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Ellensburg Enchilada Soup

Cooking Time 90 minutes (with pre-soaked beans) Serving Size 10 cups Kettle Size 4 quarts Ingredients Small white and orca beans, rice, dehydrated corn, jalapeno and bell pepper, herbs and spices. Quantity 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Great Ideas for Dressing Up Your Ellensburg Enchilada Soup

Tid Bits of History

In 1868 settler William Wilson established the first claim and built a log cabin where Ellensburg now stands. In 1870 cowboy's A.J. Splawn and Ben Burch moved a 14x18 foot hewn log house to a spot nearby to open a store that was to be known as "Robber Roost". The store was dependent on trading furs and horses with the native Americans in exchange for supplies.

John A. Shoudy came to the Kittitas Valley in 1871 as part of his family's business plan to create an improved road connection between Seattle and Yakima County. He then purchased the store and 160 acres of land. In 1873, John started the first postal service in Ellensburg. Then John and his wife Ellen platted the town and it was officially filed in April 1875.John named the town after his wife. During the years of 1878 and 1883 the town grew radically. A bank was established, the first newspaper was published on July 12, 1883, the "Kittitas Localizer", and the Hook and Ladder Company #1 was organized. The population had grown to 2,768 and Ellensburg became the county seat in 1883. In November of that same year it was incorporated under a territorial act effective January 1, 1884. Two years later a second chapter of incorporation was enacted by the legislature and city government was officially formed with the first election in February of that same year. Washington State Normal School was established in Ellensburg in 1889.

The Northern Pacific railroad reached Ellensburg on March 31, 1886, which brought a greater boom to the area. In 1889 the first telephone was installed to connect downtown stores. In July a fire started in J.S. Anthony's grocery store spreading over ten city blocks, with the loss of two hundred homes. The fire came at a time of prosperity and over speculation in the valley. Local businessmen invested heavily in the reconstruction.

Landowners worked together in coordinating a design for the new buildings. Within ten days of the fire the citizens began work on 43 new downtown business blocks, all constructed almost completely of fireproof brick. The city was a pioneer among Washington cities building public infrastructure and developing a water and sewer system in 1889.

Ellensburg is located in the heart of Washington State where I-82 and I-90 meet. It is the home to Central Washington University and has a great variety of outdoor activities. Ellensburg is nine miles from the home of Rills Specialty Foods in Thorp.

Legume Hints & Nutrition

The USDA recommends that adults eat three cups of beans or legumes per week for the maximum health benefit. Legumes are naturally low in total fat, contain no saturated fat or cholesterol, and are an excellent source of protein, calcium, iron, folic acid, and potassium. Beans should always be sorted, cleaned and washed to remove any small rocks, etc.