I develop recipes for a living. Here are 9 Trader Joe's items I use to make easy meals and desserts.

As a recipe developer, I love shopping at Trader Joe's for items to make easy meals and desserts.

Hetal Vasavada

As a freelance recipe developer and food writer of over 15 years, I love browsing the aisles of Trader Joe's for new items I can add to my weekly rotation.I'm always on the lookout for ingredients that can add a last-minute punch of flavor to any dish — or be used for a proper "girl dinner," since sometimes, after a long day of recipe development, the last thing I want to do is cook an elaborate meal.Here are a few items that always make their way into my cart.

Trader Joe's super-firm tofu is one of my favorite ways to add protein to a meal.

I like to air-fry Trader Joe's super-firm tofu.