To cap off our lovely Halloween, my friend and I stopped off at the Trader Joe's outpost here in Oak Park, IL.  Instead of my usual, dazed approach, this time I was actually looking for something specific -- namely, the lovely, fully-cooked and shelf stable [Trader Joe's Roast Beef Hash][1] which my cousin [TunefulGal][2] had reviewed.  Alas, such an item was not to be found here at least not on this day so I settled for a few other things.  Resorting to the refrigerated heat-and-serve department, I selected a few items including ***Trader Joe's Beef Stroganoff with Pappardelle Pasta, Pearl Onions, and Mushrooms***.  This dish was excellent and as far as I am concerned, T. J.'s has fully redeemed themselves after my keen disappointment in their earlier [Sirloin Tip Roast][3] . **WHAT THIS IS:** ***Trader Joe's Beef Stroganoff ***consists of a bed of what they call Pappardelle Pasta which is actually the best egg noodles I have ever tasted in a commercially-prepared dish, topped off with a blend of tender, shredded (or "pulled") roast beef mixed with a sauce whose components include sour cream and Burgundy wine, along with Crimini mushrooms, pearl onions, and parsley.  The package contains almost 16 ounces or two one-cup servings. Preparation consists of following the label directions for heating in the microwave.  I found that peeling one corner of the plastic film back (as instructed) was impossible to do and I had to puncture it instead.  Only after everything was heated could the plastic film be budged at all.  (It's a minor point, I know, but I'm getting tired of things which are hard to open.) **STATS:** One (1-cup) serving contains 380 calories with 140 calories from fat.  There are 16 grams Total Fat, 5 grams Saturated Fat, zero Trans Fat, 115 mg. Cholesterol, **570 mg. Sodium(!), **32 grams Total Carbs, 3 grams Dietary Fiber, 6 grams Sugars, and **21 grams Protein**.  Also included are **35% (D.V.) Vitamin A**, 4% Vitamin C, 6% Calcium, and **20% Iron.** **TASTE TIP:** One cup of ***Trader Joe's Beef Stroganoff ***is very satisfying if rounded off with a serving of steamed green vegetable such as peas or broccoli and maybe a slice of two of fresh tomatoes. **MY VIEWPOINT:** ***Trader Joe's Beef Stroganoff ***is too rich and high in sodium to eat three times a day but it is also rich enough in Protein, Vitamin A and Iron -- to say nothing of delicious taste and texture -- that I will be willing to alter the rest of what I eat during the day to accommodate this luxury dish now and then.       [1]: http://www.viewpoints.com/Trader-Joes-Fully-Cooked-Roast-Beef-Hash-review-1f025 [2]: http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/TunefulGal [3]: http://www.viewpoints.com/Trader-Joes-Organic-Beef-Top-Sirloin-Roast-review-f75d4

AnnaBanana

Oak Park, IL