Target's New Gourmet Side

Target has always been known for its' delicious snacks and holiday treats. Who could resist the fun Italian sodas at Halloween or the yummy holiday cookies at Christmas time? The chain is amping up its' food department by installing mini groceries within every store. Not only can you buy nachos and creme cookies, you can also stock up on essentials too.

My local Target has scooped out enough space to include fruit and veggies. I've seen this in larger Super Targets and was amazed by the amount of fresh products the store had. Now smaller ones have expanded too(I think every Target now has a fully stocked grocery to rival nearby supermarkets). Not only can I get their yummy potato chips and mocha chip cookies I can also buy the ingredients for a fresh salad and pick up some fruit too. Target also has a line of their own baked goods under the Market Pantry label along with other brands. I bought two pack of mini angel bundt cakes for strawberry shortcake. They wer e light and heavenly, probably the best I've bought for this kind of dessert.

With this expansion comes bigger aisles and definitely more national and in house brands to try. I picked up two boxes of Target's gourmet brand Archer Farms gnocchi with mushroom sauce. These have been imported from Italy and are even better than what I've picked up in local groceries such as the A&P and even Stop and Shop . The gnocchi were tender and the sauce , downright flavorful. They have more of these , mostly pasta,s that I will definitely test out. I also love their oatmeal and had to try their new banana split flavor.

Target isn't just all about the trendy designer clothes and furnishings (well it is, really). Since the chain has expanded their grocery sections, they've become a gourmet heaven. Try some of their amazing gourmet foods. You'll be turning to Target for all your food shopping.

Have A Happy, Healthy, Tasty 2011

It's the New Year and I wish everyone a year filled with health, happiness and new treats and tastes. For myself I am going to be getting that juicer with my Target gift cards. I want to be healthier for this next year. I'm looking forward to making some dietary changes (goodbye white anything , hello brown and wholesome, good bye soda, helloooo fresh juice!!!!!!)

Hopefully there will be some kicks along the way. There are always new fads and trends to sample, along with new restaurants and cafes to try. I look forward to writing about all of them in "11 . (can you believe how fast this century is flying by???)

If there's anything you want to see or ask about feel free. Foodie Pantry is always open.

Liz

Progresso's Hearty Soups

I think I've embraced Sandra Lee's philosophy of using prepared foods to create yummy but quick meals. I've recently discovered Progresso's Hearty Soups. These are comprised of thick broths filled with chunks of chicken , pot roast and steak. Paired with a salad they make a good dinner during those busy week nights.

Tonight I heated up the pot roast one. This was pretty thick and smelled exactly like the pot roasts my Mom used to make. It was a good soup with large slices of potatoes and carrots. The meat was in little chunks and nuggets. The soup itself was big on taste. I paired it with last night's Caesar salad and Target's Archer Farms cheese straws. It was a filling and satisfying dinner. I'm looking forward to trying the steak and noodles one. I may pair it with a tomato or a green bean salad and Parker House rolls.

Even though we're heading into summer there will still be busy days ahead. Finish off the day with a Progresso Hearty soup. You'll have a good dinner without a lot of fuss and bother.