Food – Page 7 – Tiny Tales

Chickpea Salad.

September 11, 2013August 3, 2017by Abigail Hunt2 Comments

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.

Dining In, Food

Chocolate Zucchini Bread.

September 5, 2013August 3, 2017by Abigail HuntLeave a Comment

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!

Dining In, Food

Happy Labor Day!

September 2, 2013August 3, 2017by Abigail HuntLeave a Comment

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!

Fashion

Fall From A-Z.

September 1, 2013March 4, 2015by Abigail HuntLeave a Comment

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Easy as A, B, C: here are some of my favorite things for fall!

Wear your American pride on your sleeve with red, white & blue fashion pieces. They’re in style even when it’s not the 4th of July.
School is back in session, but backpacks aren’t just for students. Sport this trendy bag every day with plenty of room for all of your essentials.
Keep your outfit casual with a dash of camo.
See something you love? With a little love and elbow grease, you can do it yourself.
Emerald is one of the most popular colors of the season. You’ll be seeing it everywhere, so be sure to stock up on accessories or staple pieces in this color.
Grunge is huge for fall, so grab your boyfriend or brother’s flannel and you’ll be looking like a 90s babe in no time!
Metallics are always in style, but I’ve recently found myself in a committed relationship with gold.
Mix and match his & hers menswear for the hottest trend of the season.
Use Instagram for to show off pictures of your Pumpkin Spice Latte and the changing colors of the leaves.
Check out one of my favorite bloggers: www.sincerelyjules.com.
Cozy up with some casual hi-top kicks this fall.
It’s fall, and romance is in the air. Keep the things you love close to your heart in a feminine locket.
The best toothpaste I’ve ever used: Marvis.
Experimenting with nail art is a subtle, yet fun way to accessorize an outfit, a season, or a mood.
After the age of 10, I never thought I would own a pair of overalls, but they are back, and better than ever.
The Yinzer in me can’t enough of those Pittsburgh Pirates!
Quiet time is always good for the soul, and this time of the year makes it easy to waste a day reading outside in the cool breeze.
Matte or glossy, red lips are here to stay.
This is my favorite time of year for the warm comfort of a Starbucks coffee. Pumpkin Spice Latte, anyone?
Turquoise has been and always will be my favorite gemstone.
Recently, I did a bridal photo shoot with some of the most talented women in Pittsburgh, one of the dresses I wore was by designer, UPoppy.
Make sure you check out my favorite vintage shop, Charlie Ford.
It’s always the right time for wine.
If ever there was a season that embodies xstreme sports, it’s fall. Varsity jackets have quickly become popular, and don’t they just remind you of your high school days? (Okay, so maybe those sports weren’t really extreme.)
The label formerly known as YSL delivered some of this fall’s most stunning runway looks.
It’s a zoo out there, so rock your zebra, leopard, and snakeskin prints like you’re the queen of the land.

Dining In, Food

A Savory Love Affair.

August 22, 2013June 18, 2018by Abigail HuntLeave a Comment

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!

Dining Out, Food

Best Escargot In Town.

July 23, 2013June 18, 2018by Abigail HuntLeave a Comment

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.)

Instagram