What Type of Home $175K Gets You Across the Country

Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese

Prepped with just water, this frozen mac has stolen the hearts of many Aldi shoppers.

"I loooove this," one fan wrote on Reddit. "I gotta stop buying it because I eat the whole box. 😂"

Aldi Specially Selected Ice Cream

Aldi's ice creams truly cannot be beat. With flavors like Dulce de Leche and Strawberry Cheesecake, they've got something for every kind of sweet tooth!

"The high-quality of the ice cream was so satisfying that I was good after a few bites, so the pint will last me a while," one Redditor wrote in a review. "Highly recommended if you guys see it."

"All the Specially Selected items are fantastic," another user chimed in.

Burman's Chicken Dipping Sauce

Heralded as a dupe for Chick-fil-A's famous sauce, Aldi shoppers have totally hit the jackpot with this bottled find.

"I feel like it's not as sweet, but it definitely tastes like the other sauce," one Aldi fan noted.

"I liked it better than the real chick fil a sauce," one user concluded. "Some people seem to hate it though so I guess it's something you just gotta try for yourself."

Park Street Deli Chickpea Salad

With a medley of chickpeas, edamame, cranberries, carrots, and bell peppers, this is one healthy find you can get from Aldi. One shopper said that it carries a "light tanginess, good texture and flavor!"

"Love love love this," another fan said.

One Aldi shopper even offered up an easy lunch recipe using this product:

"This is one of my favorite things to get at Aldi. I mixed it with the antipasti olive mix, tomatoes, usually grape or cherry, some croutons, and a little creamy Caesar dressing. It makes for a tasty lunch."

Clancy's Cuban Sandwich Kettle Chips

Flavored like an authentic Cuban sammie, these kettle chips from Aldi are definitely not to be missed!

"I wait all year for these cuban sandwich chips," one person wrote.

"I just bought a bag and am obsessed!" another user agreed. "I may have to grab a few more to hold me over."

Specially Selected Coconut Crusted Flounder

Ooh, we love an easy dinner find! This flounder crusted with coconut also comes out so tasty in the air fryer, per Aldi shoppers.

"We have the coconut and macadamia in our freezer for a quick easy dinner with veggies and rice! Love them," one Redditor said.

"Yesss, I love these!" another person commented. "I just tried the tortilla-crusted one too and had the same great results."

Park Street Deli Dill Dip

For a nice snack, Aldi shoppers swear by this dill-y dip. It's light, creamy, and flavorful, so it can go with a wide variety of different pairings.

"Picked this up on my last trip, I’ve been eating it with tinned fish!" one Redditor said.

"I like it with pumpernickle bagels, great with any kind of chip, even veggie dip with baby carrots and cukes and red peppers," another person offered.

"My family uses it on wraps and sandwiches," one more user commented. "Pretty much anywhere you would think to put a creamy ranch condiment or a pickle flavor - it seems like they appreciate it mostly with turkey, but I like it with pan fried tofu!"

Season's Choice Tempura Crinkle-Cut Zucchini & Carrot Coins

These frozen bags of tempura veggies from Aldi make a great starter or side for an upscale-feeling dinner right at home! Just a bit in the air fryer, and they come out deliciously golden and crispy.

"Bought the zucchini hoping that they’d be similar to Carrabba’s fried zucchini. Different breading but really tasty," one Redditor reported. "The sauce I made was: Greek yogurt, avocado mayo, fresh dill, fresh garlic, onion powder and a little bit of salt. They were gone in minutes."

"Eating the carrot and the shrimp for lunch as I write this!" another user said. "SO good. Going to go back to get another bag to stock up."

Emporium Selection Cranberry White Cheddar Cheese

Aldi shoppers of all kinds agree that this cheese is a great affordable gourmet option for cooking, charcuterie boards, and snacking sessions.

"You can make a beautiful board for next to nothing," one person said.

"This one is so amazing!" someone said about this cranberry-tinged cheddar.

"Their garlic and herb goat cheese is a staple in my bi-weekly grocery shopping visit," another user offered. "Great in eggs, couscous, and orzo, and on steamed vegetables."

Benton's Aussie Style Wafer Cookies

Finally, some sweets! These wafer cookies that resemble Australian TimTams are beloved by the Aldi community. They're a must-try for cookie lovers of any kind!

"I got some and they are simply delicious!" one person exclaimed.

"They are so rich and delicious!" another agreed.

"Grabbed two packs of chocolate the other day!" one more Redditor noted.

Elevation Protein Puffs

With 42 grams of protein per bag, these crunchy puffs are a great work snack. Though they have gotten mixed reviews from Aldi shoppers, you simply need to try 'em for yourself.

"They're not bad especially for high protein, low cal," one person said.

"I keep these around as my only real snack like thing on an aggressive cut," one dieter mentioned. "They’re great for that."

Simply Nature Chickpea Rotini

For a different kind of protein boost, this chickpea pasta with 12 grams of protein per serving is widely known as a great pantry staple from Aldi. You can use it for an easy pasta dish for dinner or pasta salad for lunch!

"I love these and the Aldi protein wraps," one user commented.

Zodiac Idra Mary Jane Flats

Mesh flats are our vice when it comes to spring and summer footwear. Luckily, you can easily rock the trend with this pair that's 25% off!

Stanley Quencher H2.0 30-Ounce Tumbler

A Stanley tumbler for $26 when it's normally $35?! Count us in. Plus, this purple color is just gorgeous!

Grapent Classic Blue Barrel Jeans

These comfy barrel jeans come in so many different washes and patterns (including leopard print!) for just $30 right now.

Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum

Take $150 off this luxe cordless vacuum that offers an entire hour of continuous use on a full charge, plus a bagless filter that's easy to clean with a quick hand wash!

Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow

Ideal for back, side, and stomach sleepers alike, this pillow is unlike anything you've ever laid on before. It comes prepped and ready with a memory foam filler that you can add or remove as much of as you like to suit your perfect night of sleep. Snag it for 20% off right now!

Prettygarden Bodycon Maxi Tube Dress

Everyone needs a sleek strapless black dress to sport for all kinds of occasions. This flattering pick comes in so many different shades for just $38 (was $51).

Hanni Fatty Body Moisturizer Stick

Packed with fatty acids, this travel-friendly moisture stick nourishes your skin in just a few easy swipes. It's currently 15% off so you can give your skin the love (and the glow) it's craving for springtime and summer!

Shark SpeedStyle RapidGloss High-Velocity Hair Dryer

This streamlined hair dryer comes with three attachments to suit any hair type or desired hairstyle. It works its magic ultra-fast using a high speed and ionic technology to prevent damage to your locks. Take $40 off now!

Coofay Travel Backpack

This structure travel pack will suit any and every adventure with endless zippered compartments, including one for a pair of shoes and your laptop! It even comes ready with a USB charging port for your on-the-go tech needs. The dimensions are airplane-friendly, too – ditch your bulky duffle bag for this pick that's 10% off right now!

ErGear Adjustable Electric Standing Desk

Wanna upgrade your WFH setup? This sturdy standing desk is currently on an amazing deal for $60 off.

Cosori 9-In-1 Air Fryer

Home cooks adore this air fryer not only for its sleek look, but its ability to get the job done super quickly! It has a convenient pre-heat feature that speeds up the cooking process for everything from your favorite TJ's frozen snacks to veggies and homemade fries. It's now on sale for $90 (was $120).

Spring Step Wakefield Sandals

Comfy spring sandals = found! These platform cuties with durable decorate straps will pair well with everything from jeans to dresses, and they're a whopping 50% off right now, knocking the OG price of $120 down to $60. Wowza.

Xiaoxuemeng Baggy Wide Leg Pants

These pants give the effect of the ever-trendy barrel jeans – just without the jeans component. The elastic waistband amps up their cozy factor, plus you'll enjoy having convenient pockets on either side of your bod for carrying small essentials in the day-to-day. They're now just $25 (was $33)!

Beats Studio Pro Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Bluetooth headphones are a must for anyone who likes to take their music, podcasts, or audiobooks on-the-go. This premium pair from Beats even features noise-cancelling technology that lets you focus in with ease. They're on sale right now for $180 (was $350)!

Litter Box Autoscooper

This product will be a total lifesaver for anyone who has a cat. Designed with an automatic cleaning function and a pull-out trash bag design, it takes the hassle out of handling kitty litter – and definitely beats out any traditional box. It's currently on sale for $170 (was $240).

Twohy’s been a TJ’s fan ever since she was little, where she remembers joining her mom on grocery trips to the very first Trader Joe’s store in Pasadena, California. Since then, her love for the Trader Joe’s ‘treasure hunt’ (AKA finding fun, new products to try) hasn’t wavered.

In developing The I Love Trader Joe's Cookbook: 15th Anniversary Edition, Twohy said crafting the collection of 150 recipes took years.

“Many were tested and debuted when I had a cooking school in CA,” she said. “Now that I live 3 hours round-trip from the closest Trader Joe's, the drive can take longer than the recipe testing! I don't pay much attention to the clock when honing a recipe, because it's so much fun.”

When asked about her favorite items to pick up from TJ’s Twohy was quick to give her best recommendations! Some of her go-to’s include: puff pastry, fennel, the Umami Seasoning Blend, the Corn and Chile Tomato-less Salsa, frozen garlic cubes, creme fraiche, and 10 Minute Farro – and, of course, the entire cheese section.

“If you are a ‘can of this, package of that’ sort of cook, TJ's products are great because they don't use artificial colors, preservatives and all that stuff,” Twohy offered. “Not only [are they] time saving, but good for you, too.”

We were lucky enough to get a peek at some recipes from Twohy’s cookbook: One-Pot Pesto Pasta, Potatoes, and Green Beans and Linguini with Leeks, Shrimp, and Arugula. Scroll on for the deets!

Recipe: One-Pot Pesto Pasta, Potatoes, and Green Beans

"The first time I heard of this classic Ligurian dish, I thought it sounded so strange," Twohy writes. "Talk about carb overload! But the flavors, textures, and colors couldn’t be more perfectly paired, and you’ll be converted to the pasta-and-potato combination with the first bite."

Ingredients:

• 1 large boiling potato (or two small ones)
• 1/2 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 3-inch lengths
• 1/2 (16-ounce) bag thin pasta, such as capellini or spaghetti
• 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Pesto alla Genovese (in the refrigerated section)
• 2 ounces Trader Joe’s Chevre Goat Cheese, softened
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, scrub the potato and cut into 1-inch cubes. Place the potato cubes in the boiling water and cook until barely tender, about 7 minutes. Scoop the potatoes out of the water with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Add the green beans to the same water and cook until just tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and add to the potatoes.
3. In the same water, cook the pasta until tender. When you drain the pasta, reserve 1⁄2 cup of the cooking water.
4. In the pasta pot, combine the pesto, goat cheese, and 1⁄4 cup of the water, then add the cooked pasta and toss. Add the potatoes and green beans.
5. If a saucier consistency is desired, add a bit more of the reserved pasta water. Adjust seasonings to taste with salt and pepper.

Recipe: Linguini with Leeks, Shrimp, and Arugula

"I’m a sucker for the pink-and-green look of this dish," Twohy writes. "The leeks, arugula, and shrimp get all tangled up in the long pasta strands, and the grated Parmesan provides a nutty saltiness I just love."

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 leeks, cleaned and thinly sliced
• 2 cubes frozen crushed garlic
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 (16-ounce) bag linguini (or another long pasta), cooked and drained
• A handful of arugula
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. In a medium sauté pan, heat the olive oil and butter. Sauté the leeks over medium-high heat until tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and sauté 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, until the sauce is slightly reduced.
4. Add the shrimp and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until pink.
5. Toss the leek-shrimp mixture with the cooked pasta. Add the arugula and toss.
6. Add the grated Parmesan, toss, and adjust seasonings to taste with salt and pepper.