Trader joe's - Tiramisu Torte

Trader joe's Tiramisu Torte. Made in Italy.

Package actually says Trader Giotto's. I am not sure if that is an overseas name or not but it doesn't seem to be a problem.

To eat it says defrost in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before eating. We did so without any problems.

The top is very dusty and the filling is nice. Only issue is the bottom was a little wet. We were both expecting something a bit drier. I don't know if it was an issue with the defrost or what. I think I am going to have to deduct a point on this aspect though.

Overall - 4 stars (-1 for the wet bottom)

I still think it is really good and have no problems with the flavor. I was just looking forward to a more cake like bottom and wasn't expecting it to be leaking fluid when I bite in. I don't think it took away from the flavor at all, and I really hope the refrigerator will help to dry it out a bit before tomorrow. This is not a reason to not buy, as I am still happy with the choice.

Trader joe's - meat balls (flame broiled)

Trader joe's meat balls (flame broiled).

Cooked in the oven for about 30 minutes from frozen. Turned out really well. Inside was moist with good flavor.

Overall - 5 stars

Trader joe's - garlic fries

Trader joe's garlic fries.

These are not for those who do not like lots and lots of garlic. Special feature of these fries is that it will make your kitchen and eating area smell like garlic long after you have eaten them. This was the second time we ate them, and this time we only cooked half. Yes, the directions say cook the whole thing, but for 2 people half is fine.

First time we cooked in the oven, this time we cooked in a toaster oven. Both times turned out really well without problems.

If you don't like strong garlic these are not for you.

Overall - 5 stars. (I don't consider lasting odor a problem since you pick how much sauce to put on (it comes in a packet))

Trader joe's - crab cakes

Trader joe's crab cakes.

These were a batter based crab cake that was baked. Chunks of a variety of things that tasted good. These were heated in the oven for 20 minutes at 325. Not the recommended cooking directions, but still turned out great.

Overall - 5 stars

New faucet

The kitchen sink started leaking water so it turns out to be from the faucet. Only fix, new faucet. Turns out to be a good thing as the new one is far better.
The part that broke was the piece that connected the spray handle to the faucet itself. It was some cheap plastic looking part that really didn't look strong. So in the end caused lots of problems.

Trader Joe's dried fruit - Unsulfured Sweetened and Dried Mango

Trader Joe's dried fruit - Unsulfured Sweetened and Dried Mango.

No problems, and tastes good. It is not really sticky or slimy but is moist when you bite in.

If you like mango, it is a good choice.

Korean pancakes

So we went to H-mart today and 4 different people giving out food said their thing was a Korean pancake. None of them looked the same and definitely didn't taste the same either.

This begs the question, what is the definition of a Korean pancake? Is it something that is a very general term or is there something that is actually a Korean pancake but it was getting lost in the translation? Sadly I don't know anyone who can tell me what is the actual answer, and there does not seem to be the right information on-line anywhere.

In summary: a Korean Pancake can be (1) something that looks like an american pancake, (2) some ball things that were multicolored and had some filling that I can't tell what it was, (3) a stuffed pancake that had some sugar and peanut stuff inside (We bought this one and made it. I think it was actually yeast bread with filling that was fried.), (4) something that didn't look like a pancake at all and I am not sure how to describe it.

I think the common element of all these items is the fact that they all use flour that comes from a bag saying Korean Pancake. That is extremely hard to verify as I have problems telling if two worlds in Korean are the same or not, especially with the fonts on the food items. So in the end, unless someone can let me know what the  real answer is I will probably never know. I welcome anyone leaving a comment if they can shed some light on this issue.

Trader Joe's - chocolate lava cakes

We made trader joe's chocolate lava cakes. Only 2 in the box for $2.69 and 15 minutes in the oven at 400°.
I think it turned out really well. Inside was quite lava like.
Only problem was slight sticking to the pan that made it leak outside when moved. I would suggest parchment paper to prevent problems.
Overall - excellent.