As soon as fall begins, I usually stock up on groceries to survive the entire summer when I go into hibernation mode. This season I’m spending it in Seattle, but far from downtown (actually, on the other side of Elliot Bay, on Bainbridge Island), so this time I have to go to the Costco, which is halfway between the Industrial District and South Seattle, and I’m going to repeat last year’s fall shopping list.
There are certain Costco staples that I repurchase every year, like cured meats and canned goods. After checking the Seattle website, I realized that they are all there, and that the prices have practically not changed at all, comparing them with last year’s purchase receipt (yes, I have it saved, I am a freak of personal finances, dear). I made this shopping list talking to some chef friends, when I was working as a food blogger in California, so it is an exquisite selection of products that you can turn into an infinite number of dishes.
Five Must-haves From Costco That I’m Stocking Up On For Fall-winter
Various food products are always in my pantry, and I take them out rationally to prepare quick, high-calorie foods for the cold months that have already arrived. Last year, I had bought a 1.1-pound piece of Covap Iberico Lomo (pork loin), a high-quality sausage made from lean Iberian pork loin meat.
This type of pig is a native breed of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and is characterized by having a unique flavor and texture, thanks to its diet with acorns and mixtures made from cereals and legumes. The Covap brand guarantees that its pigs have been fed without industrial byproducts and live throughout their breeding in open fields, enjoying freedom and well-being. This piece of Iberian loin costs $54.99, but it is eaten in small quantities by cutting it into thin slices for tapas nights, or to add as a protein in stews and even pastas.
Kirkland Signature Boneless Lamb Leg
During the cold months, I always have a boneless leg of lamb from Kirkland Signature in the freezer of my refrigerator. Currently, Costco is marketing lamb brought from Australia, which has been raised in free-range conditions and, due to its diet, is all-natural meat of high nutritional quality.
The lamb has a characteristic, intense and slightly wild flavor (with a rustic touch). This particular cut, being from the leg, tends to be leaner and with a milder flavor compared to other cuts, and with very little fat content. The approximately 6.6-pound package has a price of around $54, but it can vary depending on how much each piece weighs.
The Olive Oil, Unique From Costco, That Many Chefs Buy
Don’t be fooled that it is part of Costco’s proprietary brand, because these oils have won awards in international oil competitions. Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil typically offers a balanced, fruity flavor profile. This means you’ll be able to pick up notes of green olive, fresh grass, and sometimes even a hint of almond or tomato. The intensity of these flavors may vary slightly depending on the harvest and the region of origin of the olives.
The balanced flavor makes it ideal for preparing a variety of dishes, from salads and dressings, to slow cooked meals or, if you’re feeling daring, fluffy rosemary focaccia. Several experienced and praised chefs I have met use this olive oil in their restaurants, which elevates the flavor of meals and transports you to the sunny olive groves where they come from. The price of the 2-liter (3.6 fl. oz.) bottle is $22.99.
Craving Pasta? This Is The One I Always Have In My Cupboard
The cold months are a perfect time to enjoy a comforting, flavorful pasta dish, but you have to have good pasta, my friend. I use Garofalo brand pasta, which I buy in a variety pack at Costco (includes casarecce, penne ziti rigatti, and gemelli).
I also always have various jars of Ragu sauce to make a quick 15-minute pasta, but I also make them with some vegetables and soy sauce, stir-fried in a wok. This is a revisited version of the pasta that a chef friend taught me, and while it’s not very Italian (it’s more of a nod to Asian cuisine), it will definitely make a great night of dinner alone or with friends.
If There’s No Coffee, A Cold Day Won’t Start Quite Right
A cold day cries out for a robust and flavorful cup of coffee. And what better way to start your morning than with a Kirkland Signature Whole Bean Coffee, French Roast (Rainforest Certified).
Its intense dark roast flavor, with notes of chocolate and caramel, will wake you up and wrap you in a warm hug. With every sip, you’ll enjoy the quality and sustainability of this Rainforest Alliance certified coffee. I buy about 4 2.5lb bags at Costco, which last almost until spring. The price is $12.99 per package.