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Although it's still pretty warm here in Arizona, the weather is cooling down enough to remind us that autumn is almost here. With most people spending more time at home, residents of our Flagstaff apartments are stocking up on tasty seasonal foods and cultivating their culinary skills. If you're craving comfort food, try these recipes for some delicious fall favorites.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
When the mercury dips, there's nothing like a bowl of chicken soup to warm you up. Preparing this savory meal is even easier in the slow-cooker. If you have roommates, this recipe yields enough for them to enjoy it, too. If you'll be the only one partaking in the soup, you will have plenty of leftovers to freeze for those days when you don't feel like cooking.
Veggie Pot Pie
Contrary to popular belief, comfort food can be healthy. Here's a meatless version of the traditional pot pie. For this dish, you can make your own crust or buy one that's already prepared. Plus, this recipe gives you the flexibility to add or substitute ingredients to match your tastes.
Squash Casserole
Grace your table with a splash of fall color with this squash casserole recipe. You can serve it as a main course or alongside baked poultry or pork. Combine squash, cheese, and a few other ingredients for a delicious dish that won't disappoint.
Kale, Apple, and Almond Salad
If you need a healthy serving of fruits, veggies, and nuts to go with a meaty main course, this kale, apple, and almond salad pairs well with just about anything you put on the table.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Coffee Cake
It is officially the season for all things pumpkin. You will love the enticing aroma that fills your home when this sweet treat is baking in the oven!
Our Flagstaff apartments come with plenty of kitchen space for preparing all of your favorite fall meals and snacks! Contact us to see which floor plans are available.
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There is nothing better than cooking good food for yourself and your roommates in the fully equipped kitchen at your Flagstaff apartment. However, you may not think you can make quite as much as you want because your budget is a little slim. Believe it or not, there are plenty of good meals you can make for a small amount of money that will keep you and your closest loved ones or friends full and healthy for days. Check out these three cheap yet seemingly sophisticated meals you can totally pull off.
Decked-Out Black Beans and Rice
It is the go-to staple for college students and people just getting by, but black beans and rice can actually be really fancy, and this dish can be a wallet-friendly option. Pick and choose from a host of toppings, such as sour cream, corn, shredded cheese, diced onions and peppers, diced tomatoes and shredded chicken. You could easily pull off a meal like this for a small amount of money, and everyone will walk away satisfied.
Spaghetti and Meatballs With Flair
You can make a delicious meal with a few jars of Prego, Ragu, or your favorite pasta sauce, a pound of ground beef or turkey, and some cheap spaghetti and a baguette. If you fix pasta often, you probably already know that this meal is cheap, it's yummy, and it can last for days. If you want to get a bit fancier with your spaghetti dinner, serve up the meal with a tossed salad, and go heavy on the extras like freshly grated Parmesan cheese, oven-roasted garlic cloves, or sauteed mushrooms with Italian seasoning.
Baked Potatoes
This one is really cheap, and it is so easy to pull off in a way that looks high end. Pick up some good baking potatoes, wrap them in foil, and bake them. Keep them in a warm slow cooker, and then have each person you live with choose to add whatever goodies people love on a potato. Sour cream, cheddar cheese, chives, steamed broccoli, bean chili, bacon bits, salsa—gather up some faves and make a smorgasbord of options.
Cooking for those you love can be the spice of ordinary life. Highland's apartments in Flagstaff are perfect for whipping up a variety of dishes, so give us a call to find out what is available today.
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When the residents of our Flagstaff, AZ apartments are entertaining guests, they often serve a few dips to keep the crowd happy. We've done a little digging and came up with a few DIY dips you can make in your very own kitchen.
5-Minute Million-Dollar Dip
Bring the goodness of all things creamy, gooey, and delicious together in this dip you won't be able to put down. A few green onions serve as the main flavor profile while the cheddar cheese and mayo come together in sweet harmony. Add a few bacon bits and slivered almonds for crunch, and you're good to go.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Don't be intimated by the idea of dealing with an artichoke: Canned hearts are all you need for this recipe. The combination of sour cream and cream cheese makes this treat, well, super creamy. Of course, the parmesan cheese doesn't hurt. You can make this snack inside in the oven or outside on the grill. Either way, the people who are lucky enough to imbibe on your snack will surely feel lucky.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
A bit of semi-mild hot sauce is the key ingredient for this dip because it adds just enough heat and acidity to cut through the richness of the cream cheese. To make things easy on yourself, opt for a rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store; that way, you'll have plenty of flavor ready to be imparted into your party dip.
Best-Ever Veggie Dip
That's right, celery, you've got a new dip coming to you. Thanks to the power of onion and garlic powder, alongside a bit of Worcestershire sauce and Greek yogurt, you can easily transform boring foods into delicious garden goodness.
Are you in search of a kitchen that calls to your culinary creativity? Our Highland Village Apartments offer plenty of great cooking spaces. Reach out to us with any questions you might have!
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Are you planning a casual get-together, or maybe old friends stopped by unannounced? Show your hospitality without going overboard with these three easy snacks which look great, taste delicious, but are simple to prepare and won't break your budget.
Tuscany-Style Flatbread
Store-bought flatbread gives you the opportunity to be as creative as you want to be. This version evokes the images of sun-soaked Tuscany. Start with grilled or slightly toasted flatbread. Rub a peeled garlic clove gently over the surface. Drizzle extra-virgin on top. Rip a few basil leaves in half and place on the flatbread. Add rinsed and drained canned cannellini beans. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and fresh ground pepper.
Choose Your Own Popcorn Bar
In recent years, popcorn has gone out of style; it's a shame. Popcorn is inexpensive and one of the more healthy options for snacking. Maybe all it takes to reignite the love for this old-time favorite is more creative ways to flavor it. Creating a DIY popcorn buffet is a step in the right direction. Pop a big bowl of favorite unflavored popcorn and give your guests flavoring options such as Old Bay Seasoning, cheese powder, chili powder, wasabi, and even nuts or chocolate chunks!
Pizza-Flavored Oyster Crackers
Everyone loves pizza, but too much isn't good for your waist size or wallet. These oyster crackers make a great snack which will sure to help quell your pizza cravings. Preheat the oven to 350. Mix a large bag of oyster crackers (around 10 oz.) with a 1/4 cup of neutral oil like canola, 1/3 of a cup of powdered parmesan cheese, and three tablespoons of pizza-spice mix. Spread on a large baking sheet and cook for 5 minutes, shaking occasionally. Serve when cool.
Are you looking for apartments in Flagstaff, Arizona? Then check out Highland Village. Highland Village offers residents many amenities and is close to NAU. Call us to arrange a showing.
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With a cool, fizzy drink in hand, it is easy to stay hydrated and refreshed all summer and beyond. You do not have to turn toward commercially made sodas for help, however, as there is a better way. You can create your very own tart and fizzy drinks using just a few ingredients you may already have at your Flagstaff apartment. And these beverages are super easy to make. Just follow the recipes below to get started, and then use them as inspiration for your own delicious creations.
Cherry Pineapple Twist
With a sip of this drink, you will experience cherry and pineapple in a whole new way. The fizzy soda base helps elevate the tart fruity flavors while allowing the sweetness to linger for ages.
Here’s what you will need:
- 1 cup carbonated water
- 2 cups cherry juice, unsweetened
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup white sugar
Add the sugar into a large pitcher, then pour in the cherry and pineapple juice and stir. After the sugar dissolves, add the carbonated water to give the drink the satisfying fizz you crave. Serve over ice to elevate the tart flavors even more.
Strawberry Apple Refresher
Strawberries and apples have enough natural sweetness that they don't need any extra sugar. To create this drink, gather up:
- 1 cup carbonated water
- 2 cups apple juice
- 1 cup strawberry puree
Using a large pitcher, mix the apple juice and strawberry puree together until well combined. Then, add the carbonated water and mix gently. Serve in tall glasses over plenty of ice.
Grapefruit Chamomile Delight
The champions of breakfast and bedtime routines beautifully come together in this drink. Get started with:
- 1 cup carbonated water
- 2 cups grapefruit juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup chamomile tea
In a small saucepan, simmer the grapefruit juice and sugar together until slightly thickened. Allow the mixture to cool, and then pour it into a large pitcher. Mix in the chamomile tea and carbonated water to complete this delicious drink.
Each of these recipes makes enough for up to eight other people, so plan to share these beverages with your friends, family, and neighbors. When you are done entertaining a crowd, give our team a call at 928-774-1800 to learn about our available apartments in Flagstaff.
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Nothing is better than ice cream on a hot Flagstaff, Arizona day, especially when you make it yourself. Making your own ice cream might sound complicated, but it's easy to whip up. Here are some easy recipes for you to get started!
Easy Homemade Ice Cream Recipes
What you need
All it takes to make ice cream is four ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream.
- 2 cups half-and-half.
- 1 cup sugar or a sugar substitute, such as Stevia.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
Remember, if you decide to use a sugar substitute, read the directions to find out how much to use. For example, one teaspoon of Stevia, powdered or liquid, equals one cup of sugar.
Start with a little prep
Making ice cream is something anyone living in Flagstaff apartments can handle, but you do have to plan in advance, so you can do some prep work.
Put a freezer-safe bowl or pan into your freezer. Something made from Pyrex or stainless steel is typically a good choice because it won’t crack in the cold. There is no set time to leave the pan in the freezer. Overnight is a good idea, though.
Mixing it up
Once the pan is good and frozen, mix all the ingredients in a separate bowl. Make sure the sugar or sugar substitute freezes completely, otherwise the texture will not be smooth.
Pour the ice cream mixture into the frozen pan.
Freeze it up
Put the pan with the ice cream into the freezer for about 30 minutes. When the edges start to thicken, take it out and beat it with the mixer. This is to break up the ice cream to give it a creamy texture.
Repeat this process five or six times until the ice cream is firmly frozen. Add your favorite goodies to it, such as candy or sprinkles, and serve.
It's a real treat when the temperatures start to rise. If you are coming to Flagstaff, Arizona, call our office and find out more about our apartment homes.
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That simple morning cup of joe has evolved into a delicious array of beverages. There are so many different types of coffee drinks to try, and many that you can make at home. We hope our Highland Village residents in Flagstaff, Arizona, consider these popular coffee drinks, whether you want to make them at home or head to your favorite coffee shop.
Popular Coffee Drinks to Try
1. Americano
The Americano ranks at or near the top of most top 10 coffee lists in the United States. It works by diluting espresso with water. It also seamlessly blends with a shot of espresso for those who want an additional caffeine buzz. Its basic composition is generally two shots of espresso to a cup if you'd like to make it at home.
2. Caffe Breve
Similar to the Americano, Caffe Breve is an espresso drink that uses half foam and half coffee. The result is a robust and creamy hot cup of joe that works as a morning eye-opener or an after-dessert beverage. It can be a tad on the sweet side, which makes it a sweet treat.
3. Caffe Mocha
This option tends to rank among the more complicated coffee drinks to prepare. Its composition breaks down to four equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, chocolate ingredient, and whipped cream. The whipped cream, of course, is the topper. Depending on how you like it or where you order one, a caffe mocha could be prepared by just adding chocolate syrup or straight hot chocolate. This coffee option ranks among the most popular in the U.S.
4. Caffe Macchiato
The above-mentioned popular coffee options tend to be full-sized beverages; the Italian-style caffe macchiato, not so much. The term loosely means “stained milk,” and the presentation leans to the petite side of portions. It’s comprised of a double shot of espresso with a light volume of milk foam to top it.
5. Latte
Lattes are a morning staple for many people, and with good reason. They are delicious! They are quite similar to cappuccinos and macchiatos except with less milk foam. The basic composition is two parts espresso, three parts steamed milk and one part milk foam on top.
We hope our Highland Village community members enjoy these coffee ideas. If you or a friend would like more information about our Flagstaff apartments, call us today.
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Each season brings a certain type of food that people look forward to. With spring knocking on the doors of our Flagstaff, AZ, apartments, we're excited about the bright, fresh flavors that'll soon adorn the plates of people all over the city.
Are you looking for some spring-inspired recipes? We've found a few to get you started.
Spring Inspired Recipes
Spring Strawberry-Spinach Salad
Strawberries and spinach have been best friends for a long time, and it just so happens that both of them are at their best in the spring. This salad offers a great way to celebrate the season. For a bit of protein, add some diced chicken and almonds to the mix.
Apricot Pork Chops
Pork chops play quite well with the sweet taste that apricots provide. This recipe requires almost no prep time, but the final result will reflect restaurant-quality success. Serve it with a side of brown rice to round out the meal.
Honeydew Melon Gazpacho
It's time to retire your tired old lunch food in favor of real flavor that'll make your colleagues envious. This bright soup is a fun way to pack in some of the essential parts of the food pyramid. Because it's served cold, it's ready to be pulled out of the fridge and enjoyed whenever your lunchtime arrives.
Orange Beef Lettuce Wraps
Looking for an alternative to high-carb entrees? Orange beef lettuce wraps embrace the beloved citrus fruit in a way that's fairly guilt-free. Thanks to the fact that they're held together simply by leaves of lettuce, you can add an extra one to your plate without worry.
Pineapple Stuffing
Need a side dish that surpasses the standard stuff? Pineapple stuffing puts a bright twist on a traditional dish.
If you're ready to move into an apartment community that's built for springtime fun, the outdoor grills, picnic gazebos and fire pit you'll find at our Highland Village Apartments are a great start. Fill out your application today!
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What's one of the healthiest ways to maintain your diet this year? Cook meals at home! This lets you eat all the foods you love without the added sugars, salt, and fats of fast food options. However, if you're busy, it can be hard to squeeze cooking into your schedule. Instead, cook travel-friendly meals ahead of time so you'll have something on hand as needed.
Three Easy Meals for People On the Go
Before You Start
While planning your on-the-go meals:
1. The meal needs to be something you can make in advance and leave in your fridge or freezer until needed.
2. It needs to be convenient to eat, using a minimum of utensils.
3. Aim for foods that can be eaten cold or quickly nuked in the microwave.
4. Choose versatile meals that can be thrown together with whatever is seasonal and on-hand.
5. Look for flavorful dishes that will satisfy your hunger for hours.
Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas:
Buddha Bowls
Take your salad game to the next level with this Instagram favorite. Load a travel-friendly container with leafy greens, a scoop of lean protein, and healthy whole grains. In the morning, just drizzle with vinaigrette and pack a fork.
Tasty Wraps
Break out tortillas, sandwich wraps, or lettuce leaves. You can stuff these with whatever leftovers you have on hand, roll, and eat on your way to work or class.
Portioned Baked Goods
That muffin baking tray can be re-purposed to hold individual quiches, egg bowls, or pot pies. Just nuke and enjoy a big, satisfying flavor.
Balancing a busy lifestyle has never been easier than at Highland Village apartments in Flagstaff, AZ. Our well-appointed kitchens will make it a snap to prep great meals on the go ahead of time! If you'd like to learn more about our floor plans and amenities, contact us today.
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The warm summer months in Arizona give Flagstaff residents the perfect excuse to stop trying too hard in the kitchen. You have much better things to do this summer than spending hours working over a hot stove. With so many fun things to see and do, you shouldn’t have to stress about creating some elaborate dinner each night. However, there’s still plenty of opportunities to whip up a fabulous main dish to bring to your next backyard BBQ or holiday celebration. Check out a few of our favorite quick and easy summer dinner ideas to get your creative juices flowing!
3 Simple Dinner Recipes to Try This Summer
1. Summer Squash and Basil Pasta
Few things pair better with a light summer pasta dish than sauteed squash and basil. When left to saute in the pan, summer squash gets s great jam-like consistency that is ideal for coating big, hearty pieces of pasta. This simple recipe is fast, delicious and vegetarian too!
2. Dry-Rubbed Flank Steak and Grilled Corn Salsa
Flank steak seems like the perfect summer protein choice because you can easily prepare it in the morning and come back to it in the evening when it’s ready to sear over an open flame. With this recipe, you’ll combine sweet and spicy flavors with the distinct crunch of your corn salsa for a complete summer dinner entree.
3. Tomato and Cabbage Tabbouleh
Tomatoes come into season during the summer months, so this is the right time to add them to just about every dish you whip up. This tabbouleh recipe features lots of tasty seasonal tomatoes, along with other bright veggies and herbs to create a light and flavorful main dish.
Enjoy a Safe and Happy Summer at Highland Village
For more great lifestyle tips or to take a look at the available floor plans at our apartments in Flagstaff, AZ, contact the team at Highland Village online today!
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