Frosted Lemonade

Chick-Fil-A doesn’t quite blanket the Chicagoland area like it does much of the country, but there are a few here and there. If you’ve ever been there and had a chance to try the frosted lemonade, you already know why it’s on the list. It’s a delicious combination of soft-serve ice cream and Chick-Fil-A’s famous lemonade.

This copycat recipe can be made in your kitchen in about 10 minutes. All you need is lemon juice, vanilla ice cream, sugar, water, and (optional) sliced lemons.

Pineapple Mint Agua Fresca

Agua Fresca is a popular category of beverage consisting of fruit juices and purees mixed with water. It is usually sweetened beyond just the sugars in the fruit, but this sophisticated version doesn’t even need it. All you need is pineapple, mint leaves, and water. Toss them all in a blender, and you’re good to go!

Not sweet enough for you? That’s easy to fix. Drizzle some honey or agave into the blender and pulse a few more times.

Popsicle Punch

Popsicle Punch is a genius way to jazz up a party punch. For the punch itself, mix lemonade, lemon-lime soda, seltzer, cubed mangos, and sliced strawberries. This already sounds like a pretty good party punch, and it is. The fun addition here is the popsicle ice cubes. You can use store-bought to save time, or you can go ultra gourmet by making your own in any flavor. Here’s a recipe to get you started.

Whatever your summer entertaining plans include, you can make them even better by using one of these three great summer drink ideas. And if you’re looking for a better space to entertain in, we can help with that, too. Contact us today to learn what makes River North Park the ideal location for you.

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Flag Brownies

Flag brownies are a fun and easy treat to make this 4th of July. Everybody loves brownies, and dressing them up for the 4th can make them look and feel like a completely different treat. Simply bake your preferred brownies and allow them to completely cool. Then use sliced strawberries and white frosting to create stripes and blueberries set on a background of white frosting for the stars. This treat will taste wonderful and look patriotic for your 4th of July celebration. 

Patriotic Parfaits

Strawberry shortcake is a light and delicious treat that many people enjoy on the 4th of July. If you love strawberry shortcakes but want to serve something with a bit more pizazz this holiday, you can dress up your shortcake by serving it parfait-style. Cut your angel food cake up into tiny cubes. Then layer the angel food cake with Cool Whip or whipped cream and your desired fruit, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and bananas in a parfait cup or mason jar. This creates a grown-up and patriotic version of strawberry shortcake. 

Dipped Strawberries and Cherries

The last fun and easy treat you can quickly whip up for a 4th of July celebration is dipped strawberries or cherries. Warm up white chocolate, and then dip the cherry or strawberry about 2/3rds of the way in. Place out a bowl filled with blue crystal sprinkles. While the white chocolate on the strawberry or cherry is still wet, dip the bottom third of the fruit into the sprinkles. Lay it flat on wax paper to dry. You will then have a red, white and blue treat that looks beautiful and taste delicious. 

Having the right space is important if you love to host events. If you are looking for apartments in Chicago, Illinois, River North Park is perfect. Visit our website to learn more about our apartment community.

The post Easy, Fun, and Tasty Fourth of July Treats appeared first on River North Park Apartments Blog.

Here are a few reasons why we hope our River North Park community residents add seasonal berries to their summer menu, and maybe toss a few in the freezer for later.

Blueberries are Good for You and They Taste Great, Too

Blueberries are small, but don't let the small size fool you into thinking they aren't powerful. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, these sweet bite-sized fruits offer a myriad of health benefits.

Studies have shown that consuming at least three servings a week of some fruits, including blueberries, reducE the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 7 percent. Other studies confirm this fiber-dense, calcium-rich food improves bone health, lowers cardiac disease risks, and boosts the immune system.

Blueberries are versatile. Add a few to the morning cereal bowl. Top waffles or French Toast with ½ cup of berries instead of syrup to lower blood glucose levels. Or snack on a few while watching your favorite series as a salty-snack alternative. We recommend this blueberry blast smoothie for a quick pick-me-up any time of the day.

Blueberry Protein Blast Smoothie Recipe

Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender or smoothie maker. (Follow your appliance directions for the order.)

• 1 cup fresh blueberries

• 1 large banana, peeled and sliced into chunks

• 1 cup almond milk

• ½ cup yogurt, cottage cheese or tofu (Greek yogurt normally provides the highest protein count)

Variations:

• Add 2 tablespoons organic chia seed.
• Add one scoop vanilla protein powder.
• Add ¼ cup raw, slivered almonds.
• Replace yogurt with one large avocado, peeled and pitted.
• Add 2 tablespoons organic cacao powder.
• Substitute water or juice for nut milk.

Serve immediately.

When something this good for you tastes this delicious, you'll want to try different variations every day of the week. And, if trying something different means you'll be moving soon, we invite you to take a tour of our Chicago apartments today. Give us a call or visit our office to schedule a tour!

The post Celebrate National Blueberry Month With This Smoothie appeared first on River North Park Apartments Blog.

Why Cauliflower?

It’s firm enough to pass as rice and soft enough when cooked to make a tasty sauce. It’s also packed with fiber and vitamins C and B. Plus, no carbs.

Turning Cauliflower Into Alfredo Sauce

It’s easier than you might think, especially with an elegant kitchen like you'll find in our apartments in Chicago, Illinois. The ingredients you need:

• Sea salt and coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 head cauliflower
• 1 cup 2-percent milk
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 clove garlic, lightly smashed
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan

Start by cutting up the cauliflower into smaller pieces. The goal is to have at least 2 cups of florets.

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil and then add the florets. Let them cook until tender.

Spoon out the cooked cauliflower and put it into a colander to drain. Set aside the water you used to boil the cauliflower in, though. Do not discard it. You can use it to cook your pasta after the sauce is ready.

Put the drained and cooked cauliflower into a blender and add the 2-percent milk. Puree until smooth.

Place the butter and garlic into a large skillet and heat until the butter melts. Stir in the pureed cauliflower and cook the sauce for two minutes.

Take the pan off the heat, spoon out the garlic and then stir in the parmesan cheese. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper.

With the cauliflower sauce complete, you can add whatever protein you choose, like grilled chicken or shrimp. It is also good without meat. For an added healthy bonus, use gluten-free noodles.

Nothing says "tasty" like good Alfredo sauce, so why not go a step further and make it healthy, too? Give us a call to tour our available apartments in Chicago and see your next chef-caliber kitchen.

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