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.
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!
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!
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!
Thank you, Rachel!
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!
The cookies look divine. I’ve never actually been to Chicago, which seems kind of bizarre if I think about it.
You need to go to Chicago. Seriously.
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.
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!
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. 🙂
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.
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.