Additional Coverage:
- I’m a culinary judge who shops at Costco for the holidays. Here are 10 things I buy every year. (businessinsider.com)
Culinary Judge Shares Her Top Costco Picks for the Holiday Season
Even the most discerning palates appreciate a good deal, and that includes culinary judge Meredith Ochs. Known for evaluating high-quality goods for the Specialty Foods Association, Ochs admits her sophisticated tastes still lead her to the aisles of popular wholesale retailers like Costco. As the holiday season approaches, she’s sharing her go-to items for hosting and cooking memorable festive meals.
Here’s a look at what makes her holiday shopping cart:
Fresh Cranberries: A Taste of Autumn
For Ochs, the arrival of fresh cranberries signals the start of the holiday season. She enthusiastically grabs two 2-pound bags of Ocean Spray’s fresh cranberries, usually priced under $5 at Costco. One bag goes into the freezer for year-round cranberry crumb cake baking, while the other is ready for immediate use, or even for crafting festive tree garlands.
Pomegranates: Elegant & Flavorful
Beyond their beautiful blush skin, pomegranates offer a vibrant ruby-red color and tart flavor that elevates any holiday dish. Ochs loves them for their natural ornamental quality on dining tables and their juicy arils in salads, dips, and desserts. She advises a simple trick for extracting the arils: score the peel, gently break the fruit apart in a bowl of water, and watch the delicious gems sink to the bottom.
Kirkland Signature Frenched Lamb Rack: A “Wow” Factor Main Course
To truly impress holiday guests, Ochs recommends the Kirkland Signature frenched lamb rack. The elegant presentation, with meat and fat removed from the rib bones, makes it a showstopper.
For an extra touch of flair, she suggests tying two or three racks into a crown roast around a mound of stuffing. This Australian lamb rack, often found for around $15 a pound, typically comes with eight ribs in a 2-pound pack.
Cranberry-Walnut Bread: The Perfect Accompaniment
This large, round loaf from Kirkland’s bakery is a holiday staple for Ochs. Its blend of cranberries, walnuts, and whole-rye grains perfectly complements a Thanksgiving spread or a rich winter roast. Served simply on a wooden cutting board with herbed or salted butter, this 30-ounce seasonal loaf, priced under $10, is both visually appealing and delicious.
Crispy Onions: An Essential Green-Bean Casserole Topping
A self-proclaimed adult convert to the green-bean casserole, Ochs ensures her version is generously topped with crispy onions. She favors Fresh Gourmet’s brand, noting its non-GMO ingredients and lack of trans or saturated fat. These versatile crispy onions aren’t just for casseroles; they’re also fantastic on burgers, mashed potatoes, rice, and mac and cheese.
Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon: Brunch & Latke Upgrade
Ochs keeps Kirkland Signature smoked salmon stocked, especially during the winter holidays. It’s her secret weapon for elevating holiday brunches, served with bagels and cream cheese, or as a luxurious twist on eggs Benedict. During Hanukkah, she uses it to top traditional latkes, appreciating its silky texture against the crispy potato pancakes, often adding a dab of crème fraiche and caviar for extra indulgence.
El Almendro Nougat Candy: A European Holiday Tradition
For a touch of European festive tradition, Ochs looks for El Almendro’s turrón duro, a firm, almond-packed nougat. This Spanish Christmas staple, made with honey, sugar, and egg whites, offers a less cloyingly sweet bite thanks to its high almond content. She likes to include this white brittle on cookie platters when she finds it at Costco during the fall and winter.
Praline Pecans: Sweet & Crunchy Versatility
Kirkland Signature praline pecans are another holiday favorite, adding sweetness and crunch to a variety of dishes. Ochs loves their buttery, woody taste enhanced by the sugary coating.
She crumbles them over sweet potato casserole, tosses them into goat cheese salads, or tops pancakes for a decadent breakfast. They also make a fantastic addition to a cheese plate.
A 40-ounce canister typically costs around $17.
Gnarly Head 1924 Double Black Cabernet Sauvignon: A Unique Wine Find
Even for a non-cabernet drinker, the Gnarly Head 1924 limited-edition Double Black cabernet sauvignon piques Ochs’ interest. Aged in bourbon barrels, this bold and jammy wine offers notes of brown sugar, a hint of char, and rich blackberry, cherry, and fig undertones, making it a perfect companion for winter meals. She’s found bottles for as little as $13 at Costco.
Beer Variety Packs: Don’t Forget the Beer Drinkers!
To cater to all holiday guests, Ochs always picks up beer variety packs. She particularly enjoys Samuel Adams’ holiday-themed selection, which includes seasonal brews like the sweet Old Fezziwig, a trendy cold IPA, the hazy Holiday White Ale, and a mocha-kissed Black Lager, alongside classic Boston lagers. If that’s not available, any other variety pack from Costco will do the trick to ensure everyone has a festive drink in hand.