How to Clean Your Kitchen With Lemons

• Clean the microwave. One of the easiest ways to clean your microwave is with a lemon. Cut a lemon in half. Squeeze the juice into a microwave-safe dish and add approximately 1/2 cup of water. Add the lemon itself and microwave the entire dish for approximately two and a half minutes. When the timer goes off, do not open the microwave door. Let it sit and “steam” for at least 10 minutes. When you open the microwave, it should be easy to wipe down, and the inside will smell fresh and clean.

• Remove stains with salt. Lemon juice can be a great stain remover. Cut a fresh lemon in half and sprinkle it liberally with salt. Use this to remove stains on your laminate countertop, stove or floor. Be cautious when using lemon on any natural surface. You will likely not want to use lemon juice on granite or marble. In addition, test it in an inconspicuous spot if you have worries about fresh lemon juice damaging the surface of any other material.

• Freshen the drain. If you have a disposal, grinding through lemons (with ice if possible) is a great way to clean this kitchen appliance. Even if you do not have a disposal, you can still freshen your drain by letting lemon peels sit in the drain overnight to get rid of stale odors. The best thing is that the same lemons you've already used for making lemonade or squeezing into your tea can be reused to clean your drain.

As you can see, a simple lemon can go a long way toward keeping your kitchen clean and fresh! However, if you are searching for the ideal apartment in Chicago, we invite you to check out the available units at The Montrose. We offer many luxury options with kitchens that are sure to please!

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Tortilla Roll-Ups with Salsa 

Tortilla roll-ups one of the simplest appetizers ever. You only need to create a filling, slather it on some tortillas, chill, and slice. Tortilla roll-ups are usually not all that colorful, but these tortilla roll-ups are anything but bland. The filling is a collaboration of softened cream cheese, pimentos, olives, and peppers. To jazz things up, even more, you can pick up spinach tortillas so they have a green hue. Sliced and stacked, you can deck out these appetizers with even more colorful bits, such as cherry tomatoes or yellow bell pepper slices. 

Red Pepper Jelly with Cream Cheese and Crackers 

Red pepper jelly is pretty amazing, and it is something that everyone must try at least once even if they don't necessarily care for peppers. Filled with bits of sweet bell peppers in red, green, and even yellow, and sometimes a few pieces of jalapeno peppers for a kick, this jelly looks like it came right out of a holiday magazine with its colorful splendor. Slather some of the jelly generously over a block of cream cheese and serve it with crackers and your holiday spread will instantly look more colorful. 

Olive Wreath Appetizer 

If you want your food table to look really festive, simply add a wreath made of colorful and delicious foods. The olive wreath appetizer is made with fresh sprigs of rosemary, cherry tomatoes, and colorful mixed olives of different varieties. Simply arrange the "wreath" of rosemary onto a circle-shaped platter and nestle in all the goodies. Tuck in a few small chunks of fresh mozzarella for even more flavor and color. A quick drizzle of olive oil and some coarse sea salt will give your wreath a sparkling sheen that your guests will love. 

Among your spread of roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, rolls, and stuffing, slip in some of these colorful appetizers and your table will really pop. Your holiday dinner at your Chicago apartment will be one to remember. Talk to us at The Montrose to find out why holiday parties are great in our apartments. 

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Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta 

The sweetness of the squash paired with the sharpness of the cheese makes for a crowd-pleasing dish. Plus, this versatile meal can be customized by adding anything from bacon to BBQ chicken. It's a great way to use up leftovers and experiment with which flavors pair best for your taste buds.

Pumpkin Ravioli 

As easy as it is to head to the store for premade pumpkin ravioli, it's a lot more satisfying to whip it up yourself. This recipe gives tips on how to cut down the cooking process if you don't feel like making the pasta from scratch. 

Mushroom Chicken Skillet with Herb Cream Sauce 

The name kind of says it all for this dish, but it's worth pointing out that this recipe is both inexpensive and delicious. The white miso and white wine work together to create a backdrop for the mushrooms and herbs to take center stage. 

Seared Sausage with Cabbage and Pink Lady Apples 

This sausage dish uses apples, apple cider, and vinegar to help bring the flavors together. This dish uses very few ingredients and just one pan, making it an easy one to put together after a tough day at work. 

5. Mushroom and Burrata Lasagnette

As you might have guessed, lasagnette is related to lasagna, it's just a little smaller in terms of width and has a different pattern along the edges of the ribbons. This cheesy, vegetarian delight adds kale to balance out its richness.  

Chicago, IL apartments can get pretty chilly during the months leading up to the winter, so you may as well find ways to warm up with these hot dishes. If you're looking for a new place to make all your favorite recipes, call The Montrose to see our kitchens today. 

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Pumpkin! For many, it's the reason for the fall season. So, here are three easy pumpkin treats you can whip up for your friends and family!

Pumpkin Fudge

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 7 ounces marshmallow creme
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

Directions:

1. Line a 9×9-inch pan with foil, then apply the cooking spray.
2. Add milk and sugar to a medium-size saucepan and cook over medium heat until the mixture starts to boil. Stir occasionally.
3. Stir in pumpkin puree and cinnamon. Stir the mixture and bring to a boil. The mixture needs to reach approximately 239 degrees before you can remove it from the heat. 
4. Allow cooling for approximately two to three minutes.
5. Add white chocolate chips to a large bowl.
6. Pour fudge mixture over the top of the chips and allow to stand for five minutes. 
7. Stir until the mixture is smooth. 
8. Mix in marshmallow creme, butter and vanilla until butter melts and the mixture is smooth. 
9. Pour into pan and cool. 
10. Cut into squares and store in a cool, dry location. 

Easy 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Cake

Ingredients

• Box spice cake mix
• 15-ounce pumpkin, canned
• 2 eggs

Directions:

1. Grease a 9×13 pan.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
3. Add all ingredients to a medium-size bowl, and use a mixer on medium to combine. 
4. Pour mixture into a pan and spread evenly.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick until it comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool completely.

Pumpkin Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 15-ounce can pumpkin
• 1 box spice cake mix

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl, use a spatula to fold together ingredients, then beat the mixture with an electric mixer.
4. Scoop into the muffin tins.
5. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. 

Of course, after consuming these delicious treats, you'll probably be in need of a workout. Have you been searching for apartments in Chicago, IL that will help you stay in shape? Then, please check out our beautiful community, which boasts a resort-style swimming pool and a brand-new fitness center where you can work off extra calories.

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Tropical Delight

Bring the tropics to the doorstep of your Chicago apartments with the Tropical Delight smoothie. For this drink, you will need:

• 1/4 cup frozen pineapple chunks
• 1/4 cup mango slices
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup strawberries
• 1/2 cup honey-flavored Greek yogurt
• 1 cup of orange juice

You can adjust the ratios of ingredients to make just one smoothie for yourself or many for all your guests. Pulse the ingredients in a blender, and then serve the mixture in chilled glasses.

Super Green

You can get in all your vegetables while staying refreshed throughout the day by making yourself a Super Green smoothie.

You will need these ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chopped kale
• 1/2 cup spinach
• 1/4 cup pineapple
• 1/4 cup grapes
• 1 kiwi
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup orange juice

Using your desired ratios, place these ingredients in a blender and pulse until the mixture reaches a smoothie consistency. If you do not use this smoothie right away, it refrigerates well to be enjoyed later.

Mystical Galaxy

If you want to delight all your senses, whip yourself up a Mystical Galaxy smoothie using the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups fat-free milk
• 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
• 2 cups frozen mixed berries
• 1 cup mango
• Whipped cream
• Sprinkles

Determine whether you are mixing up drinks for a group or just yourself, and then place the ingredients in the blender. Blend on low until all the ingredients are incorporated. If you want to thin the drink a bit, add more milk. Once the mixture has the right consistency, pour it into your favorite chilled glass and top with whipped cream and sprinkles galore.

With your smoothie in hand, give yourself an opportunity to call our team at 866-659-3593 to hear about our available apartments in Chicago at The Montrose.

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Option 1: No Cooking

The lowest fuss option is to not cook at all. Here are a couple of ideas for eating in without cooking.

Rotisserie and More

The supermarket rotisserie chicken is a tried-and-true favorite. You can usually find an entire roasted chicken for $6-10. It’s flavorful and moist, and it’s more meat than two people would generally eat at dinner. That means leftovers for lunch!

For a complete meal, pair your roast chicken with a couple of sides from the deli counter. This no-fuss dinner option allows you to eat at home, and it’s far cheaper than eating out.

Give the Freezer a Second Look

Frozen entrees have come a long way. It’s not just TV dinners and chicken nuggets anymore. If you haven’t looked in a while, check out today’s selection of prepared, frozen foods, especially at higher-end grocers like Whole Foods. You’ll be amazed at the quality and the variety.

Option 2: No-Fuss Cooking

It’s possible to cook an easy, no-fuss meal at home. Here are a few ideas.

Slow Cooker Meals

The slow cooker is a time-tested way to create no-fuss meals. Cheesy bacon ranch chicken is one tasty slow cooker casserole that’s simple to make. With cheese, bacon, and ranch, you can bet kids will love it, too.

Another slow-cooker favorite is slow cooker chicken burrito bowls. This recipe is a homemade take on your favorite fast-casual burrito joint’s burrito bowl, and it couldn’t be much simpler to make.

One-Pan Meals

One-pan meals like this lemon thyme roasted chicken thighs taste great, but better still, they confine clean-up to just one pan!

Conclusion

These easy, no-fuss dinner ideas will simplify your life, whether you’re a newcomer to the Chicago apartments scene or you’ve lived here a long time. The city is vibrant and varied, and you’ll love the modern touches at The Montrose. Contact us today to learn about what sets us apart in Chicago, Illinois.

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Peaches a la Mode

You can simply split the peaches in half, remove the pit and place them on the grill. Turn them every couple of minutes to allow the sugars to caramelize and grill marks to develop. You can set the peaches off to the side to slowly cook and soften after you create the grill marks. Pull the peaches off the grill when they are tender and warm. Cut into slices and place a big scoop of ice cream on top to create this awesome dessert.

Chocolate-Drizzled Bananas 

Cut your peeled bananas in half once lengthwise and place on the grill for a few minutes. When perfectly ripe, the bananas cook fast, so watch them carefully. Pull them off when they have grill marks on one side. Drizzle chocolate fudge sauce over the top of the bananas, and then enjoy this dessert with guests at your Chicago apartments. You can drizzle the bananas with strawberry or blueberry syrup instead if you or your guests prefer.

Pineapple Shortcake

Peel, core and cut your pineapple to create thin slices. Place these slices on the grill for up to four minutes per side. Remove when they are piping hot and caramelized. Throw a few slices on top of the shortcake and cover with homemade whipped cream to finish this dessert.   

Make sure to serve all these treats when they are still warm for the ultimate experience. You can substitute almost any of your favorite fruits in these recipes as long as they will not fall through the grill. As you clean up after dinner and dessert, reflect on your home and whether you are ready for an upgrade. If so, you can give our team a call at 866-659-3593 to learn about the apartment floor plans available at The Montrose.

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Experiment With Your Ingredients 

An extra teaspoon of syrup or powder will really change up the flavor dimensions of the drink, but maybe you only need a quarter teaspoon to get the level of sweetness you're looking for. If you're not sure where to start, aim for between 60-70 percent cocoa as this combination tends to yield better-tasting results. Also, make sure to invest in your ingredients. Your chocolate has to be quality if you're hoping your drink will be delicious. Experts say that you'll taste the many unique variations in the chocolate once you add the milk, so it's extremely important to buy good chocolate for the taste to be magnified.  

Try Chocolate Powder Instead of Cocoa Powder 

Some hot chocolate mixes are made by extracting certain flavors from the bean or neutralizing the flavors of the cocoa for a mellower taste. Instead, try buying real chocolate powder instead of cocoa powder as a way to heighten your sensations. You can even make your own chocolate powder by buying solid chocolate and then crushing it up into a fine dust. (Again, this is not solely about finding a product with a high concentration of sugar as this will not guarantee a better cup.) Try 1 or 2 percent milk to cut down on the richness of the hot chocolate and to give the cocoa the perfect consistency. 

There are a lot of things to keep in mind when making hot chocolate, but the key is that it's all about what you want. If you're looking for Chicago apartments where you can really savor the flavor, try The Montrose. Our kitchens and living spaces will make you actually look forward to mornings, so call today for a tour. 

The post How to Make the Perfect Cup of Hot Cocoa appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.

Need some ideas? Check out these recipes!

1. Mixed Mushroom and Pea Risotto

Risotto can be scary, but if you put away your preconceived notions of this classic Italian favorite, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how easy this rice-and-veggie dish can be to prepare. If you're afraid of pan-frying at first, forego that process and skip right to the baking. You can work your way up to the skillet.

2. Easy Chicken Pot Pie

This isn't your grandmother's pot pie! Made-from-scratch dough is easily replaced with biscuit baking mix. For the filling, frozen veggies and condensed soup mixes do most of the work. Simply combine everything together and make sure your oven's set to the right temperature. This filling entrée is ultra-impressive with minimal effort.

3. Beef Tortilla Taco Casserole

This is a filling meal that only requires a few ingredients. Once you've browned the ground beef, the rest essentially takes care of itself in the oven. The end result is a satisfying meal that's sure to please. Round it out with a salad before you serve your entrée to fulfill the food pyramid's requirements.

4. Slow-Cooker Louisiana Ribs

Real ribs require hours in a smokehouse … or do they? This recipe will turn your idea of rib-making upside down by utilizing one of the most fantastic kitchen inventions known to mankind: the slow cooker. With only a few ingredients and a full day's time worth of cooking, you can enjoy delicious baby back ribs — a dish you may have once avoided making that's now an item you want to put on everybody's plate.

5. Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups

Don't let the idea of lasagna scare you away; this recipe really isn't all that intimidating. Most of the ingredients can be found in the freezer or dairy aisle of your grocery store. After you boil the noodles for a few minutes, the filling is up to you!

Inspired dishes start with a great kitchen. The Montrose is a premier Uptown Chicago apartment community, which offers state-of-the-art appliances, outstanding views and so much more. Give us a call or visit our office to learn more about our community!

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There are certain tastes that remind us of summer, and corn on the cob is one of them. Fresh ears of corn are available from local farmers markets starting in July through late fall. You can have the freshest-tasting corn with an added zip whether you prefer your summer corn cooked on the grill or indoors in your oven.

Summer Corn on the Cob Tips

Cooking Corn on the Cob in Foil

While, traditionally, corn on the cob is boiled in water on top of the stove, a better way to cook it is wrapped in foil. Boiling can reduce flavor that is kept inside when using foil. Corn wrapped in foil can be cooked directly in a campfire, on a grill or in the oven. Just clean the cob, add any spices or herbs; then wrap it fully in foil, overlapping and folding in the ends, so nothing leaks out. If you are cooking in a campfire, use double layers and close it in thoroughly. Then, you can put the corn directly on the coals. At home, place it directly on the oven or grill rack to cook. Corn takes about 20 minutes and should be turned if heat source is a grill or campfire.

Adding Herbed Butters or Dry Marinades

A simple way of adding flavor to corn on the cob is to add herbed butters or dry marinades inside the foil while cooking. This cooks the flavor into the corn through steam heat. The foil keeps moisture inside the package that steams the corn inside. There are many herb combinations that taste great on corn. In fact, grocery stores are starting to stock herb mixtures in shaker bottles to add to your summer corn. Suggested herbs and spices to include:

• Basil
• Rosemary
• Oregano
• Chili pepper
• Jalapeño pepper
• Italian spices
• Lemon juice
• Lime juice
• Salt/herb combination

Adding Sugar to Your Corn

Another trick is to add a little sugar to your corn on the cob, or mix it with a spice you like such as a cinnamon and sugar rub. That combination goes very well with chicken or pork. You can use the same foil method and rub the cinnamon/sugar mixture on the corn before putting it in foil. Two parts sugar to one part cinnamon is perfect for this recipe. For those with a sweet tooth, you can have your corn and "sweet" it too.

For those who can't eat corn from a cob, you can still do everything above; then slice the corn off the cob onto your plate before eating. You still get the fresh corn taste without the hassle. To learn about our apartments in Chicago, please stop by our office or give us a call.