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Pleasing the crowd can be a little tricky when you have guests who hail from different dietary needs and desires. Fortunately, it's not difficult to make vegetarian-friendly appetizers that are sure to please the entire room. The team at our Flagstaff, AZ apartment community did a little digging, and we came up with the following treats you should try!
1. Mediterranean Pinwheels
Put tortilla shells to a new use by incorporating cream cheese and sun-dried tomatoes into the mix. These Mediterranean pinwheels are great snacks for kids after school, appetizers when you've got a hungry crowd waiting for entrees, or before-bed snacks.
2. Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Vegan Meatballs
Don't let the name fool you; vegan "meatballs" are meat-free and fun for everyone at the party. The great part about these party favors is that they can easily be eaten with a toothpick, making them perfect for large groups who will make a lot of small talk.
3. Vegetarian Wonton Bites
Pre-made wonton wrappers can make wonderful appetizers, especially when they're filled with fresh veggies and hummus. After the cups have been placed in muffin tins and baked, they turn into cups that hold your guests' eats effortlessly.
4. Deep-Fried Deviled Eggs
Some vegetarians still eat eggs. If that's the case for your friends or family members, this deep-fried deviled egg recipe might be right up their alley. Panko breadcrumbs make all the difference, giving ordinary eggs an extraordinary crunch. A teaspoon of hot sauce is all you need to top off your traditional side and turn it into an unforgettable appetizer.
5. Tofu Banh Mi Sliders
Let firm tofu take the place of meat in this recipe, transitioning a plain old bun into a handful of fun.
If you're searching for a Flagstaff apartment where you can feel free to get crafty in the kitchen, you needn't look further. Schedule a personal tour so you can take a look around our University Square Apartment Homes!
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Many of us crave the taste of something fresh and cool when we come in from a day in the Arizona sun. The following delicious summer recipes will be the perfect sweet treat to cool off with. Hopefully our University Square apartments residents will love these summer desserts!
Three Delicious and Cool Dessert Recipes
Fruit Pizza
You can enjoy a delicious dessert that is only around 170 calories per slice. We love the combination of various fruit flavors and the colorful eye appeal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cubed cold butter
- ¼ cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
- 1 ¼ cup pineapple juice, unsweetened
- 5 tsp. cornstarch
- 1 8-oz. package of reduced-fat cream cheese
- 1 11-oz. can of mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 cups fresh strawberries cut in half
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Next, mix your flour and confectioners’ sugar in a large bowl. Cut in your butter until the mixture turns crumbly. Press it onto an ungreased 12-inch pizza pan and bake for 10–12 minutes until browned. Let the pastry cool separately on a wire rack.
Next, mix the cornstarch, pineapple juice and lemon juice until smooth in a small saucepan, bringing it to a boil. Cook for about 2 minutes until thickened; then let the glaze cool slightly. Next, beat your sugar, cream cheese and vanilla until smooth; then spread the mixture over the crust. Place your fruit on top and dribble with your glaze and refrigerate your pizza until it is cold.
Key Lime Pie
Add a little tropical flavor to your day by making a no-bake Key lime pie.
Ingredients
- 1 package of sugar-free gelatin
- 1 graham cracker crust
- 2 cartons Key lime yogurt
- 1 container whipped topping
- ¼ cup boiling water
Add the boiling water to your gelatin and stir until it is completely dissolved. Whisk in the yogurt; then fold in the whipped topping. Pour the entire mixture into the crust and refrigerate for around 2 hours until it sets.
Chilled Berry Yogurt Swirls
The great thing about these pops is that you can eat them at home or take them out with you as a snack.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups honey Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup fresh mixed berries
- 2 tbsp. sugar
- 10 wooden pop sticks
- 10 3-oz. paper or plastic cups
Fill each cup with 1/4 cup of yogurt. Next, place the berries, sugar, and water in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Spoon in around a tablespoon of the mixture into your cup; then swirl with a pop stick. Place a foil on top of each cup; then insert a pop stick through the foil. Freeze the pops until they harden.
Let us know how your attempts at these recipes turned out by calling University Square apartments at (844) 795-6793.
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]]>The post How to Start Eating the Mediterranean Way appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.
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Following a Mediterranean diet can facilitate numerous health benefits, including weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, and greater longevity! Let’s talk about how you can implement a Mediterranean diet into your own life and reap the benefits.
How to Start Eating the Mediterranean Way
What does eating the Mediterranean way mean?
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes plant-based foods, fish, whole grains and olive oil along with moderate portions of meat, cheese, and red wine. It’s been a way of life for peoples along the Mediterranean Sea for centuries.
How to start the Mediterranean Diet
1. Eat mostly plant-based foods.
Because of the fertile land along the Mediterranean, vegetables and fruits grow in abundance, and they are a major part of every meal. Try to eat between eight and 10 services of vegetables and fruits each day.
2. Go for whole grains when possible.
People on the Mediterranean eat quite a lot of bread, and in the Eastern Mediterranean, pita is served with almost every meal. You don’t have to shy away from grains with this diet, but do switch to whole grains and avoid packaged-type grains with unhealthy additives.
3. Avoid butter and use olive oil instead.
Olive oil is a mainstay of Mediterranean life from Portugal to the Middle East. Use it to cook with, drizzle it on salads, and replace that butter dish with a bottle of extra-virgin olive oil.
4. Eat fish a few times a week.
Meat is eaten extremely rarely in most Mediterranean culinary traditions, but fish is a mainstay. Try grilled mackerel or trout, canned or fresh tuna, or a fillet of baked salmon.
5. Enjoy food with family and friends.
Unlike most diets, there’s a social element to this way of eating as well. The climate on the Mediterranean is pleasant almost all year-round, so people are often outside, and socializing is a huge part of life.
As you can see, you may need to brush up on your cooking skills to try this diet. So, why not do so in a brand-new kitchen of your own!
Looking for apartments in Flagstaff? Contact our office today and see what floor plans we have available.
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One of the best things about our Flagstaff apartments is having a beautiful kitchen to make delicious spring smoothies. Try out one or all four of the following recipes this season!
4 Spring Smoothie Recipes
Himalayan Berry Smoothie
- 1 cup skim milk
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup goji berries
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon wild honey
This powerful smoothie’s main ingredient is goji berries, the famous antioxidant loaded super food sourced straight from the heartlands of the Himalayas. Mix it up with coconut milk, honey and a little bit of cinnamon. Add in some milk, blend it, and you’re good to go for a morning routine at the gym.
Protein Power Muscle Building Mix
- 1 cup fortified skim milk
- 1 serving your selection protein powder
- 1/2 cup mango
- 2/3 cup acai berries
- 1/8 cup BCAA powder
Ready to hit the gym? Try out this mix. Take some milk plus a little bit of your favorite protein powder, add in some Acai berries for an antioxidant boost and put in a little BCAA’s to boost your workout. Add in some mango because who doesn’t like a little fruit? Finish off your workout with a punch.
Green Power Nature Smoothie
- 1 cup kale, cut into small pieces
- 1 ounce carrot, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup egg whites
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 3 apples, peeled and cored
- ½ cup coconut milk
Start off this smoothie with the power of egg whites with 30g of protein in one cup, plus the luscious antioxidant power of kale. Add in some carrots and apples. Put in some honey to sweeten it up and add ½ cup of coconut milk to finish it off. Blend thoroughly for a great smoothie full of nutrient-rich ingredients.
Vegan Bodybuilding Smoothie
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 2 cups almond milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup whey protein
- 3 tablespoon honey
Start off the day with a simple vegan bodybuilding smoothie featuring oats, milk, whey protein, cinnamon and honey, perfect for busy folks who need a quick protein-packed “meal” to start off the day.
You won’t have any trouble finding the ingredients to make these power smoothies. Flagstaff has lots of health food stores to choose from. And, if you like to choose from our selection of fine apartments in Flagstaff, AZ please contact us today!
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Everyone wants to eat well, but complicated recipes with a lot of ingredients not only take a long time to prepare but can increase food waste. These three recipes use less than five ingredients plus staples and are quick and easy to prepare.
Three Recipes With 5 or Fewer Ingredients
Sweet Mustard Salmon
The mixture of tangy Dijon mustard and rich, brown sugar gives this dish an irresistible flavor. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Combine four tablespoons of Dijon mustard with three tablespoons of brown sugar. Place two salmon fillets on a greased baking pan, season with salt and pepper and cover the top with the mustard mixture. Cook for 10-12 minutes until done. Serve with rice or steamed vegetables.
Frittata With Ham and Cheese
Easy to make and easy to love, frittatas are as versatile as an omelet, yet classy enough for dinner. Preheat oven to the broil setting. Saute 1/2-inch cubes of ham and brown lightly in a middle-sized, oven-safe skillet. Crack five eggs into a mixing bowl and season with salt and pepper. Add eggs mixture to the hot skillet. Keep the eggs moving with a rubber spatula until just starting to set. Add a handful of your favorite shredded cheese. Place in oven until cheese starts to color. Serve hot with a mesclun salad.
Sundried Tomatoes, Goat Cheese and Roast Beef Tartine
These tartines make the perfect lunch or light supper. Cut good quality Italian bread into 1/2 slices. Cover each slice well with a tablespoon of goat cheese. Add a thin slice of roast beef and then top with a few sun-dried tomatoes slices. Finish off with a splash of olive oil and freshly ground pepper. Serve with an arugula salad.
Are you still looking for apartments in Flagstaff, AZ? Then join the community at the pet-friendly University Square. Take advantage of the on-site clubhouse and the beautifully landscaped outdoor courtyard. Call 844-795-6793 to arrange a comprehensive tour today.
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If you enjoy entertaining in your Flagstaff apartments but don’t want to have a formal sit-down meal, a tapas bar is the perfect solution. The concept of tapas comes from the Spanish town of Seville. Tapas are commonly served in the bars of Seville to help sustain the revelers. Traditionally, tapas are served to guests standing and are a “help yourself” kind of meal. The dishes are quite varied, but they are always offered in small portions.
How to Make the Tapas Bar
A great place to serve your tapas is your kitchen counter in your apartment in Flagstaff. There’s lots of counter space, so you’ll be able to spread out the dishes so that each guest is able to reach whatever they want. The first thing you’ll want to do is plan your menu. Tapas bars can be made from any food, as long as it can be served in a small dish or bowl. Typical tapas food can include things like:
- olives
- almonds
- cheese
- crackers
- toast corners
- fruit
You aren’t limited to any one particular menu, so let your imagination carry the day.
Choosing Serving Dishes
The serving dishes should be plentiful, but small. The largest dish should be about the size of a saucer. Be sure to provide enough toothpicks so that guests don’t have to use their fingers. If you want, you can invest in some of those tiny appetizer forks they sell at party stores, too.
Setting the Tone
To ensure your guests get the complete tapas experience, play some Spanish music in the background at a low level. The mood should be lively, but not so heavy that the music dominates the environment. Your guests should be able to converse without having to shout. If you want to serve alcohol at your tapas bar, there are some nice Spanish wines you can choose from at your local grocery or wine store.
The best thing about a tapas bar is that you and your guests can either treat it like an appetizer and go out to dinner later, or you can make it the main meal. It all depends on how many tapas you opt to serve. For more great ideas about your Flagstaff, AZ apartments or to see available models, please contact us today.
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The holidays are just around the corner, and something's always cooking at the University Square Apartments in Flagstaff. 'Tis the season, as a matter of fact, to rock the Brussels sprouts!
These adorable green orbs really can be people pleasers. Here are some simple ideas designed to come through for you. Each is a side dish for 4 to 6 people and takes a half-hour to make, max. They'll please vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free folks alike.
Lemony Braised Brussels Sprouts
When preparing large Brussels sprouts, chop off the stem end. There's no need to do this with smaller, tender heads.
Ingredients
- About 18 Brussels sprouts
- 5 Tbsp. olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- A lemon
- Salt and pepper
Preparation
Rinse Brussels sprouts and pat dry before halving all of them length-wise. Pare an “X” into the cut surface of each head. Stir garlic until golden in oil over medium heat. Place the Brussels sprouts, cut surfaces down, in the pan, then add in a half-cup of water and simmer for 15 minutes. Drain and place on a warmed platter and drizzle the lemon generously, and season with salt and pepper.
Baked Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
This easy recipe comes out with a gourmet elegance; just use Kosher or sea salt and fresh-ground pepper.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Brussels sprouts
- 6 Tbsp. of salad dressing (mix equal parts balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper). It's that easy!
Preparation
Pre-heat oven to 375F. Rinse Brussels sprouts and pat dry before halving all of them length-wise and coating them with your dressing. Arrange them on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Bake 25 minutes and remove when gently browned.
Share the Bounty
These are great for entertaining at your place, or sharing at a potluck festivities. Feel free to share the news about University Square, too. Invite your friends to call (844) 795-6793 and meet us!
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As the elixir of life for many people, coffee is an essential beverage that helps the world run smooth. If you'd like to make your morning coffee more of a treat for your taste buds, then learn how to brew French press coffee instead of using the same old instant mixture.
Get the Supplies You Need
Invest in some quality coffee beans. You can buy either pre-ground beans or grab a grinder to shred them up at home. Additionally, you'll also need a French press. These can vary in size, but a standard size one usually makes around four cups.
Heat the Water
French press water only needs to be heated to about 195 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don't have a thermometer to check it, let it get to boiling and then remove it from the heat for 30 seconds to a minute to allow it cool to the proper temperature. For the four serving press, use four cups of water.
Add Your Beans
As the water is heating, take about a half cup of ground coffee beans and add it to the bottom of the French press. Give the press a little back and forth shake to settle the grounds.
Pour the Water
Begin pouring half the water into the press, letting it sit for 30 seconds before mixing and pouring in the rest. Stir quickly with an up and down motion, then let sit for four minutes.
Drink and Enjoy
Finally, press the plunger down to the bottom, pour yourself a mug, and enjoy your first taste of French press coffee.
With delicious coffee to drink in the morning, you'll be more productive during the day. What's another secret to optimum productivity? Finding a comfortable and safe Flagstaff apartment that meets your needs. For great options near Northern Arizona University, try University Square. Call us today to find out which floor plans are available.
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]]>Breakfast Option #1 – Plain or Greek Yogurt
Plain or Greek yogurt is the easiest breakfast option for college students who are on the go. Purchase several individual cups of plain or Greek yogurt and keep them in the refrigerator. If you don't want to eat plain yogurt, toss in some fruit or granola.
Breakfast Option #2 – Quick Smoothie
Don't waste your money by going to a smoothie shop to get a breakfast smoothie. Make your own. It takes just a few minutes.
To make your own breakfast smoothie, toss ice, yogurt, milk and fruit into a blend. Blend on high for a few minutes. Pour the smoothie into a glass and you are ready to go.
Breakfast Option #3 – Oatmeal
You'd be surprised how easy it is to make oatmeal. Just boil water for 2 minutes, toss in the oatmeal and you have yourself a filling breakfast that will last you until lunch.
Breakfast Option #4 – Muffins or Donuts
It is okay to give into your sweet tooth every once and a while. Keep muffins or donuts on hand for a quick, easy breakfast that is filling and satisfying.
Breakfast Option #5 – Bagel
A bagel will give you enough energy to make it through the morning. Top your bagel with peanut butter for an extra boost of energy.
University Square has spacious kitchens that are perfect for making some of these quick, on the go breakfasts. Call our office today to learn more about our off-campus apartments in Flagstaff, Arizona.
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One of our least favorite parts of spring cleaning is having to clean out the fridge and kitchen. So this year, we’re nipping problematic kitchens in the bud with meal planning! Meal planning helps you to both organize your kitchen for easy meal prep and avoid over-buying food you can’t eat and wind up wasting. Here are a few tips to help you start planning out your meals for an easy to manage kitchen!
1. Pick Your Meals: Pick out all your weekly recipes in advance. Look carefully at the recipes you choose and plan your buying accordingly: don’t buy a whole bag of potatoes when one potato is all you need for three different meals!
2. Use Themes: Maybe one week will be salad week, and the next week pasta week. Or, instead of weeks, use days: you can plan to have a different theme night for each dinner and still cut back on your shopping when you buy easily stored supplies that can last more than one week.
3. Plan for Leftovers: If you live alone and always cook meals meant for two, don’t waste the second serving … find ways to “recycle” it! Either save the leftovers for lunch the next day or plan to repurpose them for another meal later in the week. Or, start the week with one big casserole dish and plan to eat from it all week with a variety of sides.
4. Early Prep for Faster Meals: Once you get home from the grocery store, start prepping your ingredients before you put them away! Slice, square, or shred your cheese for the various meals you’ll make during the week. Grill, brown, or bake your meats for an easy warm up come meal time. Prepare and store as many ingredients as you can early in the week so that by the time you’re pulling them out to cook, more than half the work is done!
5. Your Freezer is Your Friend: One of our favorite meal tricks is prepping dishes that freeze well. Why buy those frozen microwave dinners when you can enjoy a tasty reheated homemade meal? Make double batches of sauces, soups, stews, pastas, etc. and freeze them to satisfy the stomach of future you!
Happy Cooking!
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