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Even if you try to eat healthy most of the time, when you want fast food, you want fast food. An inch-thick burger with grilled onions is great, but … it's just not the same as drive-thru. Luckily, there are some simple tricks you can use to replicate your favorite fast-food recipes right in the comfort of your Flagstaff apartment home.
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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Maybe you don't have a lot of pantry ingredients to begin with. Maybe you prefer recipes that highlight core ingredients rather than distracting with unnecessary supporting players. Whatever your reasoning is for wanting to pare down your recipe lists in your Flagstaff apartment, we have some suggestions that will knock your socks off.
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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Winter squash starts making its appearance around our Flagstaff, AZ apartment community when the temperatures begin to fall in autumn. They're often just used as decorations that usher in chilly temperatures and sweater weather, but they also make great side dishes and entree accompaniments. If you've never thought about putting a squash on your plate, we've got some great ways you can get a little inventive in the kitchen all winter long.
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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Spring is here, and there’s no better time than right now to add something healthy to your diet. These berry smoothies are quick and delicious for breakfast or any time of day. We hope our Country Club Terrace residents enjoy these delicious berry smoothies!
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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Summer is officially in full swing, and that means there are plenty of get-togethers with family and friends to prepare for. Whether you’re going all out for the next big holiday celebration or you’re simply planning a chill weekend party, preparing a dessert that doesn’t leave you sweating in a hot kitchen can be a difficult task. So skip the oven this summer and opt for one of our favorite no-bake desserts for your next social event instead!
4 Delicious Summer Dessert Recipes
1. S’Mores Bars
Creating that perfect s’mores taste can be difficult without an open flame. However, this fun and tasty dessert bar recipe manages to hit all those flavor notes you love, without the need for a campfire!
2. Banana Split Kebabs
Strawberries come into season during the summer months and taste their best when paired with chocolate. So why not create a delicious and slightly nutritious dessert that everyone in the family will love? This fun dessert recipe is healthy, kid-friendly and perfect as a last-minute dessert idea.
3. Jell-O Sherbet
When you combine the flavor power of delicious sherbet with a classic dessert favorite like Jell-O, you’ve got a winning combination. Try out this delicious Jell-O sherbet recipe at your next summer party, and it’s sure to be a big hit with kids and adults alike.
4. Nutella Pops
Great for spreading on pancakes waffles, this chocolate and hazelnut spread is a hit with the Saturday morning breakfast crowds. But in this dessert pop recipe, you’ll take Nutella to new creamy frozen heights and create a legendary summer treat.
Enjoy a Tasty Summer Treat at Your Next Party
At Country Club Terrace, we’re all about providing a relaxing and welcoming space for our residents and their guests. Want more great entertaining and lifestyle tips? Visit our friendly team online and schedule an appointment to learn more about the available floor plans at our apartments in Flagstaff today.
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Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, and we all know what that means: It’s the day to shower our loved ones with gifts as a sign of our appreciation for their being in our lives. In this context, the loved ones don't have to mean couples; you should include friends and family members.
Cream-filled chocolates require no cooking or baking. There are white, milk, dark and caramel chocolate to choose from. You can bet that homemade chocolates are tastier than the bought ones!
Making homemade cream-filled chocolate is simple. Here is how to go about it.
Make Your Own Cream-Filled Chocolates
Step 1
Melt some quality dark and milk chocolate to create a creamy white chocolate filling.
Step 2
Pour the melted chocolate into the mold and swirl it around. Use a brush to help fill the remaining spaces. Don’t forget to tip it over to eliminate any excess chocolate.
Step 3
Place it in the freezer for 10 minutes. Line the molds with some of the melted chocolate to give them a perfect shape.
Step 4
Store the molds in the fridge. After that, make the filling and store them in your fridge so they can thicken out.
Step 5
Fill the chocolate molds and allow them to settle for 10 to 15 minutes in the freezer. Top up with a layer of melted dark chocolate.
Step 6
Allow your products to harden in the fridge for the next 30 minutes to an hour. They’re now ready to pop out and serve.
If you have any remaining melted chocolate, fill out some of the small molds and even make a few solid chocolates. Some solid chocolate spoons will blow everyone away.
Celebrate Valentine's Day with your loved ones by making them homemade cream-filled chocolates. They're the best gifts to show them how much you value them. While at it, if you’ve considered Flagstaff apartments in Arizona, Country Club Terrace will suit your preferences. For more information regarding floor plans and directions to the apartments, call us today at (844) 832-9940.
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A full bowl and a happy belly are two reasons people love a good soup, especially when fall starts to settle in. Lucky for you, the team at our Flagstaff apartments has already done a little digging. In honor of our recipe research, please enjoy these soups!
1. Savory Winter Soup
Topping our list is a soup that takes its name from the title of this blog. Savory Winter Soup brings ground beef, a bit of broth, and a few garden staples together in a harmonious bowl of goodness.
2. Homemade Potato Soup
Potato soup is the perfect canvas for creative kitchen endeavors. Enjoy the simplicity of its thick, hearty nature, or explore other items that can make it even better. Bacon, chopped celery, cheese and flavored crackers can boost the flavor profile of this delicious dish.
3. Crockpot Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup
Put your slow-cooker to good use with a bowl of this fall-flavored goodness. Not to mention, the brilliant orange color will brighten up any kitchen!
4. Easy Chili
Nothing says savory soup quite like good old-fashioned chili. Topped with cheese and accompanied by crackers, chili is where it's at when the winter months settle in. Not a fan of beef? Try turkey chili instead!
5. Barley Vegetable Soup
Veggies can make a powerful statement when you're looking for a savory soup. Barley Vegetable Soup brings the magic of garden goodness together with filling barley.
6. Chicken and Dumplings
Go back in time, to a place where your grandma's table and her famous chicken dumplings were all you wanted out of life. Looking for a recipe that requires less effort? Try Pillsbury's version. Here's a tip: Grab a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store instead of making chicken at home. It'll save you a ton of time while simultaneously upping the flavor of your dumplings.
7. Dad's Meatball Soup
Dad's Meatball Soup is a pretty fool-proof way to entertain a hungry crowd. There's not much to it, in terms of ingredients, but the outcome is well worth the effort. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you just don't have a ton of time to put on a big meal.
Soup's on in our apartment community's kitchens! Reach out to our Country Club Terrace team to learn how our floor plans can help you enhance your entertaining opportunities!
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Looking for something cool and fruity to beat the summer heat? Residents of apartments in Flagstaff need look no further than the nearest luscious watermelon. Following are just five great ways to enjoy this delicious summertime favorite.
Watermelon Ice Cream
You can prepare this right in your home kitchen using a simple ice cream machine. Just add watermelon chunks to a recipe for plain vanilla ice cream and mix it up. This makes a great grand finale to a summer salad.
Watermelon Slushy
Place watermelon chunks in your blender with ice, 1/3 cup of lime juice, 1/4 cup sugar and a pinch of salt, press a button, and pour a perfect summer drink to enjoy while relaxing on your balcony or deck on a warm evening. Rim the glass with sugar for an extra sweet accent!
Feta Salad With Watermelon and Mint
Using your favorite oil-based salad dressing, toss chopped watermelon and minced mint together until everything is thoroughly coated. Keep in mind that the finer you chop the mint, the more pungent it will taste. This makes a sublime main lunch or dinner dish when enjoyed al fresco on a gorgeous summer day or evening.
Watermelon Salsa
This summery twist will add some sweetness to any get-together. Simply mix finely chopped watermelon, pineapple, sweet onion, and cilantro with 1/4 cup of orange juice. Don't forget to up the heat factor with hot sauce, and serve to guests. But, be warned—this tasty treat might lead your friends to double-dipping their chips!
Watermelon Punch
Mix pureed watermelon with 1 1/2 cups of pineapple juice and 1 1/2 cups of sparkling water for a refresher on any sunny Flagstaff day. You'll be pouring seconds and thirds of this super-simple recipe.
Please don't hesitate to contact us for more tips on making the most of your summer in the beautiful city of Flagstaff by living in our comfortable community!
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Summer is one of the best times of the year for fresh produce in Arizona. Recipes designed around seasonal produce are just what you need to get the most out of your purchases.
5 Recipes for Your Seasonal Produce
Grilled BLT Pizza
A grilled BLT pizza gives you a way to use your fresh tomatoes and fresh arugula—all without a pizza oven. Just make sure to follow the directions exactly. You need to cook the dough for a little bit to firm it up before putting your toppings on.
Spaghetti with Marinated Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Another great way to use your fresh tomatoes is this spaghetti with marinated tomatoes and mozzarella. But this is not just any pasta recipe. It uses marinated tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls to create a fresh, delicious meal that requires very little cooking.
Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms
Zucchini blossoms have become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more cooks have discovered just how delicious they can be. Making stuffed zucchini blossoms is easy, fast and tasty. The amazing texture and savoriness is something you will not forget!
Fresh Corn and Potato Soup with Sauteed Shrimp
After you try some recipes with fresh corn, you may find it hard to go back to the frozen or canned stuff. This fresh corn and potato soup with sauteed shrimp takes your seasonal corn to new heights, bringing out the sweetness in a creamy and hearty soup that your whole family will enjoy. The soup is also equally delicious without the shrimp if you prefer.
French Potato and Green Bean Salad
Green beans are delicious if prepared correctly. This French potato and green bean salad recipe does it right.
Your Source for Summer Fun
We are here to help you fully enjoy your summer. Please contact us with any questions about our welcoming community, or to learn more about our Flagstaff apartments!
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