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!

The post 5 Easy-to-Make Meals You Need to Try appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.

Cheese and Crackers

Cheese and crackers are a great snack when you have a limited time frame. Grab Ritz crackers or a similar type of cracker, place them neatly on a plate and cut up some cheese. You want to offer a variety of cheese, so put together two or three different options. Place the slices of cheese on the opposite side of the plate. An alternative is putting cheese directly on the crackers. Your guests can then easily pick up a cracker while socializing.

Simple Skewers

Skewers with toothpicks are a great idea for a simple snack. You can put together a Greek salad-style skewer with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and olives. A bit of mozzarella cheese adds flavor and texture to the skewer. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half, push them down on a toothpick and then pick up an olive. Cut it in half and push one half onto the skewer. Slice a small square of cheese and repeat the process. Finish it off with a cucumber at the bottom and a light drizzle of olive oil. You can use other vegetables for a different experience.

Guacamole and Chips

Guacamole and chips are a simple way to enjoy a snack with your guests. Cut up and mash avocados. Dice one small onion and one small tomato, creating small pieces. Mix the tomato and onion into your mashed avocados. Cut a lime in half, squeeze the juice into the bowl and mix all of the ingredients together. Season your guacamole with salt and pepper. You can also add chopped cilantro to add flavor to your guacamole.

Preparing snacks for guests in your Chicago apartment gives you the opportunity to enjoy your evening with company. The key is ensuring that you have a variety of snacks to appeal to the different tastes and preferences of your guests. To learn more about our amenities and available floor plans, contact us today.

The post 3 Easy Snacks for Guests in Your Home appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.