When you’re a beginner in any discipline, it’s best to start slow and easy. And the same goes for cooking. Below, we have a quick and simple dish that anyone can make — even if you’re a novice in the kitchen. It’s not expensive, vegetarian, always a crowd-pleaser, and most of all, absolutely mouthwatering.

Oh, and did we mention it takes just 20 minutes to make?

It’s called Pomodoro Fresco (literally “fresh tomatoes” in Italian… but don’t worry, it’s got other delicious ingredients too)!

Let’s get started!

Pomodoro Fresco: The Recipe

What You’ll Need:

• 1 lb. ripe tomatoes on the vine
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 to 3 cloves minced or mashed garlic
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, divided
• 1 tbsp. grated or shaved Parmesan cheese
• 4 ounces penne pasta
• 1 to 2 sun-dried tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by pureeing the tomatoes in a food processor. Set aside.

2. Next, in a large pan or skillet, heat the olive oil and add the garlic. 

3. Slowly sauté over medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

4. Pour the tomato puree you set aside in step one into the pan with the olive oil and garlic. Bring the pan to a simmer and leave, stirring occasionally. 

5. In the meantime, boil some water in a pot. Add salt to the water. Once it begins boiling, add in your 4 ounces of penne pasta. 

6. Cook the pasta until it is “al dente” (slightly undercooked); then drain it, taking care to reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water. 

7. Add the cooked pasta, the set-aside drained water, and basil (minus 1 tablespoon) into the tomato sauce and stir. 

8. Allow the mixture to cook for 1 to 2 minutes. 

9. Plate the pasta for your guests and garnish with the fresh Parmesan cheese and remaining basil.

Our lovely apartments in Chicago are the perfect place to invite and entertain guests. Relocating in the city or moving to Chicago for the first time? Call us today to see which floor plans are available. 

The post First Time Cooking for Friends? Here’s a Dish That’s Sure to Please! appeared first on River North Park Apartments Blog.

Four Soda Syrups You Need to Try Now

Combine 2 ounces of the syrup from each of the following recipes with 8 ounces of your choice of either seltzer or club soda for the ultimate drink. 

Ginger Ale: If you like store-bought ginger ale, you will love this all-natural version! Combine equal parts of water, honey and peeled, sliced ginger in a small saucepan. Slowly bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes. Cool on the counter and then strain.

Vanilla Soda: Pure cane sugar and real vanilla beans make this soda taste amazing. For each cup of water, add two split vanilla beans and 1 cup of sugar to a saucepan. Slowly bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let cool completely before straining. 

Peach Soda: This sweet and bubbly beverage is a favorite for both adults and children. Dice five fresh peaches and combine with 1 cup of sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; then reduce to a simmer. Stir and be careful not to burn the sugar. Cook until the peaches begin to break down and a syrup forms. When the peaches completely break down, remove from heat and crush the peaches with the back of a wood spoon. Strain through a fine sieve and press the peach pulp to remove as much juice as possible. Cool. 

Pink Grapefruit Soda: A refreshing drink any time of year. Combine the juice and zest of one pink grapefruit, with a cup of sugar and a cup of water. Bring to a boil in a small saucepan and reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let cool on the counter. Strain. 

Your search for apartments in Chicago just ended. River North Park offers residents luxurious living in a pet-friendly community at one of the most sought-after locations in the city. Call (866) 489-7207 to schedule a tour of the available units. 

The post Crafting Homemade Soda appeared first on River North Park Apartments Blog.