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. 

The post 5 Fall Weekday Dinners to Try This Month appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.

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.

The post 3 Easy-as-Pie Pumpkin Treats appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.

Clean Out Your Pantry

Most people eat different foods in the winter months compared with the summer months. During the summer, you may barbecue and eat a lot of salads. During the winter months, warm comfort foods like soup and chili may be on your menu. Before you go shopping to stock your pantry with winter foods, take the time to clean out your pantry. Discard expired food and clean out any crumbs or debris. 

Dust and Test Your Smoke Alarms

When you are cleaning your home in the fall, you should take the time to dust your smoke detectors and test them out. If needed, replace the batteries or replace the entire smoke alarm. This can help to ensure your smoke alarms are working in the event of a fire. 

Change Your Filters

Once winter hits, you will be using a heater or furnace to keep your space warm. Before cold weather hits, replace any filters in your home. This helps to increase the energy efficiency of your unit and prevents dust from being blown into your home. While you are at, grab a dampened soft cloth and wipe down your vents and registers, removing dirt, dust, and residue. 

Vacuum Your Upholstered Surfaces

The last thing you should do to get your home ready for winter is to vacuum all of your upholstered surfaces. This includes your couch, dining room chairs and curtains. This removes the accumulation of dust from these items, making the air you breathe inside your home a little healthier. 

No matter how much you clean, a space that is dull and dated may never look as good as you desire. If you live in a space that has lost its appeal, it may be time to think about moving. When you are looking for apartments in Chicago, IL., visit The Montrose Apartments. Our beautiful and luxurious apartments have a lot of charm and appeal, which can make you proud to call them home. 

The post Fall Cleaning Tips appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.