Chicken Enchiladas

As you may or may not know, even through I write a blog called “Whitney in Chicago”, I am really a Texan through and through (except for my politics). One of the biggest adjustments to Chicago actually wasn’t the long, harsh winter, but the lack of true “Tex-Mex.” Sure you can get plenty of decent mexican and salsa all across Chicago, but really good Tex-Mex can only be found at the source, Texas. I’m not the only one who feels this way. Anyways, anytime that I do go back to Texas for any length of time, I always pack light so that I can bring back lots of Texas things (if only I could figure out how to get some Blue Bell Homestyle Vanilla back), most importantly…SALSA.

5.27.09 Market

I am still trying to wrap my head around the somewhat frightening incredibly organized “Paced Program” provided by Bar/Bri (my Bar Review course for all your lucky non-law school students/lawyers out there) so I only have a few minutes tonight, but I still managed to find the time to hit up the market on Wednesday morning.  I was most excited to find STRAWBERRIES (I splurged on TWO pints) and carrots from one of my favorites Genesis Growers. I almost got a CSA from them this season but likely will next summer when I hopefully have less Bar stress and (hopefully) a salary.  I hope that you are having a great week and I should be back this weekend with a super yummy and easy Chicken Enchilada recipe.

What is your favorite item current at your market?

Memorial Day Baking

This was a necessary three-day weekend. After the whirlwind of law school graduation with families in town and much celebration, I immediately jumped into a week-long, full-day intro to the multi-state portion of bar review and ended the week exhausted. Then I woke up early on Saturday to run 10 miles. All I could think about yesterday was baking. After buying The Bread Baker’s Apprentice and finally getting over my fear of yeast, I really find baking bread over the course of a Saturday to be very relaxing.

1st and 10: Soldier Field 10 Mile Recap

As you might know if you ever clicked over to my “Training Page,” I spent the spring training for the Soldier Field 10 Mile (and raising money for the American Cancer Society) with Chicago Endurance Sports. Before this race, my longest race distance was an 8K (4.98 miles) so this was a pretty lofty goal but I DID IT!

a commencement [and a cocktail]

The past week has been a total whirlwind. I took my last law school final, had my parents in town for 5 days, graduated from law school Sunday afternoon and started the bar review marathon called Bar/Bri Monday at 9AM. Needless to say, there has been much celebration and wonderful meals out with friends and family, but no time in my kitchen (or even to watch many TV Finales-Greys, Lost, GG). Today was also the first day where the temperature has been in the 80s in Chicago. After a long winter and damp “spring,” the warmth is much appreciated. The perfect thing for a warm sunny evening is this cocktail.

rosy rhubarb

One of my favorite things about reading a shit-ton whole bunch of food blogs and having my own is that it makes me experiment with ingredients and try recipes that I would have never thought to make on my own.  Last year when rhubarb popped up in the market and amongst the blogs I had no idea what this fruit/vegetable thing was all about. But this year I am more experimental in my ways and I knew that I wanted to give rhubarb a try.

Banana Date Bread

Andrea was right, this really is some of the best banana bread out there.  I was lucky enough to have my first loaf sent by Andrea herself, but thankfully, I have been able to make a few loafs on my own.  This recipe is also pretty healthy since it uses applesauce instead of oil/butter and sneaks in some white wheat flour.

5.6.09 Market

Yesterday morning I got up bright and early and headed to the first Green City outdoor market of the season at 7AM. (need to also get in a run before my 1PM estates and trusts final). I had forgotten that the market opens that early, which makes me very excited because I will be able to make a quick stop during the week before Barbri. I discovered last summer that the weekday market is far less crowded and enjoyable (not that I wont still go on Saturdays as well).

spiced nuts

I forgot to tell you about a simply recipe that made an appearance at my party a few weeks ago: Spice Nuts.  I have always thought that the addition of an almond or a pistachio can enhance a recipe (or draw me to the recipe in the first place.) And I have a strong memory of buying some warm almonds from a street vendor near Columbia in NYC last May.