I'm a private chef for celebrities and their families. Here are 12 things I love buying at Trader Joe's and how I use them.

Grace Aguilar Aug 3, 2023, 22:23 IST

I regularly pick up Trader Joe's staples for my clients and their families.Grace Aguilar

I work as a private chef for high-profile celebrity clients and shop at Trader Joe's.
I make Trader Joe's frozen latkes, gluten-free bagels, and spatchcocked chicken for them.

I've worked as a private chef for some high-profile clients ranging from NFL players to entrepreneurs since 2018.

I typically make breakfast, lunch, and dinner for clients and their families — and my role also includes developing menus, researching and testing recipes, cooking for dinner parties, working with grocery budgets, and shopping.

Here are some of my favorite things to buy at Trader Joe's while shopping for the family I currently cook for.

Note: Prices and availability may vary by location — I'm based in Austin, Texas.

My secret weapon for making the most moist and tasty quiche is incorporating Trader Joe's goat's milk cheese with honey.

Goat cheese can make a quiche even creamier.Grace Aguilar

Trader Joe's potato latkes are perfect for crafting an easy hors d'oeuvre.

Potato latkes can be used as a base for a bite-sized appetizer.Grace Aguilar

Furikake is a pantry staple for rice bowls.

Trader Joe's Japanese multi-purpose seasoning can punch up toast or eggs.Grace Aguilar

Trader Joe's umami seasoning blend goes on everything.

Umami seasoning can punch up a dish.Grace Aguilar

The chain's marinated artichokes are an excellent topping for a range of dishes.

Marinated artichokes can add great flavor to a meal.Grace Aguilar

Trader Joe's spatchcocked lemon rosemary chicken is the best for weekend meal prep.

Spatchcocking can help a chicken cook in less time.Grace Aguilar

Olive and herb mixed nuts are a staple for me.

Trader Joe's olive and herbs mixed nuts can add crunch to a salad.Grace Aguilar

The jicama wraps are delicious and low-carb.

Jicama wraps are a lower-carb alternative to classic tortillas.Grace Aguilar

Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel smoked salmon is great for small party bites.

Try Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel smoked salmon on a bagel.Grace Aguilar

Trader Joe's avocado-oil spray is the best for cooking.

I don't mind the taste avocado-oil spray can add to dishes.Grace Aguilar

Trader Joe's has the best gluten-free bagels.

Trader Joe's gluten-free bagels are great.Grace Aguilar

We live in Texas so we use Trader Joe's corn and chile tomato-less salsa for taco Tuesday.

Trader Joe's corn and chile salsa is loaded with flavor.Grace Aguilar

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