Ojai Pixie Tangerines

You've heard of endangered species in animals, but they exist in plants too, and many that can be eaten. There is a movement to bring some of these back from the brink of being lost forever, and the Ojai Pixie Tangerine is one of the chosen. They are not widely available, and are only available in the Spring, but they can be found at Trader Joe's! Don't miss these cute, little, sweet and juicy tangerines. They are delicious and low acid, so kids that usually refuse citrus fruits may actually like these. I rinse a few off, start the peeling process and then hand them over to my nine-year-old to finish peeling them for his snack. They stay fresh in the Thermos snack jars. I added a stick of Trader Joe's lowfat organic string cheese to make a more substantial snack. They are great as a dessert too and give you something to talk about!

More about the Ojai Pixie Tangerine
Here's a great site to visit to learn all about the Ojai Pixie. Suffice it to say that they are grown by 20 small family farmers who are members of the Pixie Growers Association in California's Ojai Valley. Despite the challenges they faced as a commercial crop, these families dedicated themselves to growing them anyway. We have them to thank for this delicious Spring fruit treat.

Joann's 60 Second Salad

This is a no-cook salad that you quickly and easily assemble from three Trader Joe's products. Joann, who is the tasting chef at the Trader Joe's in Fairfield, CT, told me about this and recommended I enter it into the Trader Joe's recipe contest. I made it yesterday and it hit the spot after being outside in the warm air. Even my four-year-old at it, minus the chopped tomatoes.
Ingredients:

• 1 can Trader Joe's organic black beans
• 1 can Trader Joe's whole kernel corn (or 1/2 bag Trader Joe's frozen roasted corn, which you can instantly thaw under cold running water)
• 1 container Trader Joe's fresh mild salsa (in refrigerated section)
• Salt (optional)
• Vinegar (optional)

Preparation:

1. Open cans of beans and corn, empty into strainer, rinse with cold water and drain well. Place in medium sized serving or storage bowl. Open and empty salsa into same bowl and stir well to combine.
   
2. Taste the salad and if you like it as is, serve it up! I think it needs a pinch or two of salt and a splash of red or white wine vinegar.

Variation: If you think you already have too much corn in your diet, substitute chopped mango and add a splash of Trader Joe's Mango Chili Vinegar. Yum! You can chop the fresh sliced mango available at Trader Joe's or defrost ahead and drain half a bag of their frozen chopped mango.

Fit and Fresh Products Are BPA Free

I just called the company and they will shortly issue a press release saying that their products are BPA free. I have the Salad Shaker and love it. You can purchase their food on the go products through my Amazon store using this link. The price is the same whether you go through me or not. I consider it my screening fee!