Make Jam 

As easy as it is to say that you'll come up with plenty of dessert and dinner recipes, why not clear out the majority of your stock by making jam? All you really need is sugar and fruit (and maybe a little lemon juice.) You'll be glad you have it when it comes time to dress up your toast on all the upcoming fall and winter days. 

Sweeten Your Beverages 

Water, soda, lemonade: they all taste better when there's a strawberry at the bottom of the glass. Try freezing your strawberries and using them instead of ice. Not only will the flavor release while keeping the drink cold, but you won't have to worry about a regular beverage being watered down. And while they might be relevant for wintertime drinks, they'll still be a welcome reminder that the season won't last forever.  

Try Roasting

Roasted strawberries are great in ice cream, custards, and strudel. When you roast strawberries, you're letting the water content out and increasing the sweetness of the fruit. If you place them in a batch of frozen yogurt, they're going to stay soft rather than turn icy. This trick can preserve your strawberries for months if you keep them in the refrigerator. 

Flagstaff apartments are better when you take advantage of everything that summer has to offer. If you're looking for a place where you can hang your hat, contact Country Club Terrace today to learn more about our floor plans and amenities. We have the kitchens that will make it easy for you to start taking your strawberry preserving game to a whole new level.

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Drive-Thru Style Burgers

There's only a few things you need to know about making fast-food style burgers:

• To get those flat patties, you want to press the beef so that it's thinner in the middle than on the edges. This way when it bunches up, it won't rise too high.
• After putting your burger on the bun, wrap it up in a paper towel and microwave it for just ten or fifteen seconds. This is how you get those warm buns and perfectly melted cheese.
• Most secret sauces are just thousand island dressing. Sometimes restaurants add a little Worcestershire sauce or extra pickles, but that's really all there is to it.

Fast Food Fries

Drive-thru style fries are a little trickier, but they can be done at home.

• Slice your potatoes thin, about a quarter inch.
• Mix 1/8 cup of sugar and 1 cup of hot water per medium-sized potato, and soak your fries in the mixture for a half hour. Some restaurants use beef bullion in their mix.
• Drain and dry your potatoes on a paper towel. Heat your oil up (shortening is the most common fast food fryer oil).
• Once your oil is up to around 375 degrees, carefully add the fries to the pan, and cook them for just a minute or so.
• Remove fries, and once they've cooled, freeze them.

Now you'll have your fries ready to go whenever you like. They should take about 5 minutes to fry to a golden brown. Salt to taste.

If you're looking for a place to do some experimenting in the kitchen, get in touch with Country Club Terrace and ask about the available floor plans at our apartments in Flagstaff, AZ.

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Creamy Pesto and Kale Pasta

Pesto, cream cheese, kale, and red onions (plus the pasta) are all you need for this easy and relatively healthy supper. Fry the onions, wilt the kale, and then add pesto and cream cheese to your cooked pasta. If you've got some garlic bread, feel free to add a couple of slices for an easy way to sop up the sauce. It couldn't be simpler and takes just 35 minutes (including prep). 

Blistered Green Beans and Garlic 

Green beans, garlic, capers, red pepper flakes, and extra-virgin olive oil come together for the char you crave. While you may be tempted to forget the side dishes in favor of the main event, this healthy addition can make it a lot more pleasurable to get your veggies in for the day. 

Chicken Noodle Stir Fry 

Before you order take-out for the fifth night this week alone, try this chicken noodle stir fry that will be ready in just 16 minutes. Peanuts, black bean sauce, chicken breast, broccoli, and egg noodles are all you need for this one, though feel free to substitute seafood (e.g., shrimp, salmon, etc.) if you're looking to use up what's in your freezer. Stir-fries are more than just fool-proof recipes for cooks of all levels, they're fun to do once you get the hang of it. 

Whether you love to cook or you merely tolerate it as a means to an end, taking time to prepare food is as good for your mind as it is for your body. If you're looking for a place that understands the importance of doing things for yourself, call Country Club Terrace to learn about our amenities. 

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1. Caramelize It

Carmalized winter squash is sort of like sweet potatoes that are known to be served at a certain holiday that happens toward the end of the year. With this side dish, butter and light brown sugar do most of the work, imparting just enough sugary-sweet flavor to keep your family or friends coming back for another serving.

2. Stuff It

Stuffed vegetables can really transform the landscape of a kitchen table, and winter squash is no exception. Thanks to its hollowed interior, a single delicata squash easily turns into two bowls that are just ready and waiting for good things to fill their cavities. Consider adding sausage, leeks, apple slices, some greens, and cheese to create an entire meal inside this garden veggie. 

3. Blend It

Do people put veggies in smoothies? Absolutely! Sure, kale and spinach often steal the show, but winter squash has its place in the land of smoothies, too. When complemented by the fruity flavors of strawberries or raspberries, you'd never guess there are bits of squash lurking beneath the lid of your favorite smoothie tumbler, but you'll still reap the healthy rewards butternut squash provides the human body.

4. Eat It with Crackers

Roasted butternut squash soup is so great for the soul when temperatures are chilly and the days are a little grayer than you'd like them to be. It's also easy to make and pairs well with an assortment of crunchy crackers.

If you've been searching for a Flagstaff apartment where the kitchen welcomes you home and invites you to get creative, we're glad you've found Country Club Terrace Apartment Homes. Let us schedule a tour with you so we can show you our move-in-ready kitchens today!

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Refreshing Cocktail Recipes for Summer

Cucumber Tom Collins

Tom Collins is one of those old-school cocktails that you see a lot in movies, but it is coming back with a modern twist.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup superfine sugar
• 1 ½ cup chilled gin
• 1 unpeeled cucumber
• Thin lemon slices
• Ice
• Chilled soda water
• Mint leaf garnish

1. Mix together the sugar, juice, and gin in a jug or pitcher. Stir until all the sugar dissolves.
2. Fill highball glasses about three-quarters of the way with ice; then add lemon and cucumber slices to the ice.
3. Put a tray of ice into the gin mixture; then strain it into the glasses.
4. Add a splash of soda water and mint leaves in glasses as a garnish.

Espresso Martini

Espresso martinis have been around for a while now, especially in Europe.

Ingredients

• 1⅓ parts vodka
• ⅔ part coffee liqueur
• ⅔ part espresso coffee
• Whole coffee beans for garnish

Like most martinis, it’s just a matter of pouring the ingredients into a shaker filled with ice and straining the contents into a martini glass.

Aquavit and Tonic

Straight out of Scandinavia, just a few thousand miles from Flagstaff apartments, comes a spice-and-herb-flavored spirit made from caraway and dill seeds. For those tired of the same-old, same-old, cocktails made with aquavit are becoming a big hit this year, including this simple drink.

Ingredients

• Ice
• Aquavit
• Tonic

Fill a highball glass with ice, and pour in the tonic; then splash in some aquavit. Add a garnish.  

Everyone has a go-to drink, but this might be the year to step outside your cocktail comfort zone for a little something extra. Call our office today to schedule a tour of our apartment homes.

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Delicious Berry Smoothie Recipes

1. Cran-Citrus Breakfast Smoothie

Bursting with healthy vitamin C, this smoothie recipe has a robust flavor with cranberries and oranges. It’s easy to whip up on a busy workday morning when you want to have a healthy breakfast on-the-go!

Gather These Ingredients

• 3 peeled oranges, tangerines or clementines
• 1/2 cup frozen cranberries
• 1 frozen banana (peeled)
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Just pour all of the ingredients in a blender and mix to a consistency you enjoy.

2. Multi-Berry Breakfast Smoothie

Some mornings are so hectic that you may prefer to have your entire breakfast nutrition in a to-go tumbler. This recipe can accommodate the busy person who wants to enjoy a delicious and healthy breakfast smoothie while on the go.

Gather These Ingredients

• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• 1/2 cup frozen dark cherries (pitted)
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 2 tablespoons flaxseed

Simply combine all of the ingredients in a blender and enjoy. Using frozen berries will make the smoothie extra cold. You may even want to tweak this recipe by indulging in a little fresh ginger or cinnamon. Always experiment so that you can personalize your breakfast smoothie.

3. Strawberry-Kiwi Breakfast Smoothie

The delicious blend of strawberries and kiwi is a combination that can't be beat! This breakfast smoothie is the perfect way to start the day.

Gather These Ingredients

• 1 cup apple juice
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 banana
• 1 kiwi fruit (peeled)
• 1 cup strawberries

Like the recipes mentioned above, all you have to do is put everything in a blender and mix to your preferred consistency. It’s important to remember that berry smoothies can handle a little protein in the form of powder or even an egg white or two. Consider your daily diet, and if something is slightly low, it might work seamlessly in your very berry morning smoothie recipe.

We hope our Country Club Terrace community members enjoy these smoothies. If you or a friend would like more information about our Flagstaff apartments, call us today.

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Homemade Pudding Recipes

Traditional Homemade Chocolate Pudding

It’s easy to get distracted by oodles of fancy pudding ideas and leave behind the ones that are mainstays. While creative recipes are exciting, having a go-to chocolate pudding option is a must in any family.

Gather These Ingredients

• 3 cups of whole milk
• ¾ cup of pure cane sugar
• 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• 4 ounces of 80 percent or higher dark chocolate (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons of butter (sliced)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

How to Make

Whisk sugar, salt, cornstarch, cocoa, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat until mixture thickens and ingredients are fully integrated. Once it is thoroughly blended and bubbles from the heat, add chocolate, vanilla, and butter. Continue to whisk until these ingredients are fully melted.

For smooth pudding, strain into bowls to remove lumps. If you prefer the traditional texture, pour directly into bowls. This recipe can be served warm, or let it stand for 15 minutes and then refrigerate.

Pudding Tip: When whisking in a saucepan, do not increase heat above medium to speed up the process. This may result in burning and poor-tasting pudding.

Quick Classic Tapioca

Although many pudding lovers lean on chocolate or vanilla, tapioca is also one of the finest traditional puddings. This easy-to-make recipe offers hosts a quick dessert option worthy of praise.

Gather These Ingredients

• 3 cups of whole milk
• ½ cup of fast-cooking tapioca
• ½ cup of granulated sugar
• Pinch of sea salt
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

How to Make

In a saucepan, whisk milk, tapioca, sugar, and salt. Then, bring it to a boil on medium heat. Whisk steadily for 5 minutes following the boiling point. Beat the eggs in a bowl and scoop 1 cup of the warm mixture and blend separately. Once thoroughly mixed, pour it into the saucepan and stir until pudding thickens. Remove the pan from heat and stir in vanilla. Serve warm or cold.

We hope our Country Club Terrace community members enjoy these pudding recipe suggestions. If you or a friend would like more information about our Flagstaff apartments, call us today!

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5 Green Juice Recipes That Actually Taste Good

1. Mean Green Juice (makes two generous servings)

Ingredients:

• 6-9 fresh kale leaves
• 1 cucumber
• 1 medium carrot
• 2 stalks celery
• 1 green apple (peeled and cored)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (add this last by hand, after you’ve juiced everything else)

2. Popeye Spinach Juice (makes two generous servings)

Ingredients:

• 5 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cucumber
• 5 stalks celery
• 1 cup fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (add this last by hand, after you’ve juiced everything else)

3. Mint Refresh (makes one serving)

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers
• 1 pear (peeled and cored)
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (add this last by hand, after you’ve juiced everything else)

4. Fruity Greens (makes one serving)

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers
• 4 celery stalks
• 1 cup fresh parsley
• 1 green apple (peeled and cored)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (add last and stir in thoroughly)

5. Melon Blast (makes one serving)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green melon (cubed)
• 1 cucumber
• 4-5 leaves Swiss chard
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (add this last by hand, after you’ve juiced everything else)

Tips For Preparing

To make it easier to process your green juice each day, keep your juicer on your countertop. Make things even more convenient by assembling all your ingredients in a bowl the night before.

Would you like to see available floor plans and view a model Flagstaff apartment? Contact us today for a personal tour or for more information.

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Whether you're hosting a potluck or simply attending as a guest, we've got some great ideas for fall-inspired foods that'll feed a group!

Fall-Inspired Foods for Your Next Potluck Get-Together

Butternut Squash Rolls

Everybody always thinks about main dishes and dessert, but when it comes to potluck, guests will always appreciate some kind of bread to go with the deliciousness of the entrées. These butternut squash rolls speak to the very essence of autumn by incorporating a winter squash that suddenly appears right when the leaves start turning. If you're a baker, this should be one of your go-to fall season potluck offerings.

Turkey Almond Salad

Turkey is a protein that'll soon be the talk of the town as autumn begins to slip into winter. Get a head-start on your turkey-leftover recipes by bringing this turkey almond salad to your next gathering. To make this recipe even easier or if you don't have cooked turkey on hand, swing by your local grocery store and grab a rotisserie chicken. It's the perfect substitution for recipes like this.

Owl Cookies

These owl cookies are fun for kids' parties, but you can rest assured adults will love them, too. They only use a few ingredients, and even if you're not great with the oven, these cookies take care of themselves once you get all their elements together.

Potato Chowder

Your slow cooker was designed to do great things for big crowds. Put it to work this autumn by making potato chowder. You can let the ingredients simmer overnight, so it's ready to go when you are.

How do you find an apartment that welcomes you home and provides an awesome space for friendly gatherings? You can stop by Country Club Terrace Apartment Homes for a tour! We can't wait to meet you!

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Two Easy and Tasty Dishes to Make With Prepackaged Ravioli

Baked Cheesy Ravioli

• 1 jar tomato pasta sauce
• 1 package ravioli
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Cooking spray oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook the ravioli until they are still al dente. Spray the sides and bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan with cooking oil spray. Spread three-fourths of the pasta sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Place half of your cooked ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Top with the leftover sauce and one cup of the mozzarella. Repeat the layers and top with Parmesan cheese. Bake 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted.  

Pan-Fried Ravioli in Vodka Sauce

• 1 package of ravioli (your choice of filling)
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped  
• 1 25-ounce jar vodka pasta sauce
• 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Cook ravioli according to the package directions, and drain. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil and half a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add half of the ravioli and cook for about four minutes until both sides are golden brown. Remove to a platter. Cook the remaining ravioli in the remaining butter and one tablespoon of the oil. Move the ravioli to the platter. Add a tablespoon of oil and the garlic to the skillet and cook for about 45 seconds or until the garlic is tender. Stir in the vodka pasta sauce until thoroughly heated. Pour sauce over pasta, sprinkle with cheese and serve. 

Are you searching for an apartment home where you can enjoy a meal without worrying about whether your neighbors above you might disrupt your dining experience? Then please check out our beautiful apartments in Flagstaff where you won't have anyone living above or below you. Our community is also pet-friendly and boasts a swimming pool and a basketball court. 

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