How to Win Friends and Influence Others (with just 3 ingredients!)

I went to UCSD. For the most part I enjoyed it, but I sure did get myself into stressful situations! So when times got tough, I’d run to my dear Trader Joe’s arms for comfort.

❤

And he taught me a lot. He taught me that the best thing to do during the hard times is to surround yourself with what you love and share it with friends. For me, it’s always been yummy food. And that I did.

I’ve cooked meals small and large throughout college, from comfort food to vegan fare. Simply inviting people over to eat has been a great way for me to get to know new acquaintances, celebrate with close friends, and even attract the love of my life.

Recently, I was asked to cater an event for a student organization I used to lead  and needed to come up with a semi-healthy dessert on the fly. So, for old time’s sake, I headed over to my trusty friend Trader Joe’s for some inspiration. I came up with what I thought was a simple, no-fuss dish; surprisingly, I received many requests for the recipe, introducing me to new friendships and the opportunity to spread what I love to others!

So, like the popular self-help book, you too can win friends and influence others with just 3 ingredients from Trader Joe’s.

Vanilla Berry Crumble

Ingredients:
– 1 package Trader Joe’s Ultimate Vanilla Wafers
– 1 tub (1 lb.) Trader Joe’s Organic Vanilla Yogurt
– 1 package frozen Trader Joe’s Fancy Berry Medley (store in refrigerator overnight or thaw for 30 minutes before preparing)

Stir together thawed berries and yogurt in a medium or large bowl. (I did this ahead of time and stored it in that container on the right because I used the same mixture for a Thanksgiving dessert)

Place vanilla wafers in a single layer on the bottom of an 8×8 square dish

Spoon berry-yogurt mixture over the wafers until just covered. Repeat layers of vanilla wafers and berry-yogurt mixture as space allows, about 2-3 layers.

You will usually find cracked or broken pieces in each package of vanilla wafers. Perfectionists, rejoice! We are turning them into crumbs, so crush those wafer-rejects into conformity! I did this inside a plastic bag and used the bottom of a drinking glass as shown above. You can also do this right into the container if you use all the cookies. 

Sprinkle wafer crumbs on top to garnish!

Serve immediately for a crunchier texture, or refrigerate an hour to overnight for chewy, comforting goodness. This is perfect for your next potluck or dinner party!

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It is likely that you will have some leftovers of the berry-yogurt mixture and cookies. If no one is home, throw the leftover cookies into your mixing bowl, pop in a movie, and go to town! 

 

If not, you can be a sweetheart and create a special study treat for your college roomies, thoughtful dessert for your family, or a romantic finish for a romantic dinner ;). Layer the ingredients into a martini or wine glass for a refined, festive dish!

Oh, you fancy huh?

Please comment below if you try this. I’d love to hear your story!

With love,

Tiffany R.

Dining at Tiffany’s