I'm baaack.

Howdy, blogosphere. Miss me?

Happy new year! That's pretty cool, huh? 2011. New year. New possibilities. That whole vibe going on. I'm usually not one for resolutions, but this year I am vowing to be more consistent with my blogging. The whole moving to Chicago/starting at a new school thing has kept me pretty busy for the second half of 2010, but I'm putting all those excuses behind me now, and resolving once and for all to do a better job cooking, photographing, and blogging.

It's really quite simple. I want to make yummy food. And when I make something and it turns out to be delicious, I want to share that whole culinary adventure with you, dear readers. But usually, when I'm not blogging, I'm not really cooking (or at least cooking experimentally and courageously). Nasty cycle indeed, but I'm breaking it right now! Can I do it? Will I fail miserably as the new semester gets more hectic? Will I soar and become one of the most prolific bloggers ever? Stay tuned to find out.

So now that I'm back and all, I need to get you all up to speed, don't I? Here's a recap of what I've been eating the last few months...

This is how Hyde Park celebrates Oktoberfest: fried catfish, hushpuppies, candied yams--the works! The fact that none of these treats are German-inspired is entirely irrelevant.

Idris came to visit! And we went to Mercadito. And we ate crunchy, flavorful mushroom tostadas.

Dessert list at Mercadito. Too many choices!

Flan de tres leches at Mercadito. Yes, I *do* recommend it (even if it comes with dreaded raisins).

Croque Vert with Thai Basil Lemonade at Birchwood Kitchen in Wicker Park. In the background: Idris's Peanut Butter Waffles and Nayereh.

Huevos Rancheros at Nana.

Macaroni + Cheese at Nana, topped with buttermilk biscuit crumbs. Hell to the yes.

NEWS: I am obsessed with arugula. This is arugula salad with pears and goat cheese. 

Teamwork! Travis and I combined our culinary superpowers to make mango rice with roasted peppers and chicken.

Tian de Courge (à la Rosa Jackson), topped with Provencal breadcrumbs.

The crock pot is magic. Seared beef went into the crock pot for pot roast.

Idris made empanadas. Even more impressive? He made it look easy.

Molly and I made thick, hearty tomato soup, topped with mozzarella and pesto crostini.

I became obsessed with caramelizing onions and adding them to EVERYthing.

Molly + brunch + indoor picnic = happiness

Herbed eggs. Caramelized onions, topped with slices of tomato, topped with eggs and fresh herbs.

Roasting vegetables makes them extra awesome. Did you know that?  

That's all for now, folks. Keep your eyes peeled for a video-related post in a couple days.