On the left, red and clear packages of satori cheese in purple boxes at Costco. On the right, Red and brown package of kirkland peanut butter at costco.
I snag staples, like cheese and peanut butter, at Costco.Meredith Ochs
  • Hundreds of high-quality goods have been evaluated by me as a judge.

  • I look for things that have a long shelf life.

  • The organic maple syrup and all-butter croissants are great deals.

I was introduced to the Costco universe by the pure maple syrup from Kirkland.

Line of Jugs of Kirkland maple syrup at Costco
Kirkland's maple syrup is great for many things, from sweetening coffee to making confections.Meredith Ochs

A jug that's over 33 ounces is priced at $1299.

Maple syrup is used in many dishes. Once you've gotten used to the real thing, there's no return to faux cake syrup.

It has a clean taste, light consistency, and a nice amber color. I mix it with plain yogurt and occasionally add it to my iced coffee.

I have made melt-in-your-mouth maple-syrup candy with it.

I've found many uses for the yogurt.

Several white and green containers of kirkland's greek yogurt at costco
I sometimes use Greek yogurt as a replacement for sour cream.Meredith Ochs

This yogurt is rich in vitamins and minerals and made me want to make a smoothie a few times a week. A tub of 48 ounces cost $5.89.

It's a replacement for sour cream that I use to make fluffy cakes and offset the heat of spicy dishes.

I like to cook chicken in Greek yogurt to tenderize it and give it a flavor.

If you want to cook chicken on a hot grill, simply coat it in lemon, garlic, and seasonings and pop it in the fridge for a few hours.

The rind of the cheese is made from cabernet sauvignon.

red and clear packages of satori cheese in purple boxes at Costco
I love the BellaVitano line of Sartori cheeses.Meredith Ochs

I've been a fan of the Wisconsin-based cheese for a long time.

The rinds of these cheeses are infused with wine, whiskey, and other delights.

It is possible to get an option steeped in cabernet sauvignon. It's sold in approximately pound-size parcels so I don't have to buy more than I need to.

The cheese cost $8.69 a pound.

The beef-and- short-rib lasagna is delicious.

Rana's prepackaged lasagna costs about $15.Meredith Ochs

Rana's pastas and sauces are sold in smaller packages at the grocery store, but this one weighs in at a hefty 42 ounces.

Even though it can be cooked in the microwave, it's better to cook it in the oven for 20 minutes, and you'll get a lot of cheese, sauce, and meat.

It's so rich that you can pair it with a side salad and a glass of wine for a big dinner.

The package is priced at $14.99.

The peanut butter is organic.

Costco sells a two-pack of organic, creamy peanut butter.Meredith Ochs

I'm a big fan of the natural kind of peanut butter, even though I used to eat peanut butter with added oils and sugars.

The take is made with peanuts and salt. It's very creamy and consistent.

It makes for great cold sesame noodles by spreading it on crackers, pretzels, or toast. I spoon it out of the jar when I'm in a bad mood.

There is a two pack.

They are an amazing deal.

A dozen croissants cost about $6.Meredith Ochs

I don't think the change to a 100% butter recipe will deter you from eating them with more butter.

I like to stuff them with herbed scrambled eggs.

They get even flakier when they are warm. It's a good idea to keep an eye on them since they burn easily.

There are a dozen croissants for $6.

Fresh fish will impress dinner guests.

If you're not sure, ask to confirm the fish is pre-cleaned.Meredith Ochs

Sides of salmon and mounds of scallops are some of the seafood that can be found at the warehouse club.

I look for a package of fish that is clear-eyed and whole. Branzino is stuffed with lemon and herbs.

The white fish, also known as European bass, can be found at the warehouse club.

If you're worried about it falling apart, you can grill it or cook it in a pan. The fish needs to be cooked all the way through if it's going to be good.

If you're not sure, ask a staffer if the fish is pre- cleaned. Scales and guts are hard to remove.

The chips are great for snacking and entertaining.

I like to top Schwartz Brothers Bakery's everything-bagel chips with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and dill.Meredith Ochs

The bagel crisps are vegan, non dairy, and kosher and combine the crunch of chips with the heartiness of the breakfast staple.

The bagels hold up better than the croutons.

They can be topped with a little cream cheese and smoked salmon.

There is a 15-ounce package.

The garlic that I buy is grown in the state of California.

I often snag a bag of Christopher Ranch's garlic.Meredith Ochs

Garlic is a key ingredient in many meals.

Leave the dish in the fridge for at least an hour to give the garlic a chance to oxidize.

I'll wrap a few bulbs in foil and roast them or peel them to make a garlic sauce. Prepare in mashed potatoes or on toast.

A bag of garlic costs $5.99.

It's nice to have an alternative to sugar.

Agave is great for sweetening drinks.Meredith Ochs

Blue Agave has a distinct taste that is fruity and has a hint of smoke.

It's easier to stir into drinks with its thinner consistency.

The blue-agave plant is used to make whiskey and other drinks, which are also made from the plant.

It's an affordable option if you want to try it out.

One of the best places to find good deals on liquor is at Costco.

I particularly love this Angel's Envy Kentucky straight bourbon.Meredith Ochs

Liquor lovers can have fun guessing where they get their spirits from, while drinkers can enjoy a deep discount.

One of my favorite brands of liquor is Angel's Envy Kentucky straight Bourbon, which has a beautiful color and is one of the most delicious liquors I've ever tasted.

It's $20 cheaper than the list price and $10 cheaper than my local store for a large bottle of booze.

From late spring through November, look for cantaloupes from Dulcinea.

Dulcinea's cantaloupes are both pretty and tasty.Meredith Ochs

These extra-sweet, Tuscan-style cantaloupes are as pretty as they are delicious. The ridged rind has a floral look when sliced into wedges.

The cantaloupes are dense and heavy for their size and are worth the price.

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