The Trader Joe’s Frozen Find That Delivers Flavor With A French Flair

Frozen food doesn’t have the best reputation, but one Trader Joe’s premade pizza flatbread is actually a super delicious, perfect Parisian fantasy.

Craving a taste of French cuisine but can’t afford an international flight? There’s no need to fret, no need to pull out a copy of “Bonjour Tristesse,” and no need to put on a Françoise Hardy record. All you need do is put on a beret, and drive to your closest Trader Joe’s (okay, the beret is optional). Yes, Trader Joe’s, the kitsch, tiki themed grocery chain beloved for its endless array of tasty snacks is the perfect place to find your next French dinner. And there is one frozen meal in particular that packs an unexpectedly Parisian punch: the Tarte aux Champignons flatbread. This flatbread has light, flaky crust topped with crème fraîche, Emmental cheese, and a combination of white and oyster mushrooms. It is a delicious, complex dish that is perfect for serving at a dinner party, or cooked up for a simple weeknight dinner.

The Tarte aux Champignons flatbread came in first in Chowhound’s ranking of Trader Joe’s frozen pizzas, no small feat considering the breadth of the category. Our taster noted that the flatbread is “creamy, tender, flaky, and delicate. … I honestly would have liked it if I got it at a French restaurant.” That praise isn’t just glowing, it’s glimmering like the Eiffel Tower on a winter evening. And for the low cost of $4.79, it’s well worth a slice.

A delicious, umami mushroom flatbread is a great start to a fantastically French meal. But it is just that, a start. To make the tasty Trader Joe’s Tarte aux Champignons into a full meal, you’ll want to make a few additions. To start, you’ll want to choose a wine. And Trader Joe’s is the perfect place to look. After all, the chain offers up implausibly cheap wines through its Charles Shaw line. We need not limit ourselves to Two Buck Chuck, however, as Trader Joe’s has an impeccable wine selection. A tart, crisp sauvignon blanc or buttery chardonnay would both make a beautiful accompaniment to this mushroom flatbread. If you’d prefer a red wine, pinot noir would complement this rich, savory pie.

If you’re not in the mood for an alcoholic beverage but still want to sip on something French, you can try a bottle of Trader Joe’s Sparkling Pink Lemonade. Pair with a fresh arugula, cranberry balsamic, prosciutto, and goat cheese salad for a refreshing but hearty meal. And for dessert? You can try Trader Joe’s Macarons or Chocolate Lava Cakes for a sweet end to a delicious meal. You can also choose one of Trader Joe’s new spring releases, such as the refreshing Passion Fruit Meringue Tartlettes, which can give you a bright end to this rich, buttery flatbread pizza.

Read More: https://www.chowhound.com/1862597/trader-joes-french-frozen-find/

Source: 6 frozen Costco foods to buy and 7 to skip

Albert Camus and María Casares

In 1949, Albert Camus, one of the most influential philosophers and writers of the 20th century, penned a heartfelt letter to María Casares, a prominent actress and his muse during a pivotal period in his life. Camus, renowned for his contributions to existentialism and absurdism, was navigating both personal and intellectual transformations in the aftermath of World War II. The post-war years were marked by profound reflections on human existence, morality, and freedom, themes that permeated Camus’s works like The Stranger (1942) and The Plague (1947). His letter to Casares reveals the intimate emotional shifts that paralleled his philosophical journey, highlighting how personal relationships could inspire new perspectives and resilience.

María Casares, a Spanish-French actress, became an important figure in Camus’s life in the late 1940s. Their relationship, both passionate and intellectually stimulating, influenced Camus’s outlook during a time when he was grappling with the human condition in a world recovering from devastation. Casares herself was renowned for her theatrical talent and was a muse for many artists during the mid-20th century. The quote from Camus’s letter reflects a deeper humanistic side of the philosopher, showing how love and companionship could soften existential angst and ignite a renewed sense of admiration for life’s complexities.

The late 1940s also marked a vibrant period in the arts and philosophy, where figures like Camus were shaping cultural dialogues that continue to resonate today. His relationship with Casares was emblematic of a broader post-war search for meaning and authenticity in art and life. This era saw a flourishing of literary and artistic expression, as creators sought to make sense of the recent past and envision a hopeful future. Camus’s work and personal experiences during this time remain critical for understanding the intellectual currents of the 20th century, particularly in French literature and existential thought.