Whether you're a beginning cook or you've been cooking for years, you know the value of fresh herbs in your dishes. They add nutrition and savory goodness with every bite. 

Let's take a look at 5 recipes that use fresh herbs:

Basil in Pesto

When you're planning to cook in your Flagstaff apartments, few things are more enticing than fresh pesto and bread. You'll need fresh basil leaves, Romano cheese, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic cloves, salt and black pepper. You can eat it with crackers, bread or spread it on your favorite turkey sandwich.

Parsley in Soups

Fresh parsley is a tasty addition to any soup. Parsley complements chicken, beef, pork, vegetables and most any other spice. The next time you're making soup, toss in shredded fresh parsley leaves for added nutrition and flavor. 

Cilantro in Spicy Chicken Coconut Curry

If your palate is one to crave spicy foods, try adding cilantro to a spicy chicken coconut curry dish. While the original dish is satisfying, cilantro can bump it up to the next level. 

Rosemary in Mashed Potatoes

The next time you mash up some potatoes, throw some fresh rosemary in the mix. For best results, add it at the halfway cooking mark. Rosemary offers nutritional benefits with a pleasant earthy flavor. 

Lavender in Yogurt

This one may seem a little odd, but it's really good if you're a lavender fan. And if you're up for an adventure, try adding fresh lavender to your morning yogurt. Top with a few blueberries, a drizzle of honey and sprinkle of cinnamon, and your breakfast is set. 

Fresh Herbs in Flagstaff

Whether harvesting them from your own indoor flowerpot or picking them up at the farmers market, fresh herbs are a must-have in any kitchen setting. If you'll be cooking with fresh herbs in the Flagstaff area, check us out at Butterfield Apartments today. 

The post 5 Ideas For Using Fresh Herbs appeared first on Butterfield Apartments Blog.

October is just around the corner, but there's still time to prepare for the best celebratory event of the year—National Pizza Month! So, this October, why don’t you honor this amazingly delicious, cheesy delight by learning how to create the perfect pizza yourself?

Homemade Pizza Dough

Whisk:

• 3 ¾ cups of flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons of salt

Create a well and add:

• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 ⅓ cups of warm water
• 1 yeast packet

The ingredients in the well will froth. Next, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and mix. Then knead the dough for five minutes. Brush the dough with olive oil: cover.

Let rise for about 90 minutes. Divide the dough into two one-pound balls. You'll use one pound of dough for each pizza.

Creating Your Pizza

1. Place an inverted baking sheet or pizza stone on the bottom rack of the oven.
2. Preheat oven to 500 degrees.
3. Stretch one-pound of pizza dough on a piece of floured parchment paper.
4. Add toppings.
5. Slide pizza, including the parchment paper, onto the preheated baking sheet or pizza stone.
6. Bake 15 minutes.

Why Not Try Something New?

Breakfast Pizza

Forget that ordinary omelet: Instead, wake up in your Butterfield Apartment and create this amazing breakfast pizza.

1. Divide one pound of dough into four sections.
2. Create four 6-inch rounds.
3. Top each with diced bacon (uncooked).
4. Bake at 500 degrees (until crisp).
5. Crack one egg on top of each crust.
6. Drizzle olive oil over each egg.
7. Add salt and pepper.
8. Bake until eggs set.
9. Top with baby greens, such as spinach and arugula.

Margherita

1. Stretch dough into two 9-inch rounds.
2. Top each with ½ a cup of crushed tomatoes.
3. Add olive oil, dried oregano, salt and pepper.
4. Bake at 500 degrees until golden brown.
5. Sprinkle each with ½ pound diced mozzarella.
6. Add torn basil and salt.
7. Place back in oven until the cheese melts.
8. Upon removing pizza, drizzle with olive oil.

Now that you know how to make a delicious homemade pizza, get creative! If you want to learn more about the Butterfield community and tour our Flagstaff apartment floor plans, contact us today.

The post Homemade Pizza Recipes appeared first on Butterfield Apartments Blog.