Fierce Foodie.

Fierce Foodie.

It’s Friday night, and I’m sitting in my living room watching Chopped, with my brand new Julia Child cookbook at my side. There is no hesitation when I say, “I’m a foodie.” Image

Here are a few of the foods that I just cant get enough of!

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1.  Trader Joe’s Speculoos Cookie Butter.  Trader Joe’s describes it as “a deliciously unusual spread reminiscent of gingerbread.”  Food bloggers describe it as “spreadable cookies” and “Christmas in a jar.” None of these descriptions are more accurate than the other in describing this incredibly delectable treat.

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2. 34˚ Rosemary Crispbread.  I have to admit, I first taste these crackers only one week ago.  I was spending time in Maryland with my family last weekend, and my aunt had packed these for my young cousin to snack on.  Later that evening, she served them to me with goat cheese.  I have always been a fan of plain ol’ cheese and crackers, but the delicate flavor of rosemary shines through for a little extra oomph.

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3. Kale.  A supertrendy superfood, kale is one of the healthiest vegetables around.  I enjoy mine most sautéed in a salad with dried cranberries and almonds.

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4. Grape Leaves. Grape leaves are used in the cuisine of number of cultures, from Greek to Arab to Romanian to Bulgarian. They’re best when stuffed with a mixture of rice, meat, and spices, and spritzed with a bit of lemon juice.

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5.  Butternut Squash Soup.  When fall comes around, my adoration for soups grows stronger.  Last year, for the first time, I made my own version of this savory soup, and I fell in love.  Top with sour cream and salted seeds, and voila, a comfort food for fall.

Chickpea Salad.

Chickpea Salad.

Chickpea Salad.

Let me say, this “no carb” thing is tough. Embarrassingly, I found myself drooling at the thought of a grilled cheese sandwich yesterday. But, I have really been trying to stick with it.

Yesterday was a very atypical September day, and it was sweltering. I wanted something light and fresh to eat for dinner, so this is what I came up with.

Ingredients: Chickpeas / Shredded Chicken / Cucumbers / Peppers / Grape Tomatoes / Red Onions / Corn / Olives / Cilantro Lime Dressing / Parsley

Directions: If using canned chickpeas or corn, rinse and drain. / Shred chicken. / Dice cucumbers, peppers, grape tomatoes and red onions. / Mix chickpeas, chicken and vegetables together. / Add dressing. / Top with parsley. / Enjoy!

This recipe is incredibly simple, light and refreshing! Feel free to mix and match ingredients. Use any fresh vegetables from your garden, or switch out the dressing for an entirely different taste.

Chocolate Zucchini Bread.

Chocolate Zucchini Bread.

Chocolate Zucchini Bread.

Last weekend, I spent a lot of time in the kitchen, which is something I haven’t done quite as often as I used to. It was a welcome return. My roommate John had mentioned that he had some zucchini that he wanted to use, and my mind immediately darted to last summer’s 4th of July party, when we both had loved the chocolate zucchini bread that we found on the picnic table.

So, we decided to bake chocolate zucchini bread. With this recipe and John’s baking skills, a delectable treat was born. (Disclaimer: I actually spent most of the time on the couch watching Julie & Julia, day-dreaming about French cuisine.)

Ingredients: Flour / Cinnamon / Salt / Baking Soda / Unsweetened Cocoa Powder / Canola Oil / Sugar / Brown Sugar / Eggs / Vanilla / Sour Cream / Grated Zucchini / Chocolate Chips / Orange Zest

Directions: Preheat oven to 350˚. / Mix 2T brown sugar, 2T sugar, and .5t cinnamon, and set aside for topping. / Whisk dry ingredients together. / Beat sugar, oil and eggs together in a separate bowl. / Add vanilla and sour cream. / Fold in zucchini. / Add dry ingredients. / Pour into bread pan. / Top with mixture. / Bake for 50-60 minutes.

Try to enjoy it as much as we did!

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day!

Take advantage of the last days of summer, and enjoy this perfect picnic snack!

5 Layer Greek Dip

Ingredients: Hummus / Red Bell Pepper / Cucumber / Kalamata Olives / Feta Cheese / Fresh Dill

Directions: Spread hummus in the bottom of a serving dish / Top with chopped cucumbers, peppers, and olives / Top with feta cheese and fresh dill / Serve with warm pita and enjoy!

A Savory Love Affair.

A Savory Love Affair.At  the beginning of this month, I decided that I would only eat carbs on Sundays. (Disclaimer: By “carbs,” I mean bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, etc. You know, the obvious ones. I’m not that crazy.) That being said, when Sunday rolls around, I want something carb-loaded and delicious.

I scoured the internet for an Italian recipe because, well, why not? Thanks to Martha Stewart and Trader Joe’s, I ate this to-die-for meal last weekend.

Ingredients: Parmesan Gnocchi / Olive Oil / Yellow Onion / Italian Sausage / Garlic / Spinach / Salt & Pepper.

Directions: Cook gnocchi according to package directions. / Heat oil and cook onion in separate skillet. / Add crumbled sausage, and cook until brown. / Add garlic, spinach, salt & pepper. / Cook and stir until spinach wilts. / Add gnocchi. / Plate and enjoy!

Best Escargot In Town.

Best Escargot In Town.

Francophile: (n.) an individual who has a strong positive predisposition or interest toward the government, culture, history, or people of France. This could include France itself or its history, the French language, French cuisine, literature, etc.

That word describes me perfectly, especially when it comes to French cuisine. Having studied French for over 10 years, and spending a small amount of time in Paris, I consider myself to be French food snob. (Probably unreasonably so.) But I just could not bring myself to eat escargot. I mean, come on… it’s a snail.

That changed two years ago, when I was sitting across the table from my aunt in a restaurant in Baltimore. (I can never remember if it was her rehearsal dinner or her reception, but I do know that her wedding was involved in some capacity.) Her appetizer smelled delicious, like a hearty butter. She offered me a bite on her escargot-sized spoon, and the rest was history.

My adoration for this cuisine has followed me back to Pittsburgh, where I have been searching for the best escargot in town. I found it at Paris 66.  I decided on this restaurant after some great reviews from our friends, and I quickly ordered their Escargot Bourguignon. My date wrinkled his nose, as I once had, but I promised him that those little soaked snails would win him over.

They arrived at our table on an indented metal tray, dripping with garlic, parsley, and anis butter. I devoured one instantly, but noticed he was still apprehensive. After a little coaxing, he bit one in half — an escargot no-no — and swallowed. Unlike me, he didn’t immediately fall in love.

Too bad for him, more for me.

(Photo by Taste of Pittsburgh. Read her review of Paris 66 here.)