Everyday, from Day 1: Issue 5

Posted by Alison Sickelka

My cousin was visiting New York City for the first time this weekend, so I decided I would cook from Everyday Food issue 5 while she was here.

Since we would likely be eating a lot of meals out while she was here, I thought it would be nice to start off with a home-cooked one. She was scheduled to roll in Friday night shortly after I got off work, so I wanted something I could prep the day before and then just pop into the oven. Chicken enchiladas fit the bill.

I had some spare time Thursday night, so I headed to the store and spent the evening prepping the tortillas and making the sauce.

I'm not sure if it can really be called lucky that I decided to do a plan-ahead meal, but I definitely would not have had time to cook when I got off work.

Turns out my apartment was burgled Friday during the day.

Yes, that was quite the shock to come home to. There are no photos of the prepping I did Thursday (the little punk got my camera) and I ended up having some assistance making the final product. And the whole experience of making this recipe was a little overshadowed by extenuating circumstances. But here is what I recall.

Making the sauce was really easy. I was careful when prepping the jalapeno because I read online they can make your fingers burn and I was without gloves.

I bought a rotisserie chicken to shred for the filling, which really simplifies this recipe. Leftover chicken could also be used. I couldn't locate pickled jalapeños for the life of me in my grocery store, and since the recipe said I could omit them, I left them out.

Thursday night ended with the tortillas stuffed with cheese and chicken and sauce tucked into the fridge, just waiting to be thrown in the oven for a quick meal. Good thing.

My mind was a little preoccupied Friday when my cousin arrived to my apartment. Her first introduction to New York City was five cops streaming in and out of my apartment. My friends sacrificed their Friday night to come make sure I was okay, and I ended up shoving the enchiladas in their hands, sending them over to their apartment to put the meal together, and having them entertain my cousin for me while I attempted to clean up the dust leftover from fingerprinting (it was all very "CSI").

We ended up eating around 11 p.m. Friday night. I had bought some chips and dip so that tided everyone over until I finally got to their apartment. I was so hungry at that point that to me, the enchiladas hit the spot. I do kind of think they were missing a kick and wished I had the picked jalapenos -- although I don't think my friend Andrew would have enjoyed having them in there.

My friends and cousins all said they loved them, too. But of course, I don't think any of them would have complained if they hadn't liked them, what with the whole burglary.

Total bill: $25.76 (fed six people)

Final verdict? Good, but could have used a bit of a kick. I will try it again, leaving the ribs and seeds on the jalapenos and putting the pickled ones in the tortillas.

SEE THE RECIPE:
Chicken Enchiladas

Do you have a recipe that saves you when your day doesn't go as planned?

Comments

[Kristen]

Alison I am so sorry to hear about the burglary! I hope they catch the guy who did it!

And if anything can make a bad situation a little brighter its a homemade meal :)

[Everyday Dood]

Alison: Don't let them break your spirit. Keep on cookin'.

[Beth]

these look yummy!