I'm a culinary judge who shops at Costco. Here are 12 things I recommend buying.

This syrup is sold at an unbeatable price — a jug that's over 33 ounces costs $12.99.

Pure maple syrup is a culinary rite of passage. There's no returning to faux "pancake" syrup once you've gotten used to the real thing.

Organic and grade-A, Kirkland's syrup has a clean taste, light consistency, and nice amber color. I drizzle it on oatmeal, mix it into plain yogurt, and sometimes stir a bit into my iced coffee.

I've made melt-in-your-mouth maple-syrup candies with it, too.

A rich source of protein and probiotics, this yogurt inspired me to dust off my blender and make smoothies a couple of times a week. A 48-ounce tub costs $5.79.

I also use it as a replacement for sour cream to offset the heat of spicy dishes, top baked or shredded potatoes, and make fluffy cakes.

I love to marinate chicken in Greek yogurt since it tenderizes the meat while infusing it with flavor.

Simply add lemon, garlic, and whatever spices you like, then coat the chicken and pop it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking it on a hot grill.

I've been a fan of Wisconsin-based Sartori cheese since 2008 with the launch of the BellaVitano line.

Made of hormone-free milk and wonderfully aged, these cheeses have edible rinds infused with wine, whiskey, and other delights.

Costco offers an option steeped in cabernet sauvignon. Cobranded with the Kirkland name, it's sold in approximately pound-size parcels, so I don't have to overbuy.

The high-quality cheese costs $8.69 a pound.

Rana's pastas and sauces are sold in smaller packages at supermarkets, but this lasagna weighs in at a hefty 42 ounces.

Even though it can be cooked in the microwave, you should give it 20 minutes in a hot oven, and you'll be rewarded with bubbling cheese, oozing marinara, and beefy goodness.

It's so rich that you can pair it with just a side salad and glass of Chianti for an easy, substantial dinner.

A package costs $14.99.

I grew up eating peanut butter loaded with hydrogenated oils and sweeteners, but now I'm fiercely loyal to the natural kind you have to stir a bit.

Kirkland's organic take is made with only dry roasted peanuts and salt. For a non-emulsified nut butter, it's incredibly creamy and consistent.

I spread it on crackers, pretzels, or toast, plus it makes for great cold, sesame noodles. And in my most "hangry" moments, I spoon it right out of the jar.

A two-pack costs $9.99.

I've been enjoying Costco's croissants since the bakery changed to a 100% butter recipe a couple of years ago — and this shouldn't deter you from eating them with even more butter.

I like to stuff them with herbed scrambled eggs or a delicate tuna salad with thinly sliced avocado.

They become even flakier when gently warmed in a toaster oven. Just keep an eye on them since, like most tender baked goods, they burn easily.

A dozen croissants sells for $5.99

Costco sells a wide variety of seafood in various preparations, like sides of salmon and mounds of scallops.

But when I want to give dinner a "wow" factor, I look for a package of clear-eyed, whole fish. Branzino stuffed with lemon and herbs with slightly charred skin makes for an impressive dish.

Costco sells the white fish, also known as European bass, for $8.99 per pound.

Grill it — you can use a fish basket if you're nervous about it falling apart — or cook it in a hot pan. Just make sure the skin is crispy and the fish is cooked all the way through.

The chain's whole fish is generally sold pre-cleaned, but ask a staffer if you're unsure. Removing scales and guts is not fun.

Vegan, nondairy, and kosher, these bagel crisps combine the crunchy texture of chips and the heartiness of the breakfast staple, along with an umami punch from the everything seasoning.

I float these bagel chips in soup, and they hold up better than croutons.

They're also great with savory, soft cheese spreads or topped with a little cream cheese, smoked salmon, and fresh dill.

A 15-ounce package costs $7.99

Gilroy is renowned for its garlic, which is a key ingredient in a number of meals.

I add raw garlic to guacamole, yogurt or peanut sauces, and salad dressings — just leave the dish in the refrigerator for at least an hour to temper the ingredient's sharp taste.

I'll also wrap a few bulbs in foil and roast them or peel some to make garlic confit in a ramekin with olive oil, herbs, and peppercorns. Either preparation is great in mashed potatoes or on toasted bread.

A 32-ounce bag of Christopher Ranch's garlic costs $5.99.

Sweeter than sugar and runnier than honey, blue agave has a distinct taste that's lightly fruity with a hint of smoke.

Its thinner consistency makes it easier to stir into drinks like homemade lemonade or Darjeeling tea.

It's also fantastic in cocktails, especially with whiskey or tequila, which is also made from the blue-agave plant.

At $8.99 for two 36-ounce bottles, it's a more affordable option to experiment with.

Liquor aficionados can have fun guessing where Costco sources its private-label spirits, while causal drinkers can enjoy Kirkland's deep discount.

Costco also carries brand-named liquor like this Angel's Envy Kentucky straight bourbon, one of my favorites that's flavorful and has a beautiful color.

At $49.99 for a large bottle, it's $20 cheaper than the list price and around $10 less than my local liquor store.

With a firm, bright-orange flesh and textured exterior, these extra-sweet, Tuscan-style cantaloupes are as pretty as they are delectable. The ridged rind gives an almost floral appearance when they're sliced into slim wedges.

$9.99 for two cantaloupes may seem pricey, but they're dense, heavy for their size, and worth the splurge.

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