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When it comes to health and wellness, many of the residents of our Dallas, TX, apartments know how to do nutrition the right way. Many people in our community do their very best to ensure they’re eating what they’re supposed to be and giving their bodies all the good things necessary to perform at their best. With this in mind, we thought this would be a good time to feature a little known thing called fiber.
Fiber is found in many different foods, including fruits, vegetables, beans, and legumes. Its job is to keep humans’ digestive tracts working properly so nothing gets stuck in the gut. It’s a vitally important part of the food pyramid, but many people don’t get enough fiber in their diets because they simply don’t know-how. Let’s take a look at a few creative ways you can boost your fiber intake.
1. Pears
Pears are an excellent source of fiber, and because they’re naturally sweet and juicy, you won’t feel like you’re punishing yourself just because you’re trying to add more fiber to your diet. If you don’t want to eat them all by themselves, add them atop salads, poach them with wine sauce or pair them with a nice pork tenderloin.
2. Strawberries
Strawberries are nature’s answer to junk food. With their incredibly delicious flavor, they work well in hundreds of different dishes. Start your day with a strawberry smoothie or grab a handful of raw berries when the mid-afternoon hunger pangs begin to knock on your belly. As an added bonus, smoothies made with yogurt will give you an extra-special boost of belly-friendly bacteria.
3. Artichokes
Who doesn’t love a grilled artichoke on a hot summer day? These fiber-packed plants are actually so fibrous that the tips of the leaves can’t be eaten. However, when you get to the fleshy, sweet part of the leaf that begs for you to play with your food, the wait for the perfect artichoke becomes well-worth it. Instead of eating popcorn or chips while you’re binging on Netflix, reach for an artichoke or two ‒ it will keep you occupied for several episodes.
If you’re looking for an apartment community that believes in doing the best by its residents, you’ve come to the right place! With a 24-hour health and fitness center, Gramercy on the Park Apartments is proud to contribute to the health and wellness of our residents. Check out our other outstanding amenities!
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Although air poppers are easy to use, they do not make the movie theater-style popcorn we all know and love. Thankfully, making popcorn on the stove is almost as easy as using an air popper and gives you delicious popcorn.
Pop It Up Right
All you will need is:
- 3-quart pot and lid
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/3 cup popcorn seeds
- Superfine salt
For each batch, start by heating the coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add a half dozen popcorn kernels and wait for them to pop, then remove. Add the remainder of the popcorn and spread out the kernels across the bottom of the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and remove from the stove for 30 seconds.
Then, return the pot to the burner and shake the pot vigorously as the kernels pop. For crispy kernels, you will want to allow steam to escape from the side of the lid while they pop. Your popcorn is done when the popping slows down and it takes several seconds for more kernels to pop. Pour the popcorn in a bowl and add salt to your liking.
Add Your Favorite Flavors
Although this recipe creates perfect movie theater-style popcorn every time, you do not have to stop there. You can top your bowl of popcorn with clarified butter and several other amazing flavor combinations, such as:
- Cinnamon sugar
- Cheddar cheese powder
- Ranch seasoning
- Parmesan rosemary mix
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Curry powder
You can make sure your seasonings spread over your popcorn evenly by melting them into the clarified butter before pouring the mixture over your popcorn. For even more flavor, don’t be shy — give an extra shake of seasoning before serving.
After you enjoy your perfect bowl of popcorn, set your sights on upgrading your Dallas apartments. You can accomplish this goal by giving our team a call at 866-350-7648 to learn about our available apartments.
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The residents of our Dallas, TX apartments are always cooking up some good recipes. Sometimes, we like to challenge this sense of adventure by finding a few recipes of our own that are unusual or newsworthy. In this spread, we'd like to talk about a little thing called tofu.
If you think this strange little treat is just for vegetarians, think again! While it's true that this protein-packed morsel is filled with tons of goodness that vegetarians and vegans enjoy, you might be surprised to find that omnivores enjoy it, too. Here are a few weird things you didn't know you could do with tofu:
1. Rosewater Parfaits
Leave the extra calories for another day because rosewater parfaits are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth when you're craving a little something extra after mealtime or before you head to work. Substitute the vanilla yogurt for silken tofu, and you've got a perfect match to any entree or on-the-go snack.
2. Sesame Crusted Tofu
If you're feeling flustered about finding a protein that'll satisfy your family while still delivering the nutrients their bodies need, turn to tofu. With this recipe, they may not even realize they're not eating meat if you prepare it properly. The key here lies in draining the tofu, then saturating it in marinade and covering it with sesame seeds and flour. Once it's placed in oil, it'll fry up and be golden-brown.
3. Better-Than-Egg-Salad
This recipe isn't vegan, but if you have people in your party who are allergic or averse to eggs, it's a great alternative option to traditional egg salad. Essentially, you'll use your favorite egg salad recipe, substituting the eggs for firm tofu that's been cut into cubes.
4. Vegan Chocolate Pudding
A little bit of cocoa powder is all it takes to transform silken tofu into a masterpiece dessert. Thanks to a dash of sugar and one-third cup of almond milk, this protein bean becomes the center stage when it's time to plate after-meal eats.
Are you searching for a Dallas apartment that provides the type of kitchen amenities that make you want to embark on new recipes? Visit Gramercy on the Park Apartments so we can show you what beautiful kitchens are made of!
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If you are ready to party at your apartment in Dallas, make sure you can enjoy the festivities by only serving make-ahead appetizers. With this approach, you can participate in the fun while providing delicious treats for all to enjoy. To help you get started, here are a couple of make-ahead appetizers you will want to add to your recipe book.
Pistachio Cheese Log
You can make a pistachio cheese log the star of the appetizer table at your Dallas apartment by serving it with crackers, soft bread and fruit. To make this cheese log, mix up your favorite soft cheese, such as white cheddar, with an equal amount of cream cheese to create the base. Whip in a tablespoon of your favorite mustard and a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to flavor the cheese mixture.
Form the mixture into the shape of a log and cover in a layer of plastic wrap. Place the cheese log in the fridge for two hours to chill. Once it is chilled, roll the outer surface in finely chopped pistachios and return to the fridge until it is time to serve your guests.
Bacon Jam Crostini
Bacon jam crostini offers a rich flavor experience that will delight your guests bite after bite. To make this dish, pull out the crockpot and fill it with:
- 1 pound chopped bacon
- Two diced shallots
- Three garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 cup coffee
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- Red pepper flakes to taste
Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until the mixture has reduced down to a jam consistency. In the meantime, slice the baguette, pat with olive oil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Once the jam is done, spread a layer of cream cheese and a scoop of bacon jam on each crostini to complete this dish.
Whenever you serve these awesome make-ahead appetizers, you can provide your guests with delicious treats without having to spend the whole party in the kitchen. To learn how we can help you upgrade your living space before your next gathering, give us a call at 866-350-7648 and ask about our available Dallas apartments.
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Sure, your apartment at the Gramercy on the Park might have a fine indoor kitchen with plenty of modern appliances to cook with and countertop space to prepare upon. However, when the weather is pretty and your friends are over, why wouldn't you want to cook and eat outdoors? Grilling outside turns food preparation and cooking into more of a social event. Plus, at our Dallas, Texas apartments, residents can enjoy a complete outdoor kitchen with stainless-steel grills overlooking a courtyard and pool area. It's a beautiful and useful space and, with the following delicious grilling recipes, you can take full advantage of it.
4 Grilling Treats to Try Out This Spring & Summer
- Negima Yakitori. Love spices? Then you'll love this very savory Japanese grilled chicken recipe. This a tender and juicy way of cooking chicken with each piece threaded onto a skewer between sections of scallions.
- Shredded Grilled Tilapia Tacos. Looking to be a bit healthier this year? Then this is certainly a recipe you must try, especially if you feel like having a taco and tequila night poolside! Instead of tilapia, you might also try the same recipe with ahi tuna.
- Grilled Pizza with Steak, Pear, and Arugula. Pear, you say. Yes. Pear. The pear adds a perfectly nice sweet tang to this otherwise savory pizza dish. Note, however, this pizza will cook fast on a grill so when it comes time to throw it on, be fast and be ready to enjoy this delicious finger-friendly entree.
- Grilled Oysters with a Sriracha Lime Butter. What Texan hasn't gone to a grill where Gulf Coast oysters were featured as the main dish? There will always be a special place on the southern menu for oysters, shrimp, and all things seafood and thus no must-try grill list would be complete without an oyster recipe. Check out this one featuring a spicy citrus butter that really highlights the oyster taste.
Have Questions About Using the Grill or Other Outdoor Amenities? Contact Our Front Staff
Our front staff at Gramercy at Park is here to ensure you get the most out of all the amenities included as part of your residency at our Dallas apartments. So if you have any questions about using the grill or other outdoor amenities, don't hesitate to visit our front office or give us a call!
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Every time the seasons change, a whole new set of veggies show their best faces. As we say goodbye to winter and welcome spring with open arms, the residents of our Dallas, TX, apartments are looking forward to the vegetables that shine when the chilly days wither away. If you’re among the bunch of folks who can’t wait to fill your basket with spring’s bounties, here are some recipes you should explore:
Artichokes
Grilled artichokes are a gourmet feast brought to you straight from the garden. They’re great all by themselves, but they’re excellent accompaniments to full entrees, too. You can eat them when you’re entertaining guests, or simply take your time peeling back the layers as you binge on your favorite Netflix series.
Asparagus
Want to make a side dish that’ll delight your crowd and keep a good portion of greens in everyone’s diet? Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus takes advantage of spring’s “tiny trees” in a way that gets rave reviews. This recipe doesn’t take a ton of ingredients or time.
Baby Carrots
Think beta carotene only has a place on your dinner plate? Think again! With a Glow Baby Glow Carrot Orange Smoothie, you can capture the antioxidants and essential vitamins found in carrots while starting your day with the refreshing zest of pineapples and oranges.
Morel Mushrooms & Peas
Let’s get dinner on the table! A little linguini can go a long way when you’re feeding your family. Top it with a rich sauce, add some leeks, put in a few peas and cook it in a little cream. Don’t forget the protein and, of course, the morel mushrooms!
Fava Beans
We’re throwing fava beans into the pot because we don’t think this natural spring selection should be left out in the cold. Make yourself a little Mexican Fava Bean Soup to stave off lunchtime hunger pangs with a bowl full of flavor and energy.
Now that the flowers are in bloom and the smell of spring is in the air, it’s the perfect time to explore a new apartment community that caters to you. Gramercy on the Park Apartments offers an awesome assortment of amenities, including the Paw Spa, a resort-style swimming pool, an outdoor kitchen with stainless-steel grills and much more. Take a look at the full list of reasons why people love our community!
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]]>The post Thinking About Throwing a Spring Feast? Here’s How to Plan One appeared first on Gramercy on the Park Blog.
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Throwing a seasonal feast in autumn is easy because there are such a plethora of traditional choices, but spring feasts are a little trickier. Very little food and beverage items are really associated with spring to the extent that turkey, pumpkin pie, and gingerbread are with autumn and early winter holidays. Nonetheless, special occasion spring feasts do have a common theme.
While autumn feasts are about enjoying the results of a successful harvest, spring feasts are more about renewal — as in new spring vegetables, spring lamb, and the return of the salmon. Following are just a few suggestions designed to provide residents of apartments in Dallas with inspiration for festive feasts.
Ham, Lamb, and Salmon
Ham and lamb are about as close as it gets to being seasonal counterparts of traditional Thanksgiving turkey — both are commonly seen in starring roles on dinner tables on Easter. If you want to travel down a less-beaten culinary path but one that's still appropriate for spring, consider serving freshly caught wild salmon.
Spring Greens
Spring brings fresh new peas, asparagus, baby lettuces, kale and carrots. Enjoy these as a side salad to go with one of the above entrees, or prepare a pasta primavera dish as the main course if you're in the mood for a meatless meal.
Fresh, Fizzy, and Floral
Cabernet is great for sipping around the fire on a chilly winter evening, but spring needs something fresh and festive to welcome in the season. A medium-bodied bubbly rosé pairs well with virtually every type of food, and its sparkling properties transform even casual meals into celebrations. In keeping with the spirit of spring, go for something floral over fruity — your local wine store expert should be able to recommend something fabulous if you're short on ideas.
Light and Lemony
Light and lemony desserts provide an excellent grand finale to spring feasts. Think classic lemon meringue pie, lemon mousse, and lemon ice cream. Creative cooks can also make a Meyer-lemon cheesecake, sour cream lemon pie, or lemon souffle pudding cake.
Our pet-friendly community features full-sized kitchens with stainless-steel appliances, a resort-style pool, and a barbecue-picnic area for al fresco celebrations. Please call us today to find out more about our apartments in Dallas.
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]]>The post 3 Amazing Drink Recipes to Keep You Toasty and Warm appeared first on Gramercy on the Park Blog.
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During the winter months, there's nothing better than amazing drink recipes to keep you toasty in your apartment in Dallas. With warm drinks, you can heat up your core temperature and stay comfortable through the cold season. You can make the three following drinks while enjoying a quiet night at home or serve them to your guests when they visit. Here’s what you need to know to create these warm beverages.
Make Some Ice Cream Cocoa
When ice cream meets cocoa, everybody wins. To make the cocoa, you'll need 1 cup of milk for each person you want to serve. For every cup of milk you use, add three teaspoons of cocoa powder, two tablespoons of sugar, a pinch of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix and place over medium heat until hot. Add a scoop of your favorite ice cream and allow it to melt to elevate the flavor of your cocoa.
Serve Butterscotch Eggnog Any Time of Winter
Butterscotch eggnog takes a while to make, but it is definitely worth the effort and doesn't have to be reserved exclusively for the holidays. Start by separating eight eggs and whisking the egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form. Add 1/3 cup of light brown sugar, mix to combine, and then transfer to a new bowl. Add the egg yolks and sugar to the prior bowl, then mix. Mix in three cups of warm whole milk, two cups of warm heavy cream and two teaspoons of vanilla. Fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture, and then heat until warm. Sprinkle nutmeg over the top to finish this amazing drink.
Enjoy a Sweet Chai Latte
With the right spices, you can create incredible sweet chai lattes to enjoy on cold days. To make this drink, warm two cinnamon sticks, a pinch of black peppercorns, 12 whole cloves, six cardamom pods and a piece of ginger in a saucepan. Pour water over the spices and steep the bags of black tea until done. Add sweetener, strain and pour into mugs. Top with frothed milk to complete this drink.
If you would like to learn how you can enjoy a warm beverage from the comfort of an upgraded Dallas apartment home, contact our team at the Gramercy on the Park at 866-350-7648.
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]]>The post 4 Ways to Add Some Flair to Your Morning Coffee appeared first on Gramercy on the Park Blog.
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When you wake up in the morning, you want to know that you'll be greeted with a delicious cup of warm coffee.
Not only does that lovely roasted flavor and warmness help you crawl out from beneath your cozy covers, but knowing that the caffeine is going to boost your motivation and energy throughout the day should help you fly out of bed.
Still, if you're looking for a way to jazz up your coffee even more this winter, we've got some great suggestions below. Let’s get started!
1. Get crazy with roast
If you always get the same old brand of coffee in the same old roast, try something new! Not only can trying a darker roast enhance the flavor you taste on that first sip, but you can even get a little crazy with different flavors. Try pumpkin spice, hazelnut, vanilla or even raspberry!
2. Get wild with creamer
If you are a black coffee drinker, trying creamer in your morning Joe can be a great way to spice things up. On the other hand, if you’re used to drinking your coffee with whole milk or half-and-half, try flavored creamer.
Some people don't want a lot of sugar in their coffee in the morning, and store-bought creamers can be packed with the stuff. If this is you, try using your usual whole milk or half-and-half (or going black), and simply add one or two sugar cubes to your cup. It will add just enough sweetness to change things up.
3. Whip it up!
Sure, most of the time, whipped cream only comes on coffee that you purchase at a fancy café, but who says you can't add some whipped cream to your own coffee at home? Only a few dollars at the grocery store, whipped cream is the perfect addition. You might even consider putting some chocolate shavings or sprinkles on top for added effect.
4. Spice it up!
Again, who says you can't add some delicious spices to your coffee when you're at home? We recommend a classic nutmeg or cinnamon, sprinkled on top of your whipped cream or dashed in the bottom of your cup before you pour.
Of course, your coffee can only go so far in making you feel comfortable and cozy every morning. Having an awesome apartment is truly the way to go. If you're looking for a brand-new apartment in Dallas, we can help.
Our state-of-the-art, super stylish, Dallas apartments are perfect for housing your own private coffee shop. Contact us today to see which floor plans are available.
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If you are inviting people over for a get-together, it’s always nice to have a fun drink on hand to celebrate. The following are a few drink ideas to celebrate the holidays without the effects of alcohol.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Celebrate the Holidays
- Cran-Raspberry Martini: This makes a festive red drink. Run a slice of lime around the rim of a martini glass. Dip glass into sugar. Shake crushed raspberries with leftover lime juice and ice. Add cranberry juice and sparkling water to raspberry-lime mixture. Drain raspberry puree and ice. Pour remaining liquid into glass and garnish with whole raspberries.
- Apple Pie-Spiced Spider: This recipe will have your whole place smelling great. Stir together 1 1/4 quarts apple cider, 3 tbsp. brown sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 tsp. allspice, 1/2 tsp. ground ginger, ground cloves, freshly grated nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer. Discard solids. Pour into warm mugs and add cinnamon sticks for decoration and flavor.
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Add 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to saucepan. Slowly stir in 1 quart milk until cocoa is dissolved. Add 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips and 1/4 cup crushed peppermint. Stir until chocolate and peppermint are both melted. Bring to boil and then remove from heat. Add a pinch of sea salt. Pour into warm mugs and serve with whipped cream, a peppermint stick and chocolate shavings.
- Sparkling Breakfast Punch: This drink is great for morning get-togethers. Prepare ahead of time, and it’s easy to do the rest before serving. Stir together 3 cups orange juice, 2 cups pineapple juice, and 3 cups pomegranate juice in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate at least two hours. Right before serving, stir in 1 liter ginger ale and 1 liter club soda, chilled. Pour over ice in glasses.
- Candy Crush: This is a great drink for children and any other guests with a sweet tooth. Add gummy bears or rock candy to a plastic champagne flute. Then pour a light-colored sparkling juice into the plastic champagne flute.
It’s always a good time for a drink at Gramercy on the Park Apartments in Dallas. Conveniently located between Plano and Dallas, it’s a great place to come home to. Call us today to find out which floor plans we have available.
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