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

Beans have really been having a renaissance lately, and I’m loving it.

I always grab a container of Trader Joe’s giant baked beans in tomato sauce. The cannellini beans are creamy and rich, and make the perfect base for toast.

I heat up some crusty sourdough with olive oil, top it with the beans and a sprinkle of cheese, then pop it back in the toaster. Once warm, I like to top it with lemony arugula and enjoy.