
Remember winter? Did it continue until last month? I just I put away my sweaters for the season, but it’s already too hot to think about it. And cooking? Forget it. For now, I have to make quick work of the meals and popsicles I have in my pantry. It’s the same thing as being hungry during a heat wave. The other day, while blissfully sitting on top of my fridge, I found a container of ricotta cheese. Cold and creamy ricotta cheese. soldI thought. sounds like dinner to me.
The good thing about ricotta cheese is that can You can even make it dinner (or breakfast, or dessert for that matter) with little to no dressing up. A loaf of bread, a pinch of salt, in a jar somethingYou are now ready. Preserved lemons, pickled peppers, and anything with a little kick go well with ricotta. That night, I found a jar of Trader Joe’s slow roasted tomatoes floating in the back of the cabinet. And it included a bag of their favorite sandwich starter. And thus, the wonderful new TJ’s Dinner was born. I’m full, that’s it. wonderful-It’s quick and tastes like a meal made with time and effort (rather than just the first thing you find in your kitchen). that do You will need to use the toaster, but only for a maximum of 90 seconds. I promise it’s worth it. There’s a reason TJ’s Sandwich Starter is a cult favorite. Soft, chewy, and dense in a good way, it’s a hybrid between a ciabatta and a burger bun. Even a light toasting adds a satisfying crunch to the creamy texture of this meal.
I think this dish is best made while standing in the kitchen in your bra, with a cold Diet Coke on the counter. But that part is optional. Click here for the recipe…

Cheers for a summery dinner
For 1 person
1 trader joe’s sandwich starter
1 cup ricotta cheese (I used it) TJ’s whole milk ricotta cheesebut any brand is fine)
1/2 bottle TJ’s slow roasted tomatoes
salt, pepper, appropriate amount
A few washed and torn fresh basil leaves for topping*
*If nearby. I often make it in the summer, but this meal is delicious even without it. Just to be safe, please do this do not have Please go to the store!
Split the sandwich starter in half and lightly toast. Place the toast slices on a plate, dividing the ricotta between them and spreading on top of each slice.
Place a layer of roasted tomatoes on top of each piece and remove from the jar with a small fork. (If you prefer, you can spoon a little oil out of the jar and drizzle it over the toast.) Add salt and pepper to taste (jarred tomatoes are already a little salty, so be careful with the first pinch; you can always add more). Finish with some fresh basil on top and enjoy shirtless or naked.

What do you make for dinner these days? Do you have a favorite stove-free meal?
PS Other Trader Joe’s meal hacks and ideas:
* 10 things I love about Trader Joe’s these days
* 5 Ingredient Trader Joe’s Shrimp Taco Recipe
* Trader Joe’s Delicious Breakfast Hacks
* Taste test: Trader Joe’s knockoffs vs. original brand.
* TJ’s Cheese Plate Formula
* 10 Trader Joe’s Products That Will Change Your Breakfast
* 4 great meal hacks from Trader Joe’s — and 3 more are here!
(Photo provided by: Yoshi Arefi (for joe cup)
Source: Cup of Jo – cupofjo.com
