Cinnamon and Andrew :: Rogers Park, Chicago

Cinnamon is writing a cookbook about cooking with cast-iron cookware called “Everything Cast Iron.” The book is to include 300 recipes and is on a tight deadline. What does this mean for all of Cinnamon’s friends? Lots of food to eat! Cinnamon made menus, posted them on a schedule, and all we had to do was sign up for a day to go over, share drinks with friends, and sample her experiments.

Sweet Potato Sticks

Jamaican Grilled Okra

Friends :: Rogers Park, Chicago

Last Sunday I headed over to Cinnamon and Andrew’s condo up in Rogers Park. Cinnamon was manning the kitchen and Andrew was manning a grill (with a cast iron grill plate). Since it was so beautiful outside and since the condo doesn’t have air conditioning, all of the friends gathered in their cute little lawn. We were not allowed to bring food, but were instructed to bring drinks of choice.

Asian Potatoes with Chile and Shallots

Spicy West African Yassa Chicken

Yassa Tibs Ethiopian Sauteed Fish

Chuck, Rachelle, Marcus :: Rogers Park, Chicago

I met a lot of new people and visited with other friends I hadn’t seen in a while. Marcus was all salty since I left Roscoe Village behind, a neighborhood we shared, and moved on to Logan Square. Chuck was our odd uncle trying not to fall asleep between courses while he sat drinking his beer in a comfortable chair. And of course the food! These are all photos of all the food we ate. Now, we didn’t eat full servings, but everyone got to at least try a taste of every dish that was made. Then we had a comment card to write what we thought about the dishes.

Cornbread

James and Rose

Truly Blackened Catfish

Cajun Shrimp (with Rice, not shown)

I know we were helping Cinnamon out, but thanks so much to her and Andrew for having us all over and making this all a party at the same time! I had a fun, delicious time! It still boggles my mind a bit that Cinnamon and Andrew were able to turn out this much food in one evening. I can’t imagine how much they’re cooking to make a 300-recipe cookbook. And it’s exciting to be a part of the process. I can’t wait for “Everything Cast Iron” to come out. I’m for sure buying a copy… or two!

Fried Ravioli

Anne and Marcus :: Rogers Park, Chicago

Cinnamon and Andrew’s friends’ baby was only 3 weeks old :: Rogers Park, Chicago

My favorite of the night: Fig Balsamic Vinegar Dessert Sauce. Served with vanilla ice cream and freshly picked in Rogers Park June berries.