What’s your favorite part of the holiday season?
Spending time with family, gift-giving, and some time off of work probably rank high on your list. But what about the food?
The holidays are a time to indulge in deliciousness, and this post will help you do just that in the coming weeks. Read on for 1st Lake’s list of holiday baking ideas that will keep you, your family, and your friends full of cookies for the entire season!
Ingredients (Cookie Dough)
- 3 c. all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 c. (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 1 c. granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp.
- pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp. milk
Ingredients (Buttercream Frosting)
- 1 c. (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 5 c. powdered sugar
- 1/4 c. heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp. pure almond extract
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- Food coloring
Directions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt and set aside.
- In another large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy and pale in color. Add egg, milk, and vanilla and beat until combined, then add flour mixture gradually until totally combined.
- Shape into a disk and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate 1 hour.
- When ready to roll, preheat oven to 350º and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly flour a clean work surface and roll out dough until 1/8” thick. Cut out shapes and transfer to prepared baking sheets. Freeze 10 minutes (so your shapes hold while baking!).
- Meanwhile, make frosting: In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar and beat until no lumps remain. Add cream, almond extract, and salt and beat until combined.
- Bake cookies until edges are lightly golden, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Let cool, then frost and decorate as desired.
Cake Mix Cookies
What if you could eat cake AND cookies at the same time? Well, with Taste and Tell’s cake mix cookie recipe, you can!
Ingredients
- 1 cake mix* (dry ingredients only)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup mix-ins
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a baking sheet with a silpat liner or parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together the cake mix, vegetable oil and eggs until combined. Stir in the mix ins.
- Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, at least 2 inches apart. Bake just until the cookies are set in the middle, 10-12 minutes.
- Cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet then transfer to a cooling rack or a sheet of waxed paper.
Gingerbread Cookies
Sally’s Baking Addiction describes these delectables as “perfectly spiced, molasses and brown sugar-sweetened holiday goodness.” Quite a review!
Complete your holiday baking vision with these iconic holiday cookies from Taste of Home.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Vanilla frosting of your choice
- Red and green paste food coloring
Directions
- In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and molasses. Combine the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate until easy to handle, about 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with floured 2-1/2-in. cookie cutters. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake until edges are firm, 8-10 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool. Tint some of the frosting red and some green; leave remaining frosting plain. Decorate cookies.
Bake Your Holiday Treats in Your New 1st Lake Apartment!
Now that you’ve got the recipes that it takes to fill the holiday season with delicious snacks, let us help you find a beautiful apartment to bake them in! Contact us today for information on our private residential communities.
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So, it’s the day after Thanksgiving and you have a fridge full of leftovers: Don’t throw it out! Luckily, a lot of cooking magazines and lifestyle websites have taken action against pitching Thanksgiving’s tastiest dishes. They’ve come up with a multitude of clever and delicious recipes for your leftovers, so you can finish off your whole feast, pocket some spending money, and save from wasting perfectly good food this year.
Here are some of our favorite ways to reuse your Thanksgiving meal leftovers.
Baked by Rachel’s Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie is a delicious, flavorful dish that will make use of your leftover turkey and potatoes. Check out Baked by Rachel’s recipe here.
Bon Appetit’s Turkey and Mushroom Risotto
Do you still have a lot of turkey left? Shred it and use it in Bon Appetit’s Turkey and Mushroom Risotto recipe. The dish’s gravy is filled with the delicious flavors of mushrooms, onions, parmesan cheese, and parsley. It’s a warming winner for a cold weather dinner.
Country Living’s Sweet Potato Spoon Breads
It might even be worth cooking more sweet potatoes than needed if it means making this sweet single-serve dish after the big day is over. Country Living’s Sweet Potato Spoon Bread with Caramel-Pecan Topping is our favorite way to treat yourself after hosting the holiday at your 1st Lake home. You deserve to celebrate a successful Thanksgiving Day with the help of cinnamon, sugar, caramel, and pecans. Trust us.
Delish’s Turkey & Rice Soup
On a simpler note than most of the recipe’s we’ve listed so far, sometimes you just want a quick but exciting meal made from your decadent leftovers. Delish’s Turkey & Rice soup is your answer.
Have Your Thanksgiving Leftovers in Your New 1st Lake Apartment
Contact us today to learn more about our private gated apartment communities!
Brunch isn’t an everyday occasion, which might make it the best meal you can have. It usually signifies that you have some time to relax, or that it’s the weekend.
If you have time off and want to spend it at home, you don’t have to miss out on brunch. There are plenty of easy recipes you can make in your pajamas, or with friends during the weekend.
Read on for 4 easy stay-at-home brunch recipes!
Bacon Gruyere Breakfast Pie
This recipe from Good Housekeeping is a great idea for weekend brunch. It looks very much like a pizza, except it has all of your favorite breakfast ingredients.
- 1 sheet (half of 17.3 oz. package) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1/3 c. sour cream
- 3/4 c. shredded Gruyère cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon
- 3 large eggs
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 400°F.
-
On large sheet parchment, roll pastry to 12″ by 10″ rectangle. Fold 1/2 inch of edices to form rim; using a fork, seal rim and poke holes all over pastry. Place pastry on cookie sheet; bake 20 minutes or until golden brown.
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In small bowl, combine sour cream and Gruyére. Spread onto tart, creating 3 wells for eggs. Arrange bacon strips over topping. Crack eggs into wells; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Bake until egg whites are set but yolks are still runny, about 12 minutes. Garnish with thyme.
Caprese Stuffed Avocados
This Delish recipe is like a “portable garden,” and super simple as well.
Ingredients
- 2 avocados, pitted
- 1/2 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 c. chopped fresh mozzarella
- Italian seasoning
- Balsamic vinegar
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Basil, for garnish
Directions
-
Scoop out avocados, leaving a small border. Dice avocado and set aside.
-
In a large bowl, toss diced avocado with tomatoes, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, balsamic, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Divide salad among 4 avocado halves and garnish with basil.
Easy Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise Sauce
Now it’s time for a classic. Use this recipe from Dine & Dish to make your stay-at-home brunch complete.
Ingredients
- 1 poached egg
- 1/2 English Muffin toasted (try making homemade)
- 1 slice thinly sliced deli ham
- 3 Tablespoons Hollandaise Sauce
- For the Hollandaise Sauce:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 egg yolks
- 3 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Directions for Hollandaise Sauce
-
In a small saucepan, heat butter, salt and lemon juice until bubbly (do not boil)
-
Remove from heat.
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Place egg yolks in a medium bowl and slowly pour in butter mixture, stirring continuously. Whisk together until smooth and creamy. Stir in heavy whipping cream.
Directions for Eggs Benedict
- For each serving, top 1/2 toasted English Muffin with a folded slice of deli ham, 1 poached egg and 3-4 Tablespoons of Hollandaise Sauce. Serve warm.
Classic Mimosa
It’s hard to call it brunch if there aren’t mimosas available. That’s why we’re including this classic mimosa recipe from Inspired Taste.
Ingredients
- 1 (750 ml) bottle chilled dry sparkling wine
- 3 cups (750 ml) chilled orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) Grand Marnier or triple sec, optional
Directions
-
Fill 8 champagne flutes 1/2 full with chilled sparkling wine.
-
Top with orange juice.
-
If you are using, top mimosa with 1 tablespoon of Grand Marnier or triple sec.
Let Us Help You Find the Perfect Apartment for Your Stay-At-Home Brunch!
Check out our website to find a 1st Lake residential community near you!
Summer is almost here and during the warmer months, there’s nothing better than a dip in the pool, unless it’s a refreshing poolside drink, of course.
We’ve decided to combine the two best summer activities into one, with a list of recipes for some delicious poolside beverages. Read on to learn 4 simple recipes that will keep you cool by the pool!
Sparkling Blueberry Lemonade
via DinnersDishesandDesserts.com
A simple summer twist on a classic recipe:
Serves: 6
Prep time: 10 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 can Ocean Spray Sparkling Blueberry Pomegranate juice
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 8 lemons)
- 3 cups seltzer water
Directions:
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the water and the sugar to create a simple syrup. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Pour in a cup, and let it chill.
- After the sugar has chilled, in a pitcher, combine the lemon juice, seltzer water, and the blueberry juice. Add in the simple syrup to taste. Serve over ice, with fresh blueberries to garnish.
Piña Colada Smoothie (Non-Alcoholic)
Everyone can get in on SkinnyMs.‘s non-alcoholic version of a drink so good, pop songs have been made about it:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lite coconut milk
- 2 cups pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons honey, optional
- Enough ice to make it slushy
Directions
- Add all ingredients to a blender, blend well, and serve.
Cucumber-Mint Water
Drinking plenty of water is a good idea in hot weather. Southern Living turns that bit of common sense into a stroke of brilliance by adding a few crisp, refreshing ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 12 slices of cucumber
- 4 slices of lime
- 4 large sprigs of mint
- 28 ounces of water
Directions:
- Combine the cucumber, lime, and mint in a 32-oz. Mason jar. Muddle until lightly crushed.
- Add the water; seal and shake for 30 seconds to combine.
- Serve over ice. The infusion will keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Authors’ note: Use filtered tap water or bottled spring water for the freshest-tasting results.
Stay Cool by the Pool with 1st Lake!
Find the perfect poolside for you at one of our properties, and enjoy the rest of the summer with 1st Lake!
How are you spending this year’s 4th of July? Hopefully, you’ll be taking advantage of the summertime: cookouts, pool parties, and hanging with friends in the park. If that list sounds similar to your Independence Day plans, this is the post for you!
We’ve put together a short list of 4th of July recipes to make use of for your 4th of July gathering. Read on for 4 recipes that will guarantee a happy (and full) crowd!
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
It’s hard to go wrong with chicken, especially if it’s part of a sandwich. This recipe from Good Housekeeping is sure to please as a main course:
Ingredients
Sandwiches
- 1/2 c. Hot sauce
- 1/4 c. unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp. ketchup
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- hamburger buns
- 1/2 c. Ranch dressing
Blue Cheese-Apple Slaw
- 1 c. packed shredded savoy cabbage
- 1 small apple
- 2 celery ribs
- 1 1/2 oz. blue cheese
- 1/4 c. coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 shallot
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. sugar
- salt
- pepper
Ingredients
- Preheat grill to medium-high.
- Combine hot sauce, butter, and ketchup in a bowl; reserve 1/4 cup mixture. Add chicken to remaining mixture and toss to coat. Marinate, 20 minutes. Remove chicken from marinade; discard marinade.
- Grill chicken, covered, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, 5 to 7 minutes per side. Grill buns until lightly toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Spread dressing on buns.
- Serve chicken topped with Blue Cheese-Apple Slaw (directions below) and drizzled with reserved sauce between buns.
- To make the slaw: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
Corn on the Cob with Spicy Butter
Corn on the cob is a quick & easy favorite. Here is a simple recipe for a classic appetizer via Good Housekeeping.
Ingredients
- 1 stick butter (no substitutions)
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- tsp. cayenne (ground red pepper)
- 12 small ears corn
Directions
- In medium bowl, mix butter, paprika, and cayenne until well blended. Spoon into serving bowl; cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Heat 8-quart covered saucepot of water to boiling on high. Add corn and return to boiling. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 5 minutes. Drain well. Place on large platter; serve hot with spiced butter on the side.
Cutaway Blueberry Pie
There aren’t many things more American than a good ol’ slice of pie!
Ingredients
- 5 cups blueberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
- In a large bowl, toss ingredients.
- Pour filling into 9-inch pie plate lined with 1 store-bought or homemade pie crust, dot with 3 tablespoons butter, then add top crust; crimp and bake at 400°F on rimmed baking sheet for 1 hour or until bubbling.
Homemade Guacamole
To conclude, our last recipe takes a tip from the folks south of the border. Guacamole is a simple, absolutely delicious addition to any gathering. We’re sure it’ll be gone soon after you place it on the table.
Ingredients
- 3 medium ripe avocados, peeled and cubed
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped, optional
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise, optional
- 1 to 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
Directions
- Mash avocados with garlic and salt. Stir in remaining ingredients.
Now that you have a few great recipes for Independence Day, all that’s left for you to do is prepare and enjoy the great company!
*Recipes from Good Housekeeping and Taste of Home.
