Lemon-Lime Punch With Rosemary

It is easy to pull this delicious Southern concoction together when you are short on time.

Ingredients

• 6 cups of preferred lemon-lime soft drink
• 6 cups of limeade
• 1 pt. of lime sorbet
• 1 pt. of lemon sorbet
• Fresh rosemary sprigs, two to three
• Lemon and lime slices for garnish

Stir the limeade and soft drink together into a large punch bowl. Scoop out both sorbet flavors and place them in the punch. Add your fresh rosemary sprig and start serving immediately.

Apple-Spice Iced Tea

Looking for a nice twist on serving traditional iced tea? Give it some holiday flair using this recipe.

Ingredients

• One 12-oz can of apple juice concentrate
• 2 qt. of hot unsweetened tea
• 1 split vanilla bean
• 1 sliced piece of 3-inch fresh ginger
• Three 3-inch cinnamon sticks
• 1 sliced lemon

Stir the apple juice, hot unsweetened tea, vanilla bean, cinnamon sticks, ginger, and lemon together in a container. Place the container in the refrigerator to chill for 24 hours, giving the punch an occasional stir. Remove the cinnamon, ginger and vanilla bean before serving it to your guests over ice.

Chocolate and Raspberry Milk Punch

The following recipe is a great option if you are looking for something chocolatey to serve your guests at your next holiday gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of heavy cream
• ¾ cups of chocolate syrup
• 1 qt. of 2% low-fat milk
• 2 strips of orange rind
• ½ cup of seedless raspberry jam

Place the cream, milk and orange rinds into a large saucepan and simmer over medium heat, stirring it often. Remove the mixture from the heat and whisk in the raspberry jam and chocolate syrup. Throw the orange rind away and serve to your guests in festive holiday cups.

Let us know how these recipes worked out for you by contacting Candlewood North apartments in Northwood, CA at (866) 796-2183.

The post 3 Recipes for a Flavorful Holiday Punch appeared first on Candlewood North Blog.

1. Spice Up Your Night With Hot Buttered Rum

The Harry Potter series floated the notion of butterbeer. Although one can only imagine what it tastes like, you won’t need a degree from Hogwarts to fix this potion.

Gather These Ingredients

• 3 ½ ounces of room-temperature butter
• 2 tablespoons of cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of nutmeg
• Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum
• Boiling water

Combine the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg together in a mixing bowl until it is a cream. Scoop a glob and place it in a bourbon glass. Pour in boiling water and mix thoroughly. Then add a shot of spiced rum and stir.

2. Chai-Infused Hot Toddy

The Hot Toddy is an old-school classic that may bring back some fond memories. This chai-infused hot beverage puts a contemporary spin on the iconic beverage you may enjoy.

Gather These Ingredients

• 4 cups of hot water
• 8 chai tea bags
• ½ cup of granulated sugar
• 2 cups of milk
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
• Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum

Bring the water to a boil and integrate the chai tea bags. Steep for up to 10 minutes, depending on how strong you want the chai flavor. Bring the milk to a mild boil and mix in the sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Remove the tea bags and combine the two hot mixtures together. Pour into mugs and add spiced rum to the strength you desire.

3. Easy-Make Hot Orange-Infused Cider

Hot cider is a welcome classic fall and winter beverage. This orange-twist on traditional recipes is as easy as pie to make. Well, easier than pie.  

Gather These Ingredients

• 2 liters of quality apple cider
• 1 ripe orange (sliced)
• American whiskey (of choice)
• 1 teaspoon of nutmeg
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar

Warm the cider over low heat on the stove. Once warm, add the orange slices, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. Use a ladle to scoop the hot cider into a mug and add whiskey to the desired amount.

We hope our Candlewood North residents find these hot beverage recipes useful. If you or a friend would like more information about our Northridge apartments, call us today.

The post 3 Hot Adult Beverages for Cold Nights appeared first on Candlewood North Blog.

Taco Salad

The summer months are a perfect time to enjoy those cool, refreshing salads. The meal we’ll feature here is the taco salad. Start by grabbing your favorite lettuce — whether that’s iceberg, romaine, or spinach (we recommend spinach). Then you’ll want to choose your toppings. A good combination of toppings includes black beans, avocado, shredded cheese, tomatoes, onions, and chipotle ranch dressing. To make your own delicious southwest dressing, you can also mix ranch with your favorite salsa. Taco salads are a scrumptious summertime treat the whole family can enjoy.

Shrimp Scampi

While summertime is great for fresh salads, pasta is another meal that's ideal during the warm months. For this meal, we’ll discuss shrimp scampi with angel hair pasta. Start by going to the store and purchasing some fresh shrimp. Then you’ll want to buy some angel hair pasta, olive oil, white wine, and some seasonings. While you’re cooking the pasta, you’ll want to sauté the shrimp, remove it, sauté the garlic, then add the wine and other seasonings. After that, you'll add the shrimp and noodles back into the pan to cook together. This meal is a protein-packed, hearty option everyone can enjoy on a cool summer evening.

Homemade Pizza

Who doesn’t love pizza? And since your kids are home from school on summer vacation, summertime is a great time to get the family together for homemade pizza night. Making pizza as a family is a perfect way to bring everyone together while cooking amazing food at the same time. Start by purchasing pizza dough, enough to make a pizza or two, or more if you have a large family. Then you’ll need pizza sauce, cheese, and any toppings you prefer. To really make things fun, have your kids choose whatever toppings they want. To cook, preheat the oven to 425, press the dough onto a pan, add the sauce, throw on some cheese, then place your toppings. After cooking for around 15-20 minutes, your kids will be blown away at the amazing pizza they helped design. Cooking pizza with the family helps to connect with everyone while enjoying delicious pizza on a beautiful summer night.

If you’re looking for apartments in Northridge, CA to make all your favorite summertime meals, then call Candlewood North today to learn more!

The post Cool Eats For Hot Days appeared first on Candlewood North Blog.

By batching the cooking task, you can prepare a week’s worth of meals on your day off from the comfort of your Northridge apartment! In addition to the saved time, it saves money on restaurant meals and automates healthy eating choices.

Here are Candlewood North’s three favorite easy meal prep recipes to get you started!

1) Chicken/quinoa Bowl

Season and cook a whole package of lean boneless chicken breasts to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Simmer two cups of dry quinoa in four cups of water or broth for 25 minutes for a week’s worth.

• 6 ounces chicken breast, marinated, pre-cooked, cubed
• 1 cup precooked quinoa
• 1 cup roasted broccoli
• 1/2 cup roasted tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons feta cheese
• Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper

2) Pasta Salad

Pasta salads are easy to make and keep all week. Using protein-rich chickpea pasta makes it even healthier.

• 8 ounces chickpea pasta, boiled 7 minutes, strained
• 8 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces cucumber, chopped
• 4 ounces red onion, chopped
• 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, chopped
• 4 ounces salami, chopped
• 1/2 cup olives, pitted
• 1/4 cup parsley
• Dress with olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and sugar

3. Vegan Chili

Sauté the veggies first, then stew ingredients for 30 minutes or longer.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 jalepeño, seeded, diced
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin, ground
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1 cup dried lentils
• 3 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 15 ounces cooked black beans
• 15 ounces cooked kidney beans
• Garnish with avocado, jalapeño, scallions

Prep any of these recipes and you'll be eating happy all week! Call or visit the staff at Candlewood North today for more tips to live healthy in Northridge, California.

The post 3 Tasty Meals to Prep for Healthy Eating on the Go appeared first on Candlewood North Blog.

A sweating glass, a lot of ice, a little bite: Summer cocktails are something we look forward to all year long. And what better way to celebrate the season than to try something a little different? Here are a few delicious concoctions that are sure to cool you down in Northridge apartments.

1. Pomegranate Martini

If you like pomegranates, then this is a great way to honor the summer fruit. The color of the martini will instantly pair with the bright blooms outside. Plus, you can pair the flavors with practically anything if you're looking to mix things up. Throw a bit of citrus juice in the martini to sweeten it up or add flavor dimension, or try it with chocolate cake or ice cream. You can make this beverage with either vodka or gin. 

2. Watermelon-Tequila Cocktails 

If you loved watermelon on all those Fourth of July barbecues, then you may want to update the classic into something you'll really enjoy as an adult. This recipe uses seedless watermelon and combines the strained juice with blueberries, citrus, silver tequila, and syrup. It will be extra tasty when you use it to wash down a burger or a hot dog fresh off the grill. Mix up a batch of watermelon-tequila cocktails and watch them disappear at your next pool party. 

3. Strawberry Daiquiris 

Most people tend to order strawberry daiquiris only when they're out because this cocktail may seem like a difficult drink to make. But the key to a professional strawberry daiquiri isn't going to a bar, but having a good blender that can handle all that fruit. When you consider the markup on daiquiris, it's worth it to invest in a solid blender that can take the extra pressure. Try this recipe at a garden party when you want something extra refreshing. 

When the valley heat really starts to turn up, you'll be glad you have these cocktail recipes in your back pocket. It only takes one ice-cold drink paired with one red-hot sunset to make a summer memory you'll keep forever. If you're looking for a new kitchen where you can make all your favorite cocktail recipes, try touring Candlewood North to learn more about our many amenities. 

The post 3 Cocktails to Make This Summer appeared first on Candlewood North Blog.

If you're on a health and fitness mission, you might wonder what you'll do at the barbecue. Worry not! Grilling vegetables and even fruits is very much a thing. Grilled pineapples and barbecue sauce are amazing!

Right now, sweet potatoes are in season. So, here is a recipe to inspire cooking with local harvests and to help you into the California patio mindset.  

Grilled Sweet Potatoes in Season

This luscious sweet potato dish is high in potassium and fiber and a natural source of vitamins A and C. It takes all of ten minutes to prepare and is ready to grill while you enjoy refreshments and conversation. 

Ingredients

2 plump sweet potatoes

2 tablespoons avocado oil

2 tablespoons organic brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Salt and black pepper as desired

Instructions

Cut the sweet potatoes into cubes, about 1 inch square, then cut again into 1/2-inch cubes.

Preheat the patio grill to medium-high level.

Divide your potato cubes into four foil boats and divide up the avocado oil to top them off.

Sprinkle the brown sugar, cumin, the two kinds of pepper and the salt over the cubes as well.

Fold up the corners of the foil boats to form closed pouches for the barbecue grill. 

Place on the preheated barbecue grill. Cook, moving the pouches every few minutes, to cook the cubes evenly.

Continue the grilling up to 30 minutes, until the potato cubes become tender and thoroughly cooked.

And for the Protein

For a health-conscious and hearty accompaniment, why not try a farro salad? Farro is a high-protein dish. It's fantastic when cooked and mixed with diced artichoke and red pepper, sliced olives, and a light oil and vinegar dressing.

Serve it hot or cold.

Sharing Is Caring!

When enjoying good times on the patio at our beautiful Northridge, CA apartments, invite your friends to enjoy the patio. As a matter of fact, we hope they come home to the Candlewood North Apartments. Call (866) 796-2183 or get in touch online if we can offer a tour!

The post Barbecue: It’s For Veggies, Too! (Recipe) appeared first on Candlewood North Blog.

It’s nice to come home to your Northridge apartments and whip up an adult beverage. But whether you’re making a single serving or mixing cocktails for guests, some drinks can get expensive. You don’t really need a cocktail that has 15 different ingredients to enjoy yourself. Here are three easy-to-make, cheap cocktails that you can whip up anytime without overspending.  

Hot Toddy 

When it’s chilly outdoors, a hot toddy is a classic drink that will warm you up. It’s easy to make, and you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand. 

What You’ll Need: 

• 1.5 ounces of rum, brandy, or whiskey 
• 1 cup of hot water
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tea bag
• ¼ of a lemon 

How to Make It:
Coat the bottom of your mug with a bit of honey. Add the liquor as well as the lemon juice. Heat water and add tea bag, making hot tea. Pour tea into the mug and stir well. Drink immediately. 

Cuba Libre 

The Cuba Libre is not only a popular drink, but you can also make it in a jiffy. The mix of rum and Coke are classic, and a bit of lemon juice lightens it up. 

What You’ll Need: 

• 2 ounces of light rum
• Coke
• Half a lemon, juiced

How to Make It:
Squeeze the lemon juice into a glass, and then top with the rum. Fill the rest of the glass with Coke, or Diet Coke if desired. Add ice cubes if you prefer it chilled. 

Cape Codder 

A Cape Codder is a simple drink that consists of a shot of vodka and a bit of juice on ice. It’s generally made with cranberry juice, and a bit of vodka and cranberry juice are inexpensive ingredients. 

What You’ll Need: 

• 2 ounces of vodka 
• 3 ounces of cranberry juice (use lite juice if you want to reduce calories and sugar)
• Lime wedges 

How to Make It: 

Pour vodka into a highball glass along with ice cubes. Top with the cranberry juice. Stir well to combine. Squeeze a wedge of lime into the drink and then add the lime to the drink. 

You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a cocktail alone or with friends. If you’re drinking with friends looking for apartments in Northridge, CA, have them contact our office to learn more about the options we have available. 

The post 3 Cheap Cocktails You Can Make at Home to Save Money appeared first on Candlewood North Blog.

Perfect Wines for Fall

• Grenache: A Grenache is considered one of the best wines to savor in the fall. It sometimes has a higher alcohol content, but that's okay in cooler temperatures! The region the Grenache comes from can have a big impact on flavor. American Grenache relies on raspberries and cloves for flavor, while the French and Italian varieties use dried strawberries. It goes great with a pork roast or traditional Moroccan dishes.
• Marsanne/Rousanne: These are two white wines from the Northern Rhône region. Blend them together for an aromatic white with pear and nut flavors — perfect for fall! It's a delicious complement to a fall meal of roast turkey.
• Barbera: Barbera is considered northern Italy's "wine of the people." Argentina and Napa Valley also make great varieties of Barbera. The oak-heavy versions can have more of a chocolate or vanilla "kick" to them. Barbera is the perfect accompaniment to a pot roast or meatloaf.
• Dolcetto: This dry wine is another one popular in northern Italy. Dolcetto has more tannin than a Barbera but is less acidic. It's a delightful mixture of fruit and bitterness for a chilly evening, and it goes well with a hearty beef stew or onion rings.
• Carignan: How about a great cranberry-flavored wine for the fall? This medium-bodied red pairs well with almost any meal. Wine connoisseurs recommend the new varieties of Carignan coming out of central Chile, as well as the more traditional ones from the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France.

We hope you enjoy those delicious fall flavors as it gets cooler outside! Don't forget, we have floor plans available for viewing if you have friends or acquaintances looking at apartments in Northridge. Just have them call the leasing office at (866) 796-2183.

The post 5 Wines to Transition into Fall appeared first on Candlewood North Blog.

Summer is the perfect time for lounging by the resort-style pool or community grilling area at your Northridge apartments at Candlewood North. However, you can also relax in the air conditioning in your Northridge apartment. Here are four refreshing summer drink recipes to help keep you cool:

1. Watermelon Cucumber Sangria

Ingredients

2 cups watermelon chunks
1 cup watermelon juice
1 seedless cucumber, thinly sliced
2 limes, thinly sliced
1/4 cup mint leaves
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup lime juice
1 1-liter bottle chilled carbonated water
1 750-ml bottle semi-dry white wine, chilled
Mint sprigs (optional)

Directions

Combine all ingredients except the carbonated water and mint sprigs, stirring gently. Chill for 2 hours. When ready to serve, add carbonated water. Garnish each glass with a mint sprig. Serves 6 to 8.

2. Guava Lemonade Fizz

Ingredients

6 ounces guava nectar
1/2 ounce St. Germain liqueur
1 1/2 ounces vodka
1 tablespoon fresh lemon
Sparkling water
Maraschino cherries

Directions

Combine ingredients, stirring lightly. Garnish with cherries. Makes one drink.

3. Pink Rhubarb Lemonade

Ingredients

5 cups fresh rhubarb, cut into small pieces
2 1/2 cups water
3/4 cup sugar
1 1-liter bottle lemon-lime carbonated beverage, chilled
1 can frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
Fresh mint leaves and lemon slices to garnish (optional)

Directions

Heat rhubarb and water to boiling in a large saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer covered for five minutes. Cool and strain; discard pulp. Add lemonade concentrate and sugar; stir until sugar is dissolved. Chill for 24 hours. To serve, combine lemon-lime mixture with rhubarb mixture, then garnish. Serves 6 to 8.

4. Pineapple-Cinnamon Margaritas

Ingredients

10 lime wedges
3 cups orange liqueur
2 1/2 cups tequila
2 cups pineapple juice
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lime juice
1 cup powdered sugar
Ice cubes
Cinnamon sticks (optional)

Directions

Combine tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur and sugar in a pitcher until sugar is dissolved. Add pineapple juice, stir and chill. Create a cinnamon and sugar mixture on a small plate. Rub rims of glasses with lime, then dip the rims in the sugar mixture. Serve and garnish with cinnamon sticks. Serves 6 to 8.

Stay cool this summer at your Northridge apartments with these summer drink recipes. If you don’t live at Candlewood North yet, give us a call to find out about availability.

The post 4 Summer Drink Recipes You Must Try appeared first on Candlewood North Blog.