missing chicago & pistachio cherry icebox cookies

I spent all of this past weekend – and then some – in the Windy City for work. And, while I missed the daily hugs and kisses of my family, I basked in the peacefulness of a silent hotel room for three restful nights. I ate very well while I was in Chicago. Too well, actually.

With a group of good friends, I sampled the shared plates at Perennial Virant. The morels in a cream sauce were a distinct highlight. I satisfied my craving for Thai food twice, at Baisi Thai during a shopping excursion and then at Star of Siam, where my dining partner and I accidentally swapped plates. I neglected to point out the error, mostly because I’d fallen in love with the Pad Khee Mao that he had ordered but that I ended up eating [sorry, Brian – hope you enjoyed my Pad Thai.]. The bartender at Lula Cafe kept my glass of Rosé filled as we waited for our friends to join us for what turned out to be a wonderful dinner. Morels made a second and much-loved appearance, this time in the form of chicken-fried morels in a pasta dish with duck confit. At the Publican, my sister and brother-in-law savored a leisurely brunch, filled with wine-poached eggs and a heavenly plate of maple-syrup braised pork belly. That pork belly has not left my mind since.

But, alas. The trip is over and the week is underway.

I have cookies to share, though, and cookies always brighten up the week. I’m guest posting over at A Thought for Food today, and I’m so thankful that Brian asked me to join him there. He’s got a lovely blog, filled with his beautiful photography and approachable and elegant recipes. So, please, go take a look at his site, and find the recipe for these Pistachio Cherry Icebox Cookies there.

 

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12 Responses to “missing chicago & pistachio cherry icebox cookies”

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    Chez Us — June 8, 2011 @ 10:52 am

    I love the first photo; gorgeous capture of Chicago!! Well, to be honest, I am loving all of the cookie shots as well. The combination of flavors is perfect. I was just telling my god-daughter how I love cherries with a little something nutty. Maybe have to whip these up with her!

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      Merry-Jennifer
      Merry-Jennifer — June 8, 2011 @ 11:17 am

      I took that photo from the hotel I stayed in – the W on Lakeshore Drive. It was a stunning view. And yes, you should make these!

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    Looks like a great trip to Chicago, that pork belly does sound amazing! These cookies look great, I love the combination of pistachios and cherries, so pretty!

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    I have to agree that that first shot is stellar! I’ve only had two short visits to Chicago and I just fell in love with city. Glad you had such a wonderful time!

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    Kate @ Savour Fare — June 8, 2011 @ 2:03 pm

    The cookies look divine. I’ve never actually been to Chicago, which seems kind of bizarre if I think about it.

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    Gail — June 8, 2011 @ 7:23 pm

    Nothing better than the combination of pistachio and cherries! Glad your trip was great, even more glad you’re back home getting smothered with hugs & kisses.

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    Melanie Flinn — June 8, 2011 @ 9:25 pm

    Now that we’re just a 7 hour drive from Chicago, we plan to go a couple times this year. It’s been too long since my last visit and I don’t remember any of the good restaurants- only pizza. Might have to refer to this post again!

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    Chris — June 8, 2011 @ 9:56 pm

    Chicago is one of my favorite cities! I thought of you this weekend when they reported on some cancer study findings that came out of the conference there.

    Now, I would like some of these cookies, please. 🙂

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    Mauna — June 8, 2011 @ 10:55 pm

    Yeah! I love it when someone likes my hometown! It was great to see you, we are already plotting where to take you guys next time.

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    Liren — June 9, 2011 @ 5:39 pm

    The instant I saw that photo of Navy Pier, I knew you must have stayed at the W. That was the very view we had from our apartment, a block away on E. Ohio…our visitors often parked at the W! How the nostalgia hit me at once!

    It’s been some time since i last visited the Windy City – now I can’t wait to go back. Glad you had a wonderful time.

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