Frozen Yogurt and Apple Treats

This is a relatively healthy frozen treat that will be very refreshing for your pup to eat on a hot day.

Ingredients:

2 apples, chopped into pieces (do not use the seeds or the core)

1 cup plain yogurt

2 tablespoons water

Directions:

1. Place the apple slices, yogurt, and water into a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour mixture into ice cube trays and place them in the freezer. 
4. Serve when frozen solid. 

Bacon, Peanut Butter, and Banana Pupsicles

Bacon makes this frozen treat irresistible to pups.

Ingredients:

32 ounces plain yogurt

1 1/2 tablespoons peanut butter

1/3 cup water

1 large banana, chopped into pieces

1 to 2 slices of bacon, crumbled into bits 

12 bone-shaped dog biscuits

12 small (3-ounce) paper cups

Directions:

1. Place the yogurt, peanut butter, water, and the banana pieces into a blender.
2. Puree until smooth.
3. Stir the bacon bits into the mixture.
4. Spoon or pour the mixture into the paper cups.
5. Push one dog bone into the middle of each mixture, so that it is standing on end. The bone will serve as your pupsicle stick.
6. Place in the freezer. 
7. When frozen, remove pupsicle from cup and serve to your pup (you may need to tear off the cup).

Have you and your furry best friend been looking for a new place to live? Then, check out our pet-friendly apartments in Flagstaff, featuring convenient amenities and services that both humans and pets will love!

The post Homemade Frozen Treats to Make for Your Pup this Summer appeared first on Butterfield Apartments Blog.

Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Enjoy this simple and easy pasta dish that can be served at any time!

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter, unsalted
• 4 cloves of minced garlic
• 1 cup of milk
• 8 ounces of uncooked fettuccine
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 2 tbsp of fresh parsley leaves, chopped
• ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper for taste

Melt your butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Stir in garlic for one to two minutes until you get a fragrant aroma. Add the milk, broth, and fettuccine along with your salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower it to a simmer. Let it cook for 18-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in your Parmesan and serve with the parsley for garnish.

Zucchini Mushroom Pasta

Here’s a tasty way to increase your vegetable intake for the day.

Ingredients

• 1 pound thinly sliced cremini mushrooms
• 1 pound of spaghetti
• 2/3 cup of peas
• 2 thinly sliced and quartered zucchini
• 2 thinly sliced garlic cloves
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• Salt and pepper for taste

Add the mushrooms, spaghetti, peas, zucchini, thyme, and garlic to a stockpot or Dutch oven containing 4 ½ cups of water. Stir in the salt and pepper for seasoning. Bring everything to a boil, then lower it to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes. Add in the Parmesan and cream, then serve immediately.

Spicy Parmesan Shrimp Pasta

Liven things up with this tasty shrimp dish!

Ingredients

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• 8 ounces penne
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 1 pound peeled and deveined medium shrimp
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Whisk olive oil, garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes together in a medium bowl. Add the shrimp and olive oil to a gallon Ziploc bag and marinate for at least 30 minutes. Cook your pasta in a pot of boiling water. Add your shrimp and sauce to a medium saucepan and cook for two minutes. Stir in the pasta and season with salt and pepper.

Let us know how much you enjoyed our pasta ideas by contacting Butterfield, and we'll be happy to help you or someone you know find a new Flagstaff apartment home!

The post Three Delicious Pasta Ideas appeared first on Butterfield Apartments Blog.

1. Mediterranean Pinwheels

Tortilla shells are good for more than just making tacos. When they’re slathered with cream cheese and stuffed with spinach, they turn into these fun pinwheels that are sure to be a hit at your next get-together.

2. Extra-Crispy Honey-Teriyaki Cauliflower Bites

If you’re craving a robust flavor that’s accompanied by a great crunch, these crispy cauliflower bites are sure to hit the spot. You can easily transform a go-to garden veggie into a work of appetizer art by dredging it in a bit of batter and soaking the florets in teriyaki sauce. Even people who run away from vegetables are sure to enjoy these crispy creations.

3. Deep-Fried Deviled Eggs

There’s something so satisfying about finding the right finger foods when you’re hanging out with other people. These deep-fried deviled eggs certainly do the trick, because you can grab a whole serving with your hands, ensuring there aren’t extra dishes or messes to deal with. Because this recipe puts a new twist on an old classic, it’s sure to be a hit at your next soiree.

4. Beetroot Hummus

Say goodbye to bland food, and let bold, vibrant colors take over the table. Beetroot hummus offers an eye-catching appeal that tastes as good as it looks. Your blender or food processor will do most of the work. Simply toss some chickpeas, beetroots, tahini, olive oil, garlic, and cumin into the container and press the magic button.

Are you searching for an apartment where you’ll feel happy and relaxed every time you come home? Check out our Butterfield Apartment Homes in Flagstaff, AZ. Stop by, so we can show you around!

The post Easy Vegetarian Appetizers appeared first on Butterfield Apartments Blog.

1. Have Extra Seating on Hand

Your couch might not be big enough for all the fans piling into your apartment, but that doesn't mean it should be standing room only. Consider borrowing patio chairs from neighbors, or look for inventive ways you can transform crates and boxes into makeshift seats that will give your guests a place to sit.

2. Make Finger Food Fit for Champions

Paper plates and napkins are all you should need so that you don't have a ton of excess dishes when the final score is announced. Check out appetizers and slow cooker recipes that will deliver a lot of food in little portions, such as:

• Pigs in a Blanket. Fun tip: You can easily make these for everybody by creating a separate batch that's made with tofu dogs and vegan cheese if you have guests with different dietary needs.
• Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. Meatballs are a great go-to food for large crowds because they can be eaten with the help of a toothpick and nothing else. 
• 7-Layer Dip. Every good tailgating party needs a dip or three.

These dishes are great appetizers, and they serve as ice breakers, too.

3. Sort Out What Guests Are Bringing

To take the burden off your own budget, ask your guests to bring something as well. Make a list of all the things you'll need, such as plates, paper towels, plastic cups, appetizers, entree items, chips, drinks, and desserts. People who don't like to cook are usually happy to pitch in on the other necessities, while amateur chefs will gladly tote homemade chicken wings to your soiree.

Are you looking for a Flagstaff apartment where you can entertain when big events invite friendly fun? Stop by our Butterfield Apartment Homes so we can show you around!

The post Indoor Tailgating Ideas for the Big Game appeared first on Butterfield Apartments Blog.

Rosé Sangria

Ingredients:

1 750 ml bottle dry rosé wine

1/4 cup brandy

2 1/2 tablespoons raspberry liqueur

2 tablespoons sugar

2 cups raspberries

1 1/2 cups strawberries, quartered

Lemon and orange slices

1 1/2 cups seltzer

Directions:

• In a large pitcher, mix the rosé wine, liqueur, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is thoroughly dissolved. 
• Add fruit 
• Refrigerate for an hour or two before serving or until thoroughly chilled
• Add the seltzer water just before serving

Refreshing Frosé

Ingredients:

1 750 ml bottle of Moscato rosé (or another strong-flavored rosé as the ice will dilute the flavor)

1 pound (500 grams) frozen strawberries

1 1/2 cups of ice (more or less, depending on the consistency you desire)

Directions:

• Add rosé wine and strawberries into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth
• Add about a cup of ice to the mixture and blend
•  If you would like a thicker drink, add more ice

Rosé and Strawberry Spritzer

Ingredients:

5 ounces rose wine

2 ounces club soda

3 tablespoons fresh strawberries, chopped

2 lemon slices

Fresh mint leaves

Directions:

• Add the strawberries and lemon slices to the bottom of a double highball glass and muddle
• Fill glass with ice
• Add the rosé wine
• Top off with the club soda
• Garnish with a lemon slice and a mint leaf

Do you enjoy entertaining? Then we're sure you'll love our apartments in Flagstaff, AZ. Our newly renovated apartment homes have a patio or balcony, and our community boasts a clubhouse and an outdoor grill and picnic area where you can host a barbecue for your friends. Our community also has a sparkling resort-style pool and is located just minutes away from the Flagstaff Mall.

The post These 3 Pretty in Pink Rosé Cocktails Will Raise Your Party Game appeared first on Butterfield Apartments Blog.

Easy Weeknight Spring Dinners

Barbecue Pork Ribs

Although this mouthwatering meal may sound like it’s more of a weekend grilling option, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, supermarkets routinely put thick-cut boneless and semi-boneless pork rib cuts on sale. These can make a wonderfully easy protein option that's ready in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

• Thick-cut pork
• Barbecue sauce
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Place aluminum foil on a cooking sheet. Unpack the pork cuts and put a copious amount of barbecue sauce on one side. Lay the sauce side down on the pan. Once all the ribs are laid out, season with garlic powder. Now, douse them with barbecue sauce and then season with pepper. Let the pork bake about 25-30 minutes or until they are adequately cooked in the center. Then, put the oven on broil and sear the tops to suit. Baking pork ribs often makes them more tender and juicy compared to open-flame grilling.

Homemade Leftover House Fried Rice

Great Chinese restaurants often serve a signature house fried rice. Believe it or not, this ranks among the more straightforward dinner options to prepare. You may quickly discover that you prefer your own style after making house fried rice a few times at home.

Ingredients

• 2 cups white rice (prepared)
• 4 garlic cloves (diced thin)
• 1 stick of butter
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 carrot (sliced thin)
• 1/2 yellow onion (chopped)
• 2 large mushrooms (sliced)
• Assorted veggies (chopped)
• Leftover proteins (chopped)

Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1/2 stick of butter. Add the garlic and vegetables and saute them. The unique aspect of this fried rice dinner is that it opens the door for you to use veggies that are already in your refrigerator. There are no right or wrong ingredients, so go ahead and personalize it.  

On the protein side, you can utilize leftover chicken, beef, steak, bacon or pork. Using leftovers is one reason this makes sense mid-week. If no proteins are available, feel free to cook your favorites on the side and then chop them up. Once the veggies are nearly complete, add in the leftover proteins and season with salt and pepper. Once hot, add the already-prepared white rice and 1/2 stick of butter and mix thoroughly. Serve warm.

We hope our Butterfield residents found these weeknight dinner options helpful. If you or a friend would like more information about our Flagstaff apartments, call us today.

The post Easy Weeknight Spring Dinners appeared first on Butterfield Apartments Blog.

Looking to eat better on a budget? Eating great on a dime can be tough, but with these meal prep ideas, you’ll be rocking steady and eating like a king!

Buy Only What You Need

Especially if you live alone, don’t buy in bulk unless you’re sure you’ll eat everything before it goes bad. You might think that buying in bulk saves you money, and it does. But this is true only if you don’t waste it.

Try “Meatless Monday”

Going meatless at least one day of the week isn’t just good for the environment. It’s also good for your bank account. Of all food groups, meat tends to be most expensive, so taking a break from it can save you some cash.

Purchase Seasonal Fruits and Veggies

Avoid buying watermelons in winter and blueberries in spring and you may just save yourself some dough. Seasonal fruits and veggies are not only cheaper; they taste better too!

Learn How to Freeze, Pickle, and Preserve Your Foods

Speaking of seasonal fare, if you can buy in bulk and somehow preserve it, you’ll really be saving money. Pickling preserving, canning, and other techniques for saving food long-term usually only require a small investment in some containers and tools upfront. From there, you’ll have delicious food for a long time to come and save tons of money in the process.

Take Your Lunch to School or Work

Finally, eat out less. Avoid at-school or at-work lunch purchases, and you’ll save a boatload with this tip alone.

Why Not Prep Meals in Your Own New Apartment?

Organize your kitchen just the way you like it when you move into your very own, new apartment in Flagstaff, AZ. Butterfield Apartments in Elk Run offers country club living and stylish, finely-designed Flagstaff apartments to meet all your needs. Find one of our available floor plans that works for you today by giving us a call!

The post Budget-Friendly Meal Prep Ideas 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.

Bacon and Eggs Breakfast Bake

For this egg dish, bake sausage links and bacon on a baking sheet for about 15 minutes. Crack four eggs over empty spots on the baking sheet, then add cherry tomato pieces, salt, pepper, and oregano. Bake for about five minutes.

Eggs with Smoked Salmon

For this recipe, make a 3-inch hole in the middle of two bread slices, then place them in a buttered skillet. Crack an egg into each hole, then cook for a couple of minutes on each side. Top these with smoked salmon, red onion, pepper and sour cream.

Stuffed Breakfast Peppers

To make this recipe, mix four eggs, pepper, salt, cayenne pepper and diced vegetables in a bowl. Cut two bell peppers in half, then core them to make space for the egg filling. Put egg filling in each pepper, then bake for about 35 minutes on a baking sheet. Consider adding a bit of hot sauce on them for extra flavor.

Egg Roll-Ups

This recipe gives you an easy breakfast to eat on the go. To make it, beat an egg and milk together in a bowl, then sprinkle cheese on a flour tortilla. Cook the egg mix thoroughly, then slide it onto the tortilla. Roll the tortilla up, and you’re all set. 

Egg Muffins

To make these muffins, cook turkey sausage links, then cut them into pieces. Mix egg whites, eggs, milk, chopped spinach, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then pour the mix into lined muffin tin cups. Fill the cups with cheese and sausage pieces, then bake for 20 minutes. 

Our apartments in Flagstaff, AZ have kitchens that offer plenty of space for preparing breakfast dishes. Please contact us for more information on our available apartments.

The post 5 Egg-ceptional Breakfast Dishes appeared first on Butterfield Apartments Blog.

5 Veggie-Based Recipes That Everyone Will Love

Honey Glazed Baby Carrots: This amazing recipe helps bring the natural sweetness of these carrots is out with a simple honey glaze. Best of all, this fool-proof dish takes only 15 minutes to prepare.

Mushroom, Butternut Squash and Gruyere Tart: Ideal as an appetizer or a light main dish, this baked tart uses Gruyere cheese to bring out the sweetness of the butternut squash and the richness of the mushrooms. You can elevate this dish even further by adding a dash of nutmeg and pairing the tart with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Middle Eastern Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts are always a cold-weather hit, and the tahini, cumin and coriander called for in this recipe give these roasted sprouts a unique and tasty Middle Eastern twist.

Absurdly Addictive Asparagus: Asparagus and bacon are a popular combination, but this recipe takes that pairing to the next level by adding in layers of flavor through the addition of garlic, leeks, orange zest, pine nuts and parsley. The best part of this recipe is that the crisp freshness of the asparagus is not lost.

Grilled Kale Salad with Paprika Breadcrumbs: By calling for the kale to be grilled, this salad recipe infuses a hearty smokiness and a layer of complexity into an otherwise straightforward and easy-to-make dish. The versatility of this salad means that it can fill in as a side, an appetizer or a stand-alone main dish.

Residents of apartments in Flagstaff looking to fulfill their New Year's resolution of eating more vegetables should be certain to check out these varied and tasty veggie-based recipes.

The post Eat Your Veggies: 5 Recipes Everyone Loves appeared first on Butterfield Apartments Blog.