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.

1. Apple and Walnut Salad

Apples are everywhere this time of year, so it only makes sense that they should be on your salad plate, too. With this Apple and Walnut Salad, you can enjoy the crisp, fresh taste of the lettuce and apples, alongside the crunch of toasted walnuts. The crumbled gorgonzola cheese brings all the flavors together in perfect harmony.

2. Beet Salad With Arugula and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Beets are often an overlooked vegetable, but they're so good for the body. They bring a combination of fiber, folate and vitamin C, which can be essential when cold season shows up. To get these good ingredients into your body, add some fresh beets to baby arugula, feta cheese, and toasted pecans. Top it off with some dried cranberries to complete a sensational salad.

3. Blackberry Spinach Salad

Blackberries contain a wide variety of vitamins, including A, C, E, and B. They're also rich in potassium, magnesium and powerful antioxidants. When placed atop a bed of spinach, these delicious little berries will burst with flavor, particularly when they're accompanied by cherry tomatoes, green onion slices, and chopped walnuts.

4. Broccoli Salad

Broccoli loves autumn, which is why this is the perfect time of year to concoct a side dish or lunch salad that puts this veggie in its best light. It pairs well with sunflower seeds, bacon bits, and dried cranberries, among a few other fall-favorite ingredients.

5. Fig Salad With Goat Cheese and Baby Arugula

If figs aren't normally on your dinner plate, maybe this fall season will inspire you to branch out and try something new. When served with goat cheese and toasted walnuts, these little beauties take on a life of their own.
 

Are you searching for an apartment that'll welcome you home every time the day is done? Candlewood North is proud to provide peaceful respite to our residents. We invite you to check out our available floor plans today!

The post Salads Inspired by Autumn’s Freshest Foods appeared first on Candlewood North Blog.

Strawberry Shortbread Bars

Move over shortcake! Shortbread bars are here to elevate the flavor of strawberries in ways you have only imagined. To make these bars, you will need:

• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 cups butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup strawberry puree

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy. In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch and flour. Then, slowly add the flour and cornstarch to the butter mixture while mixing on low.

Grease a 9-by-13-inch pan and pour in the shortbread batter. In a decorative design, pour the strawberry puree over the top and swirl it with a butter knife. Bake for 45 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Slice into generous pieces after the shortbread has cooled a bit but is still warm.

Pickled Strawberries

Although it might seem strange, pickling your strawberries seals in the freshness and builds on their bold flavors. To accomplish this feat, gather up:

• 4 cups strawberries
• 1 1/2 cups balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt

Wash the strawberries and remove the stems and leaves. Stack the prepared whole strawberries in one-quart jars, stopping just before the rim. Using a medium saucepan, cook the balsamic vinegar, white sugar and salt over medium-high heat. Stir frequently to help the sugar and salt fully dissolve. Once the mixture boils, remove the saucepan from the heat. Next, pour the mixture into the strawberry-filled jars. Let the jars cool, and put a lid on the strawberries. They keep in the fridge for about five days.

While you make these tantalizing recipes, treat yourself to a tall glass of ice-cold strawberry lemonade. And when you are done, give us a call at 866-796-2183 to learn how we can help you find the Northridge apartment of your dreams.

The post Love Strawberries? You Need These Recipes in Your Life appeared first on Candlewood North Blog.

Lemon-Lemon Drink

This one is like classic lemonade on steroids, and it's very easy to prepare. Simply fill a tall highball glass with ice, add a shot of lemon-flavored vodka, fill with lemonade and garnish with a fresh lemon slice.

Lemon Mimosa

Classic orange juice mimosas often play starring roles in Sunday brunches, but summer fare calls for a lighter touch. Switching out orange juice for lemonade when making mimosas provides an elegant touch that's ideal for warm-weather sipping.

Lemon Blueberry Swirl

Lemon and blueberry is a natural pairing that captures the taste of summer perfectly. This drink is best served over ice in tall, chilled glasses. Add blueberry vodka to the glass of ice and follow with freshly prepared lemonade. Garnish with a fresh lemon slice and a cocktail skewer loaded with blueberries.

Lemon Punch

Lemon punch is an excellent adult beverage option for celebratory occasions involving multiple participants. Mix lemon vodka, Champagne and your favorite fruit juice together in a big punch bowl. Toss a handful of fresh lemon slices into the mix and refrigerate for several hours before serving. This punch is easily customized to meet personal preferences.

Lemon Peach Martini

Strain peach juice, lemon vodka and triple sec through a cocktail shaker with ice into chilled martini glasses and garnish with fresh lemon slices for a cocktail featuring over-the-top elegance. This one's perfect for a Friday afternoon gathering with friends on the balcony or patio where you can socialize while basking in the warm rays of the summer sun.

Our apartments all feature patios and balconies that are perfect for enjoying al fresco cocktail hours. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us for more information on life in our Northridge apartment community.

The post 5 Lemon Cocktails Perfect for Summer Sipping 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.

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.

Baja Chicken Bowl

This colorful, refreshing, nutrition-packed dinner serves two. (Prep time: about 20 minutes)

Ingredients

4 ounces cooked chicken, diced

1 cup brown rice, cooked

1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup salsa (your favorite pre-made brand)

1/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

2 tbsp. olive oil

Sea salt

Ground black pepper

Directions

Heat oil in a skillet. Stir in diced chicken, corn and diced red pepper. Cook over medium heat until mixture is heated thoroughly and red pepper is slightly softened (approximately 5 minutes). Salt and pepper to taste.

Spoon warm rice into two bowls. Then, spoon chicken mixture on top of rice in both bowls. Top each bowl with salsa. Generously spread Monterey Jack cheese on top of each bowl.

Shell Goulash

Dress up the standard goulash recipe with shell pasta replacing elbow macaroni and adding pretty garnishes.  

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef

1  medium yellow onion, chopped

1 1/4 cup low sodium beef broth

1  (15-oz.) can tomato sauce

1  (15-oz.) can diced tomatoes

2  cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 tbsp. tomato paste

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 tsp. paprika

1 1/2 cups medium-sized shell pasta, uncooked

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Cherry tomatoes cut in halves for garnish

Directions

Heat oil In a large skillet. Add onion, and cook over medium heat until slightly softened (approximately 5 minutes). Add garlic. Cook about 1 minute more, or until garlic fragrance is expressed.

Add ground beef. Add salt and pepper. Cook until meat is no longer pink (approximately 8–9 minutes). Drain fat.

Stir in tomato paste. Pour in broth. Add diced tomatoes.

Season with paprika and Italian seasoning.

Stir in shell pasta.

Simmer, stirring the mixture occasionally, until pasta is tender (approximately 15 minutes).

Fold in cheese, and remove from heat. Garnish with parsley and cherry tomato halves.

Candlewood North, Northridge, CA

Beautiful Candlewood North apartments in Northridge, CA, are within walking distance of California State University and offer a resort-style swimming pool, controlled access, pets allowed, patios and balconies, wood-style flooring, and more. Call our office today at (866) 796-2183 to see which floor plans are available.

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