I'm a trained chef who shops at Trader Joe's. Here are 12 things I'm buying this month.

On appetizer boards, I like to include a cracker option that's both sweet and savory, so these crispy, thin bites fit the bill while feeling elegant and sophisticated.

At $3.99 per box, they also make a great snack with any of Trader Joe's dips.

I love the festivity of holiday greenery. But since I don't have the space in my apartment or the will to vacuum every day, this fragrant rosemary tree makes for the perfect alternative.

Plus it's a gift that keeps on giving — you can reach for an herb sprig to flavor your holiday roast.

You're never too old to spend an afternoon decorating gingerbread houses.

With candy and cookie decorations, this kit has everything you need for a bit of festive fun.

Pancetta is an Italian preparation of pork belly that's similar to bacon and adds an incredible richness, saltiness, and depth to stews, soups, or breakfast scrambles.

Plus it's not always easy to find but freezes well, so go ahead and stock up while it's available.

If you've got a long list of holiday bakes, this pure vanilla extract is a must.

It adds a wonderful caramel flavor reminiscent of Bourbon that's warming, yet not overwhelming.

It costs $9.99 for a 4-ounce bottle and is the perfect touch to upgrade Santa's cookie plate.

Christmas morning calls for fluffy French toast, and brioche is the perfect vehicle.

It's sweet, eggy, and ready to soak up your batter with its custardy center and crisp edges.

A loaf of brioche costs $3.99.

In season from October to January, persimmons are a true wintertime treat and only cost $0.79 apiece at Trader Joe's.

They have a slightly spiced, cinnamon flavor that's delicious for baking, salads, or snacking.

These frilly and delicate cheese rosettes are the secret to turning an average charcuterie board into a true showstopper.

Stand them up amongst your crackers and salami for a frosty floral effect.

These yellow-fleshed sweet potatoes have a unique, cake-like texture and natural sweetness.

Try freezing whole-roasted sweet potatoes for a treat that's reminiscent of ice cream.

Each potato costs $1.29.

This colorfully wrapped pack makes an ideal gift for the chocoholics in your life.

At $9.99 per box, it's also a great size for stuffing stockings and includes flavors from around the world to satisfy every palate.

Trader Joe's is leaning into a truffle theme right now. Although some products can be a bit overwhelming with the mushroom flavor, this pillowy, cream-filled gnocchi is a wonderful exception.

At just $3.99 per bag, this is a seasonal buy that I hope sticks around.

If you live somewhere that sees snow or gets even a slight chill, these dark-chocolate sticks are a must.

Just stir a rod into a mug of hot milk for an instant restorative sip.

A box of eight sticks costs $3.99.