preservatives, and any decent Greek and Turkish restaurants around here are pricey enough to be a rare treat. This package cost $10.59, and I will definitely keep them around as a staple snack. This is the Orlando/Winter Park, Florida Costco, by the way.

They also had BRESAOLA in the cured meats section, in addition to the regular hard salami and prosciutto and speck in vacuum-packed plastic packages. The bresaola (air-dried, cured, thin-sliced beef) was combined with two other thin-sliced meats, soppressata and some nice-looking ham. The package was over $20 for 24 ounces, so I'm going to have to treat myself when the time is right.

[cheesemaestro]

We buy the Frankly Fresh stuffed grape leaves almost every time we shop at Costco. They are indeed very good. We like them for a quick, low-calorie lunch.

[ohmyyum]

If it is a 2 lb package, how long do they keep once opened?

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

I devoured them over the course of a few days, but I have to imagine they would last two weeks in the fridge. There is no meat in them, just rice and vegetables, but they also don't have any preservatives. However, they're so good, I don't think they will last that long.

[cheesemaestro]

Yes, they should last two weeks, perhaps a little longer. We did have to throw an opened package out that developed mold, but it was in the fridge about a month.

[kittenwithawhip]

I discovered quite by accident that these can be frozen! My husband accidentally put the package in the freezer, I found it a month later. Gently defrosting in the microwave made them as good as new! I love to by the Tzaziki with these.

[chompy]

To me, the dolmas were OK, but I don't think I would buy them again. They are certainly better than other pre-made dolmas I have had, but the grape leaves were tough and stringy and I also found the filling to be a bit gloopy. Flavor was decent, but not good enough to enjoy eating 2 lbs of them!

[Bob W]

We bought those once and your review is spot-on. Many of those tapas/snack-type items at Costco are just too big.

One exception: Those marinated mozzarella balls. They are really versatile (they melt very well) and last a long time in the fridge.

[cheesecake17]

The marinated mozzarella balls are a great item. Served them as an appetizer for a party, used the rest on pizza and pasta

[estnet]

Caviar $66 for 2 oz with mother of pearl spoon spotted at Foster City a few days ago. also had Salmon roe - don't remember the price

[treb]

that's down from last years price of 72, nice!

[Rick]

Thanks, estnet! I've been wanting to try caviar beyond the $10 cheap stuff at my grocery store. My local Costco just got this is and I picked one up, we're going to eat it New Year's Eve.

[treb]

Replied on the old topic, just found Kirkland chocolate chips, 51% cacao, great taste and price.

[dobs737]

Interesting. What is the price and how big was the package?

[Cathy]

3.5 lbs, $6.99, 51% cacao

[givemecarbs]

Thanks treb! I saw those too at my Montgomeryville Pa Costco. Now I will have to nab them.

[jsaimd]

So much better than the Nestle they sell and "fair trade" if you care. Seem to remember them being the similar price per ounce as the Nestle but we were rushing through so not positive.

[biondanonima]

We saw these yesterday and I remember the per pound price being something like $1.91 - a touch cheaper than the normal price on the Nestle. There was a coupon on the Nestle yesterday, though, so the price was $1.84 per pound - I think the regular price was $1.95 or something.

[artemis]

We tried the Suki's Chicken Tikka Masala (refrigerated, with the ravioli and the pesto) - nay. The chicken was so very dry, even though we warmed it in a covered pan on the stove on low. Pass.