HOLIDAY SEASONAL TRADER JOE'S TASTE TEST

[@Jevy1367]

My favorite birthday moment happens to be a bittersweet one. I was turning 29 and had just gotten surgery on one of my kidneys and I was literally only a few days post op and didn't want to do much of anything. Since I was on pain meds and in the hospital for a bit when I got home my mom had surprised me with a few of my closest friends and family which wasn't many and she had a cake, balloons, and food and she told me " even though you're not feeling well we will celebrate you today even if you have to take breaks and lay down". I felt so grateful to my mom for doing that because I didn't know that shortly after she would pass and that would be the last birthday with her. I still think back on that memory and feel blessed that she was there to not only celebrate me but be my rock in a very scary moment in my life.

[@KatieHespe]

Your mom sounds amazing! I’m so glad you have such happy memories of her and the nice things she did for you. ❤️

[@sonjacroft3016]

Oh wow, this is so special!!! ❤😢

[@TheTerakitty]

Oh! Was so curious about the stout! Thx for tasting!

[@AH-ik3pv]

My first husband surprised me with a trip to Vegas where my family joined us…all a surprise. He even packed my bags and makeup. We just got in the car to go somewhere and it ended up being a road trip to Vegas! My current husband actually proposed on my birthday with my stepson who helped picked the ring. It was such a special time!

[@dianebliquez4852]

Happy Birthday Katie! I think most memorable was my 40th with my family and they all said something nice out loud or roasted me..they had written ahead of time still have those cards, dance party in my garage with disco ball! My sister gave me a gift card for exotic dance classes, which was hilarious! 😆 Thank you both for the fun taste tests and you really help us all enjoy Trader Joe’s to the max and save us money at the same time if something is just not worth it..best store ever!!

[@lucieweaver3324]

Happy Birthday Katie! Tim you are the MAN!!

[@koreanconvenience]

Love the Holiday taste test. I saw that gingerbread creamer and I hope they have it throughout the month of December.

[@sonjacroft3016]

My 50th was very special as my daughter planned a weekend getaway with my girlfriends and her to a spa. But I have to say, my best birthday memories are being at my parents as an adult when my Mom would make my favorite dinner and pineapple upside down cake… which also happened to me. My dad’s favorite and I loved sharing my birthday with him. He passed away in 2017. 😢, but my mom still makes me the pineapple upside down cake.😊

[@suzieq4750]

I don't celebrate my birthday because the day before my 7th birthday my mother died. Even though it's been 55 years since then, I can't forget that.

[@adriennemartin763]

I’m so sorry. :(

[@TheTerakitty]

😢sending hugs

[@lose999]

Happy Birthday, again! I spent a small fortune this week for my daughter's 39th birthday, which is tomorrow, Veteran's Day. I got the tiramisu and wow!! It's heavy in the espresso flavor. The tiny mozzarella balls and Italian salami log were big hits. Everything on my menu was from Trader Joe's. She was so happy to have a Trader Joe's dinner party!!🎂💖

[@KatieHespe]

Yay! Sounds like you did her birthday right! Cheers to her and I both being in our last year of our 30’s!!

[@TracyleeHertzog]

Happy Birthday 🎂

[@MonaBabin-qo7ud]

I agree about the gingerbread creamer. Gingerbread usually not my thing. But love this!

[@lucillecarnevaletourville8014]

Ricotta cheese is cold in a lot of Italian pastries like cannoli, sfogliatelle, and Italian ricotta cheesecake.

[@spillthwinesfinds1244]

I love how your son apprared. whenever he heard the word chocolate chips.. He is such a cutie pie.

[@aheartysliceofmommylife4949]

The cheese sounds like the filling of a sfogliatelle which is an Italian pastry.

[@irener1111]

The ricotta sounds like it’s similar to cannoli filling. Is that accurate?

[@pameladepaul1073]

It's exactly like it, only solid ... because it's been baked. 🙂

[@danielleanice]

Cannot wait for the espresso taste test! My favorite memory is the trip we took to Banff this June! It is the most magical and serene place in the world! 🎉

[@PattisPurse]

My bday is 12/22 (and I'm a twin!) so it hasn't been very crazy, favorite birthdays because it was so close to Christmas & as a kid, both my brother & I would be told to pick a present under the tree as our bday gift.. but my grandmother always made sure we had a carvel cake!! As an adult, every year for the last 4 years, my husband & I go to Foxwoods Casino for an overnight & that's always fun! Happy Birthday, Katie!

[@bonnielemmon8493]

Sounds like you had a wonderful birthday. Tim, you’re such a good hubby. 😊. I have to go back to TJ’s tomorrow. It was so busy, all the parking spaces were gone. When I went today a lot of the shelves were bare, especially the ones with the new items. My favorite birthday was when we decided to go to Hawaii. My husband planned to have our wedding vows renewed. Even though we go pretty much go every year, that was a special birthday gift for me. Looking forward to hearing about your martini. Have a great week.

[@PattiSlover]

Happy birthday! My favorite birthday memory is my 60th in 2016. My youngest daughter took me to Vegas to stay in the Bellagio and went to see “O”! We ordered room service for breakfast! So yummy and It was so much fun.

[@AllisonFields-s7m]

Cassata is supposed to be cold. It’s made with ricotta cheese and it’s usually a pastry or cake.

[@D7cooper]

Happy birthday, again. Your birthdays seem so you, I smiled to hear them. Applause. My favorite birthday memory was when I was a kid. My Mom gave me a lump sum of money and let me choose whatever I could get from a toy store. I enjoyed choosing what I'd get. Happy Veteran's Day. My Dad was a vet.

[@KatieHespe]

❤️❤️❤️

[@aimeeyork6319]

I'm thinking that since you two went back & forth on the biscuits for so long, that they were a pass? 😂 Making your own biscuits is So easy! Just cut the cold butter into the flour until there are pea-size clumps, and then add the liquids, and gently mix. If you over mix, you'll have tough biscuits! Oh, And just add whip cream to the warm pecan pie, and you'll have a good balance of heavy to light. Easy! ❓Of the week - my mum's Lowell Inn Rolls😋

[@lose999]

My 40th birthday was the most memorable. We flew from Texas to San Francisco for a surprise party with many friends that my husband planned. (We moved from S.F. to Texas and missed everyone so much.) We shopped for a new outfit at Saks and dined in a posh restaurant before taking a carriage ride around the city! My second child was only six month old and I hadn't been away from her yet so I was a bit anxious...and my breasts were overflowing with milk because I missed a couple feedings and I leaked all down the front of my new pricey sweater pants set! It was so fun but also very, very embarrassing. My sister in law babysat for a few hours but my baby cried the entire time!!! Getting back to nurse was a relief for both me and baby.👣💙 That's the most memorable birthday, ever. I'm 72 now...thanks for the question of the week; I'd not thought of that in a very long time.

[@KatieHespe]

I love your memory even down to the leaking milk, because I can so relate to that! Thank you for sharing.

[@AlwaysHavingFun951]

I've been looking for a new oat creamer for my mushroom coffee. I'll definitely be making a trip to TJ later today

[@HeatherBlack-n5d]

Our trader joes was sampling the choc chip ricotta cheese on the vanilla thin cookies from trader joes and it was so good like that

[@jenniferwellman5311]

I think my favorite birthday surprise was when my mom took me to Malta and Venice two years ago for my birthday. Best trip I ever took. I highly recommend Malta.She also surprised me by taking us business class and first class. And I’ve never taken either of those before. So, it was very special.

[@KatieHespe]

Wow what an amazing and memorable birthday!

[@jeannietaylor1936]

Go Chargers! Happy belated birthday to you young lady ❤️

[@marykeffalas3700]

Happy Belated Birthday, Katie ! I am glad you had a good time on your birthday !

[@tracyhoward5256]

I lived in Malaysia for a few months and the mangosteen was known as the Queen of fruits. If you ever get a chance to try a fresh mangosteen I highly recommend it. So good!!

[@trudes4415]

Agreed! So delish! (Had in Indonesia)

[@marleneroberts2257]

I have had very fun, nice birthdays all my life, always special because I was born on Valentines Day.But, I had a milestone birthday in Las Vegas Feb.2023 any family was there and it was 4 days of fun, shows and great food!

[@cindyhollandnolan2716]

My husband took me on a weekend trip to the Poconos for my birthday! It was great! My sister and I were both born super close to Christmas so my parents always made sure our birthdays were still special and not mixed in with Christmas! I always got a tiny gift when I first woke up on my birthday... to start off the day!

[@aliciawowor2455]

Katie, you must taste a fresh Mangosteen fruit, it's one of the best exotic tropical fruit 👍🏼👍🏼

[@DeAnn_Davies_1227]

My birthday is December 27th. No special birthday memories for me. I don’t even want to do anything but rest on my birthday. Now, Tim! Please wear that jersey more! I freaking love Justin Herbert. I am a native Oregonian and lifelong Ducks fan. I got to visit Autzen and watch Justin play every year he was at Oregon! I now live in Denver. I’m so lucky to have Bo Nix here! #Go Ducks!

[@kristenahubbard3338]

Oh I am so rushing to TJ’s for the Pretzel bread pudding. Sticky toffee pudding with salt.😊

[@maries1381]

Happy Birthday!!!!! Would love to see the espresso martini!!!!!! That ricotta cheese definitely serve/eat at room temperature (not cold). It would be great as part of a dessert table with a sweet wine or after-dinner liqueur. Remember, cheese can be used in sweets just as much as in savory dishes. Think cheesecake, ricotta cake, or cannoli filled with a sweet ricotta cheese spread, chocolate chips, lemon zest, and pistachios."

[@jordanvincent5476]

I remember going to Portland OR to see family for my 15th birthday and having friends visit me when I was in the hospital on my birthday (twice) but my favorite was going to Seattle and Vashon Island for my 21st with family

[@sondranewall4462]

Happy Belated Birthday Katie. You look so happy and have a glow about you. Love your hair, that color is perfect for your peaches and cream complexion.

[@susanyencer1320]

Katie, I'm so glad you had a wonderful birthday. I'm a OC girl, too. And have eaten at Orange Hill Restaurant many times. The view is fantastic.

[@KatieHespe]

Yes, you can’t beat the view!

[@stephanieschmidt3987]

You could bring the ricotta cheese to room temp like a cheesecake

[@TheTerakitty]

Yall have started getting colds or had a seriously great snow storm! 😅✨⛷️❄️🖤

[@lisatowan4536]

I like the mangosteen, and am glad to see them back, but I feel like they were even better when Trader Joe's had them before. One of my favorite birthday memories was when I turned 18 and was late to my own party because they would've let me off work. Some of my friends grabbed some toy ride-on cars that my mom had from her home daycare and they drove them through the McDonald's drive-thru where I was working. They couldn't set off the sensor, but they came up to the drive-thru window riding on these tiny cars. Everyone in the place was laughing.

[@sr9802]

My mom gave me a surprise 16th b day. 6 of my friends and I went to the Don Henley concert. My second favorite was a sleepover when I was in 3rd grade. We had a fashion show with my mom’s clothes and played games and swam in our pool. Glad you had a fun b day!

[@KatieHespe]

Oh my gosh how fun! Love your birthday memories

[@sr9802]

@ thanks!

[@orangetzar7099]

I had a my 6th birthday party at my house in the late 90s. There were like 20 boys and girls running around the house like lunatics. It was such a great birthday party.

[@aimeeparrott9204]

Happy birthday! I'm so glad you had a good time. My birthday last year was great. I went to visit my best friend, who took me to (literary nerd here) Edith Wharton's house and then to a fabulous farm-to-table restaurant. It was low-key, but lovely.

[@pameladepaul1073]

Don't warm up the cassata cheese! It's like cannoli filling without the shell! Try eating it with the pumpkin-cranberry crisps! 🙂

[@sewrealcraftygirl3940]

The ricotta cheese sounds like an English Terry’s chocolate orange cheesecake 😊

[@JanetBrown-px2jn]

I think it’s the same filling that Italians use for cannolis

[@chloedamone3014]

Happy Birthday, on my way out the door to TJS so perfect timing!!

[@shirleyadkins4254]

Happy Birthday 🎂 🥳 🎉 🎈 🎁 🎊

[@debbuller1492]

Great video. Glad you had a great weekend Birthdays were never really celebrated growing up we had a cake but that was it.

[@rudyvel]

Can't wait to try the Mangosteen! From the picture on the package, I think I might have tried it at least once when I was in Thailand. They served a variety fruit every day wherever we went. I didn't care for the dragon fruit, not sweet but it was pretty.

[@windvluu]

wait what? you are back? lol how did I miss this

[@KatieHespe]

What do you mean I’m back? Lol

[@AH-ik3pv]

OMG Those Mini Brie Bites are SOOO good! Got those for a sleepover with my sister. They are sweet but from apricot, not super sugary. SOOOO GOOD! We got them from your haul Miss Birthday Girl!

[@dmledger6974]

Tfs Katie & Tim ❤ You're a great & thoughtful husband Tim! You rock👏👏👏👏👏🥂

[@beaglenglund]

My most memorable birthday party was in my backyard in San Diego for my two (previous) beagles. I invited about 30 people with their dogs, who amazingly got along fine. I had human food and wine, and to-go treat bags for all of the canines. It was quite a bit of work (and clean up) but great fun, and people still talk about that epic dog party. My current beagle will turn 2 in December, but hers will be much more low key event! 🐾

[@KatieHespe]

Oh wow I absolutely love this. That sounds like the best party!

[@beaglenglund]

@KatieHespe It was lots of fun and all the dogs got along great! One of mine lapped up some chardonnay from a person's plastic wine glass, however. Lol.

[@JulyMoon82]

Oooh I love gingerbread, so this review really increases my excitement to try that gingerbread oat creamer. The cinnamon bun flavor is so good. I plan on getting a couple of each to last through the season.

[@ChineseAg]

The apricot brie brioche bites are strong on the brie scent when eaten fresh out from oven. Mellows out over time. But if you do not like brie, you will not like this. Thick filling but less than 1-tsp filling in each mini brioche.

[@KatieHespe]

Mine definitely had more than a tsp. Mine had at least a tablespoon of filling. It was a lot.

[@ChineseAg]

@@KatieHespe ooh, yours got bonus filling! I enjoyed mine. My pal did not like hers and composted them 😆

[@karenmar1529]

Happy Birthday Katie, wishing you all the best! 🥳🍷🎂🎉 That pretzel pudding looks so good, can't wait to try.

[@lkbd12345]

Ricotta room temp- get out a couple hours before eating

[@cassandraqcassandraq5510]

They had the mangosteen years ago...I loooove them!

[@gracevittoria9467]

Hi! For the Casata ricotta cheese, this should not be heated, but eaten cold. There are a lot of Italian desserts (mostly from the south of italy), that have this type of ricotta as a filling. If you google Sicilian Cannoli, you will see that ricotta, candied fruit and chocolate chips are the most common filling. Thanks for sharing the reviews!

[@bethdrake2104]

Happy bday 🎉🎉🎉 A memorable bday was a weekend in Santa Barbara. We got an Airbnb for our family. Friends also happened to be in town. Although there was a record setting heatwave, it was a wonderful weekend!🎉

[@pattituron8510]

Sounds like you had a really great Birthday, Katie! Always glad for your TJ's taste tests ~ thank you! I don't care for brie at all, thank you for your honest opinion. I'll pass on that one. The gingerbread oat creamer sounds good. The little ricotta cheese dessert sounds good. Good to see your adorable Benson ~ he has grown so much! My favorite birthday memory was when my children gave me a surprise Birthday party several years ago.

[@poketographyyy]

Happy Birthday, Katie! Hope that you and your family had a fun, safe, and relaxing time together. 🎉🎂 And yes, I'd love to see your review of the Espresso Martini! 🍸 The savory/sweet season is upon us! I imagine some of the freeze-dried fruit would go really well with cocktails and even crushed up with some of the cheeses with crackers. Charcuterie abound!

[@suehajek4734]

Happy birthday!! Sounds like you guys are getting colds.

[@TheTerakitty]

❄️ ⛷️ 😉

[@brighteyedjeanie]

Happy birthday!🎉🎉🎉

[@sharonfalconer3372]

Happy Birthday!!

[@pamwilkinson366]

Happy belated birthday! 🥳 🎂

[@ChristineKaaup]

My favorite birthday was my Dad taking me to Pro Bowl in Aloha Stadium and a nice warm day and seats in the second row and to some pro pro players and signed my football

[@trisha3338]

Katie, do you think that the smell you don't like with the Brie bites is that ammonia smell that Bri has? I like brie cheese but sometimes the ammonia smell can be pretty strong.

[@KatieHespe]

It wasn’t that smell, but I totally know what you’re talking about. It more smelled like cheese that had been sitting in the hot sun. It grossed me out.

[@nickdepanfilis7895]

Happy belated!!

[@laureenphilipp1991]

I think the ricotta cheese could be amazing on warm plain croissants.

[@RWCLtd3]

My hubby had a surprise 50th party for me when i was 51 and one month! Call that a surprise! It was in my own backyard! My friend and I went to the Bronx Zoo with her son and when I got home, so many of my friends were there. We have a number of friends in bands and they all showed up to play. It was so cool! The only thing is that I lost trust in everyone who kept this secret from me. 😂 (Just kidding)

[@lindabudzik9583]

My most memorable birthday was my 11th. We had a big family birthday party on the weekend and it was totally overshadowed by the first astronauts to walk on the moon. Everyone was huddled around the TV in the den watching history unfold and I was quite annoyed that everyone wasn’t paying attention to me! Ever since then I have been talking about how Neil Armstrong ruined my 11th birthday party. However, in hindsight, I forgive him (I guess) due to the enormity of the historical event. 🌎🌝🚀👨‍🚀🧑‍🚀🎉🎂🥂

[@carmelcornr1715]

Good choice Tim, Go Justin Herbert :)

[@debrajones4840]

My birthday never works out so I don’t like my birthday! Glad yours was fabulous

[@KatieHespe]

Awe I’m sorry to hear that.

[@kathyfetter526]

I love gingerbread and did not like the creamer at all. I tasted a bitter after taste. ☹️

[@NancyLewandoski]

Celebrating with family

[@crystal112204]

You are very special we love you ❤

[@denisefonda2815]

I’m not a bread pudding fan, but might give this one a try. Unfortunately, the Trader Joe’s, in New York State can’t sell wine, so I can’t try the wine. Too bad. Thank you for sharing.

[@susanmolnar9606]

I know what you mean. Same here in CT. We’ve had very strict blue laws. I can remember driving over to the NY line and buying liquor on Sundays because we had no liquor on Sunday and closed at 8pm the other days. Luckily the laws were changed but only beer in grocery stores.

[@catmama54]

My favorite birthday memory was a surprise dinner my husband planned for my 50th birthday. I was depressed enough about turning 50 and I didn’t want to do anything and my husband said we’re gonna go out to dinner you and I. He said you’re not gonna spend it at home,we’ll go out to dinner. So I assumed it was just he and I and we went to a really fancy restaurant and as we are walking into the restaurant, there was family there waiting I had no idea

[@KatieHespe]

Awe how sweet! I love that you have these amazing memories with your husband. I hope you’re doing well ❤️

[@catmama54]

@ thank you so very much for your kind words. I’m doing OK. Today is actually one year that I’m living in my new apartment in North Carolina. Hard to believe time goes by fast.

[@maureengunn7952]

My husband and I got engaged on my 21st birthday!! Out was a romantic surprise!❤

[@KatieHespe]

That is awesome!

[@maureenboyle1926]

Happy Birthday

[@nickdepanfilis7895]

Ben is getting so big!!

[@LisaStich]

Benson is so cute@@

[@MisTubingNu]

Happy Birthday Katie!!! You’re beautiful!!! ❤

[@KatieHespe]

Thank you ☺️

[@sarahc444]

💜💜💜💜

[@ChristineKaaup]

HAU'OIL

[@jennt2882]

Sometimes apricots smell like feet lol

[@ksarg3006]

Happy belated birthday Katie! I bought my surprise bags and I got Michigan, Boston and Washington DC 🤗

[@chriscatton705]

You guys are SO cute!! I love your channel!

[@CanineConsistency]

Those Brie Apricot bites were the worst thing I’ve ever tasted. 😮 I took them back. The inside looked and had the consistency of velveta cheese, and the flavor was terrible. Everything about them was 🤢

[@premadimauro2691]

Tim you have an extra big smile today. I wonder why 😂😂😂

[@spillthwinesfinds1244]

I love how your son apprared. whenever he heard the word chocolate chips.. He is such a cutie pie.