I drive 4 hours to another state to shop at Trader Joe's. Here's 10 of my favorite things I get there.

There are few things better than French cheese, especially when it comes to the Ile de France Brie bites.

I toss the bites on a wooden serving board with fresh fruit for a quick snack. When I want a heartier lunch, I add toasted bread strips, nuts, and hard-cured salami like soppressata.

For a fancy afternoon, I pair the Brie bites with a glass of crisp white wine like riesling or Gewurztraminer.

The bites are made from cow's milk, so I recommend skipping this one if you're vegan.

There are dozens of hiking trails right outside my door, and Trader Joe's creamy salted peanut butter keeps me going, whether I'm on a short 2-miler or heading into the backcountry.

I like that this variety is made from unblanched peanuts. It's creamy, salted, and easy to spread on sandwich bread using my trail utensils.

Trader Joe's vegan and gluten-free Joe-Joe's cookies-and-creme granola features cane sugar, rolled oats, vanilla extract, and cookie bits.

I add a little bit of granola to my yogurt when I feel like having something sweet. If I'm in the mood for a late-night snack, the granola also works well as a topping in a bowl of ice cream.

To say Trader Joe's dark-chocolate peanut-butter cups are addictive is an understatement.

Real, creamy peanut butter lies at the heart of this sweet treat. They're made with slow-roasted Virginia peanuts and covered with dark chocolate.

The ingredient list is short and sweet, with eight items. I keep a bowl of these babies on display at all times.

Trader Joe's organic Kansas City-style BBQ sauce is similar to the great-tasting regular version from the chain.

Onion powder and garlic lend a savory note and spicy additions of chipotle and paprika up the ante. I put this sauce on slow-cooked ribs and wings and use it as a dipping sauce for grilled veggies.

I love Trader Joe's beef-recipe jerky strips, which are soft and chewy, because I don't have to worry about my dog cracking a tooth or choking on a treat.

The strips are available in beef, chicken, and salmon flavors so there's something for all pups.

After having fresh bread from a bakery in Europe, I think that most American-made loaves aren't as good. Lower-quality ingredients and added sugar in some loaves don't appeal to me. But when it comes to Trader Joe's French loaf, I can't get enough.

With a slightly crisp crust and fluffy center, the French loaf is miles above the rest. I use it to make toast and spread fresh peach jam on top of it.

For a more European breakfast feel, I add some cold cuts and cheese or a bowl of muesli.

I often like to sit on my deck and enjoy a salty snack like Trader Joe's blue-corn tortilla chips. The organic chips pair perfectly with homemade pico de gallo.

Just chop up a tomato, half a red onion, and some cilantro, and add a few squirts of fresh lime juice. Mix it together and dip the crunchy chips into the dip to enjoy a peaceful afternoon snack.

Trader Joe's honey is grade-A and comes in a squeezable 12-ounce honey-bear jar.

The amber color makes it the perfect topping for fancy desserts. The honey is mildly sweet so you can use it in baking recipes and on granola.

I bring the outdoors in through Trader Joe's flowers. Fall favorites like sunflowers and mums are perfect for autumn, and classics like lavender and gladiolas make a statement all year long.

I love that I can buy small bouquets of eucalyptus and flowers to make my own arrangements. I mix and match a few different florals to create different vibes throughout the year.

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