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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Baking a loaf of bread is something everyone should try at least once. The finished product is much tastier than anything you will buy in a store.

We have put together this basic guide to get you started.

Easy & Tasty Bread Recipe

You can make a loaf of bread with only a few ingredients. In fact, you may have the ingredients in your house already. Whatever you do not have can be purchased at any grocery.

This Super Easy Bread Recipe for Beginners from The Spruce is a perfect starting point for any baker.

You will need the following ingredients:

• ¾ cup warm water

• 1 package active dry yeast

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 ½ tablespoons sugar

• 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening

• ½ cup milk

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

Start off with a large bowl. Pour the warm water into the bowl, then add the yeast slowly while stirring. Place the salt, sugar, vegetable shortening and milk into the bowl with the yeast and water. Stir the mixture up to combine.

Each time you make bread it requires a slightly different amount of flour due to differences in temperature and humidity. So you may not use all the flour, but you should use most of it. Start with 2 cups and mix them in with the other ingredients. You want the dough to be moist, but not sticky.

Place the dough on a floured surface and knead, adding flour as necessary. Put the dough in a bowl and cover it, letting it rise for an hour. Then take the dough out and punch it down. Preheat oven to 375. Let the dough rise again for 30 minutes, then bake for 45 minutes.

Having Fun in Your Flagstaff Apartment

We want you to enjoy your apartment as much as possible. If you're looking for a new place to call home and have any questions about our Flagstaff apartments, give us a call!

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When school keeps you busy, it can be hard to find time to cook meals and prepare snacks. Thankfully, you don’t have to spend hours making something to eat. Give the following microwave mug recipes a try this year when you want a meal or snack that’s warm and simple to make. 

Mac and Cheese

Microwave pasta and water in a mug for about four minutes total, but stir it every minute or so. Add milk, shredded cheddar cheese and margarine or butter, then microwave for about one minute. Stir your mac and cheese, then enjoy your quick and easy dinner or lunch.

Pizza

Mix flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a mug. Add milk and olive oil, then mix. Add marinara sauce, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, dried herbs and pepperoni. Microwave for about one minute and 20 seconds. 

Omelette

Crack two eggs in a mug, then whisk them together. Stir in milk, salt, pepper, parsley and scallions, then whisk again. Microwave for about one minute, then stir and microwave for another minute. You can also add cheese and ham to this recipe if desired. 

Cinnamon Roll Microwave Mug Cake

Spray your mug with cooking spray, then mix flour, milk, maple syrup, coconut oil, baking powder and vanilla in the mug. Add more milk to thicken it if needed. Whisk brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, then sprinkle it into the mug. Microwave for about a minute and 25 seconds. 

Chocolate Brownie

Add milk or water, salt, vanilla extract and melted butter or oil to your mug, then whisk these ingredients. Add cocoa powder to this mix, then whisk again. Add sugar and flour, then whisk. Microwave for about one minute, then enjoy your dessert.

Bring your mug meal or snack over to our clubhouse, where you can sit in front of the fireplace. Contact us to learn more about our available apartments in Flagstaff, Arizona.

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Blueberry Blast  

Blueberries are notoriously known for being a spring fruit, so use up your extra ones this season in a blender. Try this simple recipe for a blast in the morning, and get your day started off right. Or combine them with other members of the berry family to switch it up a little bit, and add more dimension to your drink. 

Grapefruit Gardens

Grapefruit is not known for being the best fruit to eat on its own, but the color and health benefits are undeniably attractive. Get your shot of pink with a grapefruit smoothie combined with kiwis (another spring fruit.) Apples are also excellent to sweeten up your grapefruit. Even though they're a fall fruit, you can probably get away with it just this once. Or celebrate spring's favorite color this year by adding some spinach for a grapefruit green smoothie. 

Apricot Animation 

Bring your apricots to life this year with a little help from the strawberry. This smoothie is a jolt of energy when you're wondering how Monday arrived so quickly. Grab this on the go or do it up right with a fun glass, garnish and straw. These little touches can make your smoothies even more enjoyable. 

The apartments in Flagstaff are a great place to try new recipes and make them your own. If you're looking for the right kitchen to test out your next smoothie, check out Highland Village Apartments to see what we have to offer. Call us today to find out more about our available apartments!

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