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Spring marks the beginning of strawberry season, which makes this an ideal time to try out a few new recipes. These tasty berries can add sweetness to meals and snacks while also providing you with important nutrients. The following are a few strawberry recipes to try this spring.
Chicken and Strawberry Cobb Salad
This salad is a healthy and refreshing meal, whether you have it for lunch or dinner. To make it, whisk lime zest, olive oil, honey, and lime juice together first to form the dressing. Add a bit of salt and pepper for seasoning, then set this bowl to the side. Put romaine lettuce in a separate bowl, then add sliced strawberries, grilled and sliced chicken breast, crumbled feta, cooked peas, sliced avocado, and sliced red onions. Add salt and pepper for more seasoning if desired, then add the dressing before serving.
Strawberry French Toast Bake
This is a great recipe to make for breakfast or Sunday brunch. Start by coating sliced strawberries lightly with sugar. In a separate bowl, mix softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, grated orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Cut a cinnamon loaf into small pieces, and place half of these in a greased baking dish. Add the cream cheese mixture to the baking dish, then add the strawberry slices and the remaining loaf pieces. Whisk the half-and-half cream and eggs, then pour this mixture into the baking dish. Cover the dish, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake the next day at 350 degrees for about 40 to 45 minutes. Top with whipped cream and strawberry slices before serving.
Cinnamon-Strawberry Sundae
This tasty recipe is the perfect dessert to have after lunch or dinner on a warm spring day. To make it, melt butter in a saucepan, then add lime juice, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Cook on medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Add sliced strawberries, then cook for an additional 2 minutes. Serve with scoops of vanilla ice cream, and add grated lime zest for extra flavoring if desired.
You can enjoy your strawberry recipes on your own patio or balcony at our apartments in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Contact us to learn about our floor plans, amenities, and more.
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In the fall, if you're like many Oregonians, you probably enjoy picking apples at one of the city's nearby orchards. The fruit are, of course, delicious to eat straight off the trees. But what about any leftover apples you might have? Is there anything special you can do with those? Fortunately, the answer is yes. If you have an instant pot, you can make this delicious homemade applesauce.
What are the Best Apples to Use?
Although you can use just about any type of apple to make a delicious applesauce, many cooks prefer to use Granny Smith, Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Golden Delicious. And you don't have to use just one variety. In fact, many cooks suggest using two different types to give your applesauce additional flavor.
Ingredients:
- 3 pound apples
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions:
- Peel and core the apples, then chop into small pieces.
- Add all ingredients to your instant pot
- Cover the pot and secure.
- Pressure cook the ingredients for five minutes on high.
- Allow instant pot to natural release for approximately ten minutes.
- To release the remaining steam from your instant pot, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Carefully remove the lid from your instant pot.
- Stir ingredients and serve.
Canning Your Homemade Applesauce
If you love applesauce, you might want to consider making extra and canning it. When canned properly, homemade applesauce can last for about a year. To can:
- Fill properly sterilized jars with your applesauce, leaving about a half inch of space from the top.
- Scrape down the insides of the jar and remove any air bubbles from your applesauce with a rubber spatula.
- Wipe the rims of your jars clean.
- Place the jars of applesauce in a water-bath canner and process for approximately 20 mintues.
Have you been searching for a beautiful apartment community where you can enjoy Oregon's gorgeous fall days? Then, please stop by and check out our apartments in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Our community features an open park-like setting, a lovely pool, a sun deck, and a courtyard. We're sure you'll also fall in love with the vaulted ceilings and cozy fireplaces in our pet-friendly apartments. Contact us today to learn more.
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When winter settles in, the state of Oregon sees more rain and more clouds. But don't let the lack of sunshine get you down or steal your internal sunshine. Serve up these blues-curing drinks in your Lake Oswego apartment, and you'll get a little sunshine-like warmth from the inside to carry you over until spring.
Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate
Nothing beats the moody blues like yummy hot cocoa, and this version gives you the soothing sweetness without all the fat or dairy that traditional hot chocolate has. Made with almond milk, unsweetened chocolate chips, and unsweetened cocoa, this cup of goodness is silky smooth and oh-so-yummy. Top off the cup of dairy-free hot chocolate with a dab of whipped heavy cream or coconut whipped cream, and sprinkle the top with more cocoa for an added touch. Friends who get this drink when they swing by for a visit will leave your apartment feeling like they just got a much-needed hug.
Hot Not Toddy
Known as the soothing remedy for colds, the flu and more, the traditional hot toddy is made with alcohol. However, this version of the famous drink is still hot without alcohol, so it is referred to as a Hot Not Toddy. Mix together seven ounces of hot tea, honey to sweeten, and a splash of lemon juice (along with a few spices), and you have a sip-worthy drink that easily busts any feelings of winter-season sadness. The collaboration of tea, honey, citrus, and spices soothes your body and your mind.
Nonalcoholic Winter Sangria
Sangria is the epitome of summer drinks with all its bright color and flavor, but with a few little changes, you can have a winter sangria that is just as bright, just as cheer-inducing and just as pleasing. Orange slices, grapefruit-flavored sparkling water, caramelized cranberries, pomegranate juice—this drink is filled with a ton of color, a ton of flavor, and a ton of happiness. Garnish the orange and red concoction with contrasting cinnamon sticks, fresh cranberries, or a rim coating of sparkling sugar for good measure.
No matter how long the winter clouds may linger, you'll feel a bit of upbeat happiness with these cozy drinks around. Talk to us at Kruseway Commons to find out why people love entertaining in our Lake Oswego apartments.
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Did you know it's possible to grow herbs indoors? The residents of our Lake Oswego, OR apartments do it all the time! If you're interested in trying out your green thumb in the herb-growing space, here are some plants that do well indoors.
1. Chives
Have you ever bought too many chives and wound up throwing away much of the bunch? That can be a frustrating waste of money, but it doesn't have to be that way. Chives typically grow well indoors, which means you can have them available, fresh, and ready to go whenever you need them. Try making these creamy chive potatoes when the weather starts getting colder. They'll warm your belly and keep you full.
2. Mint
Whether you're reaching for an after-work mojito or you've found an entree recipe you can't live without, mint will be right by your side with your indoor herb garden. Get fancy and impress your guests with pork chops with pistachio salmuera. You'll wow your fellow diners while making good use of your freshly grown mint.
3. Basil
Basil is a lot heartier than you might think it is. Look for the smaller globe-type basil so you don't run into the space issues larger plants can cause. This lemon basil chicken recipe is ready to eat in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect meal after a long day's work.
4. Bay Leaves
Although bay leaves prefer to grow outside when the weather's warm, they'll do just fine inside your apartment. You may not use bay leaves in your everyday cooking, but they can really add a great flavor to certain dishes. Take this quick and easy ratatouille, for instance—one bay leaf is all you need to impart a great flavor that accompanies the many veggies that go into this dish.
5. Cilantro
Cilantro is another one of those herbs that often gets thrown out before it can all be eaten. It's much less of a waste when you can simply clip a few leaves off the plant you have in your living room. This 5-ingredient cilantro vinaigrette will lighten up any salad.
Your indoor herbs need lots of natural light, and our Kruseway Commons apartments in Lake Oswego are happy to provide it. Stop by so we can give you a personal tour of our community today!
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Lake Oswego, Oregon, is a great place to live all year. The location is fantastic, and the summer weather here is mild compared to much of the country. Even still, some summer days can get a little toasty.
Summer is also a great time for entertaining. When you entertain, you’ll need dessert, of course! But no one wants to crank up the oven on those warm summer days. That’s why we’ve gathered these three awesome summer desserts that you can make at home, all without heating up your kitchen.
Can’t Go Wrong With No-Bakes
No-bake cookies are a perennial favorite and for good reason. They are the perfect blend of chocolate, peanut butter, and oats, giving you a delicious chewy, gooey mixture of flavors. We like this recipe from the website Live Well, Bake Often. You do need to heat up the mixture on the stove, so there is a small amount of heat involved. It shouldn’t be enough to make a difference in your apartment, though.
Homemade Popsicles are Easier Than You Think
A favorite for kids and adults alike on a hot day, popsicles will be a hit at your next gathering. What’s better than store-bought pops? Homemade, of course. First, pick up a popsicle mold from Amazon (or just use shot glasses if that’s more your style). Pour in your preferred fruit juice and mix in some fruit puree, whole blueberries or diced fruit. Mix in some applesauce for a smoothie-pop consistency. Freeze and enjoy!
Hosting an adults-only gathering? Try adding your favorite booze to the process above.
No-Bake Cheesecake, Twice as Fast
You can make this no-bake cheesecake in about half the time as the real deal, and since there are no eggs in it, you’ll never have to turn on the oven. The filling is made from whipped cream, cream cheese, sour cream, and lemon juice. The crust? Just crushed graham crackers and butter.
These summer desserts are sure to please, and you don’t have to worry about your kitchen heating up from using the oven. And if you’re looking for apartments in Lake Oswego, Oregon, look no further than Kruseway Commons. Reach out today to learn about the luxurious amenities we offer.
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Planning to have a game night with your friends at one of your apartments in Lake Oswego? While the right game choice is vital, picking the right snacks to keep everyone satisfied and happy while they play is just as important, too. At the same time, you shouldn’t have to slave over a stove all day either. Consider these easy snack ideas, and you’ll be the hero at the next game night!
Simple Snack Ideas for Game Night at Your Lake Oswego Apartment
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Slow Cooker Chili Cheese Dip – Chunk a block of Velveeta cheese; add a can of chili (without beans) and a can of diced mild jalapenos. Cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours and stir every hour or so. If the dip seems too thick, you can add a little milk to thin it out. Serve with sour cream and extra sliced jalapenos on the side, and you’ll have a warm, delicious chili cheese dip perfect for eating with tortilla chips or as a filling for flour tortillas.
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Easy Flatbreads – Most bakery departments offer a wide variety of flatbread and naan bread (Flat Out is one national brand). Top with your choice of marinara, barbeque sauce, cheese, veggies and diced deli meat, and bake at 350 degrees for about 8 minutes for a fast, easy flatbread snack that will look impressive and take only minutes to prepare. This is a snack but feels hearty enough to serve as a meal – especially when served with some fruit (see below).
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Fruit Skewers – Grab some pre-cut fruit and grapes from the produce department and skewer them. Serve with a premade fruit dip for an easy-to-eat, mess-free fruit snack. With all the other less-than-healthy snacks, it may make you feel good to eat something with some nutrition in it to keep you going with the gaming all night long.
Game night and every other night is even better when you have the perfect place to call home. Check out our currently available apartments in Lake Oswego at Kruseway Commons and schedule a walkthrough.
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Are you planning to host a St. Patrick’s Day party in your Lake Oswego apartments? Then you’ll want to study up on these perfect cocktails for the Irish holiday! Remember to stock up on cocktail party accessories, too, like cocktail napkins, stirrers, and beautiful serving glasses!
Irish Coffee
No St. Patrick’s Day party would be complete without the option of ending the evening with an Irish coffee. This traditional beverage is made by adding just a dram of Irish whiskey to a hot cup of regular coffee, along with a teaspoon of sugar and a dollop of whipped cream on top. Garnish with a sprinkling of nutmeg or cinnamon.
Irish Redhead
Serve in a short cocktail glass with plenty of ice. Make it with a two drams of whiskey, a dash of Sprite and a dash of grenadine for color and sweetness.
Jack Knife
Bailey’s Irish Cream is a favorite of the Irish, and the Jack Knife makes good use of this yummy beverage. Combine two drams of Irish whiskey with two drams of Bailey’s Irish Cream. Serve chilled.
Irish Derby
Named for the annual horse competition held each year in Ireland, the Irish Derby will be very welcome at your Kruseway Commons apartments St. Patrick’s Day party. Serve in a martini glass. Combine Irish whiskey, vermouth and lime juice for a smooth, strong finish.
Spiked Lemonade
If your St. Patrick’s Day party takes place on a hot day, consider this cooling cocktail straight from the shores of the Emerald Isle. To regular iced lemonade, add a dram of Irish whiskey and a tablespoon of honey. Stir to combine. Serve over ice.
Irish Doe
Aptly named for the beautiful deer of Ireland, the Irish Doe cocktail is made with a dram of Irish whiskey, plus a good amount of pomegranate liqueur. Garnish with a wedge of lime or lemon to add zing. Serve in a tall glass over ice.
Hot Buttered Jamie
If your St. Patrick’s Day party takes place on a chilly day, warm up guests with this concoction of Irish tea, a long pour of Irish whiskey, a tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of melted butter.
Life at Kruseway Commons apartments in Oswego Lake is even better when you can share it with friends. Contact us today to check out our floor plans for great options for your friends and loved ones!
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Celebrate Valentine’s Day by hosting a dinner party for your favorite people at your home in the prestigious Kruseway Commons Apartments in Portland. Impress your guests with a Valentine-themed dinner and make it fun by serving only pink and red foods. Make it a tad more casual by keeping with a finger-food theme! Here are a few fun food ideas for your Valentine’s Day dinner party for your favorite friends in Lake Oswego.
The Perfect Valentine Themed Dinner Party Fare Menu
- Ham, Cream Cheese, and Red Pepper Jelly Canapés – These delicious canapés are the perfect bite for a casual, finger-food dinner!
- Mini-Cheesy Potato Gratin Stacks – Inspired by a recipe from Julia Child, these irresistible potato gratin stacks are great for vegetarians!
- Deviled Eggs with Ham – Spice up your ordinary deviled eggs with a distinctive, savory flavor from delicious smoked ham.
- Pomegranate Chicken – With a taste of comfort in every bite, this slow braised chicken with pomegranate molasses and chilies will delight even the pickiest guests!
- Red Velvet Cupcakes – Quite possibly the perfect hand-held Valentine’s dessert, everyone is sure to love this heavenly treat!
- Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries – So simple, yet so elegant, these cheesecake-stuffed strawberries will be the talk of the party, for sure.
- Raspberry Rosé Collins – A great adult-beverage party drink, this delicious and refreshing Valentine concoction is sure to please everyone!
- Tequila Smash – A winning combination of tequila and fresh fruit, this tempting libation might be pretty, but it has a real bite—perfect for kicking your Valentine's party up a notch!
- Homemade Valentine Candy Gifts – If you would like to give your dinner party guests a Valentine’s favor to take home with them, check out these homemade candies you can make yourself!
We have the perfect space for entertaining at Kruseway Commons Apartments in Portland. We welcome you to check out the floor plans here and take a tour of the property at your convenience. If you’re looking for a new home, Kruseway Commons Apartments in Lake Oswego is the perfect choice for quality living in Metropolitan Portland’s most prestigious suburban landscape!
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Residents in Lake Oswego apartments aren't known for being sticklers for tradition, so no one will fault you if you decide to serve up some juicy steaks for Thanksgiving instead of the good ol' turkey standby. But what goes with steak for Thanksgiving? Here are six ideas for creative sides to go with a Thanksgiving steak for your Lake Oswego, Oregon Thanksgiving!
6 Sides for Thanksgiving Steak
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Toss the sweet potato fries in potato starch or cornstarch first and then coat them with oil. Then bake them like you normally would for a crispy side to go with that T-bone.
- Mushrooms on Toast: Give your Thanksgiving steak a British twist with a side of sautéed mushrooms on toast. Cook the mushrooms slowly with some onion slices thrown in and a dash of parsley towards the end. Serve the mushrooms with a fork on a slice of toast.
- Arugula, Pears and Blue Cheese Salad: This is a salad with really bold flavors to go with a nice steak and a glass of red wine. Top the arugula off with sliced pears and crumbly blue cheese, and then drizzle a warm vinaigrette over the top for a dressing.
- Kale and Potato Gratin: This is a recipe that calls for just a dash of milk for the gratin and a small sampling of cheese. The kale adds a dash of sweetness for a great Thanksgiving side dish.
- Balsamic-Glazed Pearl Onions: You might not think onions could make a great side dish, but with Thanksgiving steak you get to break the rules, right? Boil the pearl onions first and then sautée them in summer butter for a minute. Then bring them to a boil in some chicken stock and balsamic vinegar.
- Braised Radishes, Shallots and Bacon: Who doesn't like a little bacon with their steak? Cook the bacon until it's crispy first, and then toss in some sliced radishes. Once the radishes start to brown, add the shallots for a delicious Thanksgiving side.
Don't forget that the community's outdoor lounge has a fully equipped kitchen. You can also check the Kruseway Commons website to see what floor plans are currently available!
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