Ring in the New Year with tasty and affordable vegetarian and vegan treats from Trader Joe’s. From sparkling wines to savory appetizers to delicious desserts you’ll find everything you need for a delicious celebration. Plan ahead though since Trader Joe’s stores close at 6 pm on New Year’s Eve and aren’t open on New Year’s Day.
Beverages
First things first, Trader Joe’s has an impressive selection of domestic and imported sparkling wines at a variety of price points, including several under $10 per bottle. Add a few pomegranate seeds to champagne glasses for a festive touch. Sodas and seltzers in interesting flavors, including cranberry, elderflower, blood orange, and lemon ginger provide non-alcoholic fizz.
Appetizers
Start with a visit to the frozen foods appetizer section where you’re likely to find bite-size spanakopita, pakoras, spring rolls, and savory tarts, such as Onion and Feta Pastry Bites. Serve Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip and Brie en Croute (bake brie) with crackers and bread. Slice flatbreads, such as Mushroom and Black Truffle Flatbread, into 8-10 easy-to-hold pieces.
Create a cheese board with a selection of cheeses, plus nuts, olives, and dried fruits (cranberries, figs, apricots).
Choose from a variety of chilled or shelf stable dips, spreads, hummus, and salsas and add a selection of crackers, breads, chips and cut fresh vegetable “dippers”. Spread baguette slices with artichoke antipasto or olive tapenade spread and warm in the oven.
A word of caution – several frozen appetizers that seem like they should be vegetarian, including Stuffed Mushrooms, Mushroom Turnovers and Arancini Bites, contain gelatin or meat-based broths. Cheese may include animal derived rennet or enzymes. Read labels carefully if this is important to you.
Entrees
If you’re serving a full meal, pasta, especially ravioli from the chilled food case, is easy and delicious. Risotto from the frozen case is another great option. Mushroom risotto is available year round with other options, such as asparagus or squash, available seasonally.
Trader Joe’s carries seasonal vegetable gratins, usually some combination of potato, squash, and greens. These are hearty and delicious and can be a full meal when combined with a salad, such as Trader Joe’s Spinach Salad Kit or Caesar Style Salad Kit.
Side Dishes
Black eyed peas, greens, and sauerkraut are consider lucky foods for the New Year. I haven’t found black eyed peas at Trader Joe’s but there are plenty of fresh and frozen greens and fresh and jarred sauerkraut.
Desserts
Check for cakes and pies in the fresh bakery section. The selection may be limited but the items are high quality. Then visit the frozen dessert section for cheesecakes, pastries, tarts, and ice cream.
The keys to making these treats worthy of your New Year celebration are creative add-ons and attractive presentation. For example, cut a cake or pastry into small pieces, place in a cupcake liner and garnish with dried fruit and nuts or ice cream and caramel or fudge sauce for an impressive treat.
Best wishes for New Year!