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!

The post How to Get More Fiber In Your Diet appeared first on Gramercy on the Park Blog.

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.

The post Take Your Popcorn to the Next Level With These Tips appeared first on Gramercy on the Park Blog.

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.

The post Make-Ahead Appetizers to Serve Guests at Your Dallas Apartments appeared first on Gramercy on the Park Blog.

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!

The post Make Spring Tastier With These Delicious Grilling Treats appeared first on Gramercy on the Park Blog.

What’s even better, your slow cooker is your ticket to healthy meals when autumn arrives. If you’re looking to get healthy this fall, using your slow cooker regularly is a great idea. Here’s how to do it!

Start Compiling a List of Slow Cooker Recipes you Like

That slow cooker is only going to collect dust in the bottom of your cupboard if you don’t have some recipes to use in it. But don’t wait until dinner time. Start now by getting together a binder of recipes you can use with your slow cooker. 

Remember That Slow Cookers Aren’t Just Good for Dinner

Slow cookers can be used for lunch and breakfast too! Many recipes take only a few hours and can be set to be ready at or around noon. Try a delicious bean or chicken rice soup, for example. For breakfast, you can make delicious and healthy porridge or egg and cheese-based casseroles. Having a warm and yummy breakfast each morning is the best way to start a fresh, autumn day.

Use Your Slow Cooker Together With Fresh Ingredients

Remember that slow cookers are great for including cooked vegetables and protein into your diet, but sometimes, it’s a good idea to include fresh veggies too. Fortunately, there are a ton of recipes that include a meat base cooked in a slow cooker and fresh vegetables prepared right before eating. 

Pulled pork or ground beef that’s cooked in the slow cooker for tacos are great examples. Get your meat ready in the morning, and right before dinner after work, prepare your fresh taco ingredients: lettuce, onion, tomato, and salsa — delicious, easy, and healthy.

Of course, you’ll need a fantastic kitchen to cook all of these delicious and healthy meals in, and that means finding the best apartments in Dallas. Are you relocating within the city or moving to Dallas for the first time? Give our office a call to see which floor plans are still available.

The post How to Use Your Slow Cooker to Get Healthier This Fall appeared first on Gramercy on the Park Blog.