No-Oven-Needed Chocolate & Peanut Butter Cookie

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Add the sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa powder to a medium-sized saucepan.
• Over medium heat, bring the ingredients to a boil for approximately 1 minute, stirring on occasion. 
• Remove from the heat. Stir in the rest of the ingredients.
• Drop mixture in walnut-size spoonfuls onto the lined baking sheet. 
• Allow cookies to sit at room temperature until they harden, approximately 30 minutes.

The cookies will now be ready to eat or to be stored in the refrigerator. 

No-Bake Chocolate Rice Krispies Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Rice Krispies or other crisped rice cereal
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 2/3 cups white chocolate cut up into chunks
• 2 2/3 cups dark chocolate

Directions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Add the cereal, coconut, and white chocolate chunks into a bowl and stir.
3. Microwave the dark chocolate in a bowl for approximately 20 seconds, stirring occasionally, until melted.
4. Add the melted chocolate to the other ingredients and stir until well mixed. 
5. Drop tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto the lined baking tray. 
6. Refrigerate for one hour or more before serving. 

Do you love to bake or cook? Then please come and check out our apartments in Flagstaff. The kitchens in our apartments each have a refrigerator, oven, stove, and dishwasher. Plus, each of our apartments comes equipped with an in-home washer and dryer. You'll also find many great amenities in our pet-friendly community. Contact us today to learn more! 

The post 2 Delicious No-Bake Cookie Recipes appeared first on Country Club Vista Apartments Blog.

Crustless Pumpkin Pie

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees, then grease a 9-inch pie pan or plate. Mix pumpkin puree, heavy cream, packed brown sugar, 3 eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, cloves, ground ginger, and nutmeg together in a bowl using a whisk. Pour the pumpkin pie mixture into the pie pan or plate, then make it smooth. Bake the pumpkin pie for about one hour. Let your pumpkin pie cool in the oven for another hour while propping the oven door open slightly. Refrigerate for four hours or more before serving it.

Apple-Cranberry Crisp

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees, then grease an 8-inch baking dish. Mix sliced apples, white sugar, nutmeg, cranberries, and cinnamon together. Pour this mixture into the baking dish, and spread it evenly. Mix oats, brown sugar, and flour together in a bowl with a fork, then add pecans. Sprinkle this mixture over the apple mixture. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes.

Cinnamon Cake

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees, then mix cinnamon and brown sugar in a bowl. Mix sugar and butter in a separate bowl, then add eggs and beat. In another bowl, mix baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour. Add the dry ingredients and a mix of milk and lemon juice to the creamy mixture. Add vanilla, then mix together. Spoon the batter into a greased 8-inch springform pan, then sprinkle with half of the cinnamon mix. Add another third of the batter, then the rest of the cinnamon mix. Add the rest of the batter, then bake for about one hour.

Try these recipes in the comfort of your own kitchen at our apartments in Flagstaff, AZ. Contact us to find out more about our apartment amenities and floor plans.

The post Fall Dessert Ideas appeared first on Country Club Vista Apartments Blog.

Gather These Ingredients

This tasty appetizer is created with roasted red peppers, fresh rosemary sprigs, extra sharp cheddar cheese, cubed, dry salami, sliced, fresh mozzarella balls, whole green olives, drained, and thin wheat crackers. Follow these four easy to create steps:

Step One:  Drain the roasted red peppers and pat dry with a paper towel. Cut peppers into thin slices. Separate the rosemary sprigs into smaller sprigs.

Step Two:  Slice the salami into thin pieces. Cut the cheddar cheese into half-inch cubes.

Step Three:  On the platter or cutting board, arrange the mozzarella balls as the tree's base. Above that, arrange one-third of the roasted red peppers into a narrower layer. Above the peppers, arrange the olives into a thinner layer. Above the olives, arrange a third of the roasted red peppers. Then, above that, arrange the salami. Above the salami, arrange the remaining third of roasted red peppers. Above the peppers, arrange the cheddar into a triangle shape for the tree's top. While you are arranging all layers, keep an Evergreen tree shape in mind.

Step Four:  Now that you have your tree shape created, tuck the rosemary sprigs into the top of the tree and around the outside of the tree to create branches. Finally, place a short stack of wheat crackers at the bottom of the tree creating the stump of the tree. Serve with Dijon mustard and a basket of crackers on the side. 

We hope our Country Club Vista community members enjoy this creative antipasti tree recipe. If you would like more information about our Flagstaff apartments, call us today.

The post Eye-Catching and Delicious Antipasti Tree appeared first on Country Club Vista Apartments Blog.

Best Holiday Cookie Recipes for Self and Sharing

• Monster Cookies You know what they say—go big or go home—and these cookies definitely do the former. These are billed to be saucer-sized and filled with all the sugar and salt (yes they can be baked to include salty pretzel chunks) that make the holidays tasty. 
• Polish Kolaczki If you've never had these Polish treats then you are surely missing out! While the best family recipes are kept under lock and key, this public recipe is a pretty good version. 
• Buckeye Balls Okay, these might not technically be cookies, but they are sweet and decadent all the same. If you love peanut butter and chocolate, then these are a must-try holiday treat.
• Snowflake Macarons If you hate the typical red and green holiday colors and are nostalgic for childhood winters in a more snowy locale, then you'll appreciate this unique holiday cookie. White and blue and delicately delicious!
• 5-Minute Cookies Don't have a lot of time on your hands? Invited to a last-minute holiday gathering with friends or classmates? Then you will really appreciate this five-minute recipe (yes, really, it'll take you just five minutes!) that shows your creativity and is better than slinging in some store-bought sugar cookies. 

On the Hunt for a New Place? Visit Country Club Vista

If you are on the hunt for a new apartment this season where you can craft all your favorite holiday cookies, then look no further than our Country Club Vista apartments in Flagstaff, AZ. 

The post Best Holiday Cookies appeared first on Country Club Vista Apartments Blog.

Most people associate traditional hot toddies with the beverage made from whiskey, hot water, lemon and honey, but there are many other excellent ways you can enjoy a hot drink. The following are four hot toddy recipes designed to provide you with inspiration for staying cozy on chilly nights.

Black Tea Toddy

A black tea toddy is simply a traditional toddy that uses strong black tea in place of hot water. You can make it even more interesting by adding your choice of spices, such as cloves and cinnamon.

Apple Cider Toddy

In this variation, replace the hot water in a traditional hot toddy with your favorite apple cider, but be careful when you warm the cider on the stove that you don’t allow it to come to a boil—this will reduce the alcohol content.

Old-Fashioned Toddy

Not to be mistaken for the traditional hot toddy, the Old-Fashioned toddy is a hot take on the classic whiskey cocktail known as the Old-Fashioned. After mixing it up in the usual way, with bitters, sugar, orange liqueur, and your favorite whiskey, gently mull it on the stove until warm—but don’t let it boil.

Gin Hot Toddy

This one is the simplest. Just mix your favorite gin with hot water and garnish with a lemon. Gin contains aromatic botanicals that release an amazing aroma when warmed.

We’ve got one- and two-bedroom apartments to suit a variety of lifestyles, whether or not they involve crafting cocktails. Call us today to find out more about life in our Flagstaff apartment community. 

The post 4 Recipes to Welcome Hot Toddy Season appeared first on Country Club Vista Apartments Blog.

Apple Margarita

Ingredients:

1 cup of ice

1 ounce of tequila

1 ounce of apple liqueur

1 ounce of apple juice

1/2 ounce of sour mix

1 apple slice

Cinnamon sugar (1 part ground cinnamon and 2 parts white sugar)

Directions:

• Combine all of the ingredients, except for the apple slice and cinnamon sugar, into a blender and mix until smooth.
• Use a little apple liqueur to moisten the rim of your margarita glass, then rim with the cinnamon and sugar mixture.
• Pour the margarita into a glass and garnish with the apple slice.

Apple Martini

Ingredients:

1 ounce apple schnapps

1 ounce vodka

1 ounce apple juice

1 slice of Granny Smith apple

Directions:

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Next, add the schnapps, vodka and apple juice.
• Shake well.
• Pour the mixture into a glass.
• Garnish with the apple slice and serve.

Washington Apple Cocktail

Ingredients:

1 ounce Canadian whisky

1 ounce sour apple schnapps

1 ounce cranberry juice

1 slice of Granny Smith apple

Directions:

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add all of the ingredients, except for the apple slice, and then shake well.
• Strain your drink into a champagne coupe glass.
• Garnish the glass with the apple slice and serve.

Do you love having friends over, but are unhappy with your current living quarters? Then, please come check out our beautiful apartments in Flagstaff, AZ. We offer spacious floor plans with beautiful views of the surrounding area, and our community is located close to NAU and downtown Flagstaff's great shopping and dining options. Our beautiful community is also pet friendly.

The post Brighten Your Fall Day With These 3 Apple Cocktails appeared first on Country Club Vista Apartments Blog.

3 Healthy Food Swaps

1. Reduce the salt and increase the herbs and spices. Substitute herbs and spices, which include the bark, seeds, roots, berries, flowers or buds of plants, that have proven medicinal and nutrient benefits. The most powerful of these plant-based foods are cinnamon, sage, turmeric, cayenne pepper and Holy Basil.

2. Substitute fruits, nuts, seeds and veggies at snacktime. Your healthy snacks don't have to be boring! Consider these 29 healthy snack substitutes recipes, such as Red Peppers With Guacamole and Greek Yogurt With Mixed Berries. Even if your goal is not to lose weight, substituting healthy foods at snacktime can help you get your Five-a-Day veggies.

3. Consider Meatless-meal Days. Reducing your intake of meat products is one of the healthiest food swaps you can make, and your GI tract will love you for it. It's much easier than you think to eat meatless twice a week. Think of recipes for Veggie Burgers, Grilled Portobello Mushrooms, Mediterranean Salads, and Zucchini Spaghetti With Marinara Sauce.

A plant-based diet is linked to reduced blood sugar levels and improved kidney function. These foods are also associated with a healthy heart and digestive system. You don't have to go all-out vegan to enjoy the health benefits of a vegan-inspired diet!

Consider Country Club Vista apartment homes in Arizona for luxury living that is close to downtown Flagstaff and hiking trails, which includes a fitness center, swimming pool, and an outdoor fitness course to help you on your journey to wellness.

The post Healthy Food Swaps appeared first on Country Club Vista Apartments Blog.

Fun Breakfast Omelette Recipes

Italian Style Broccoli and Cheese Omelette

With a touch of olive oil and a medium skillet, you can bring this Italian-style omelette to life in your own kitchen. Once you’ve tried it, this omelet may find its way into your lunch and dinner menu as well.

Gather These Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped broccoli florets (steamed)
• 6 extra-large eggs
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2/3 cup Romano cheese (grated)
• 1 tablespoon virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley (minced)

Whisk eggs, milk, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix in broccoli and 1/3 cup of Romano cheese. Heat a cast iron skillet on medium and pour in olive oil. Pour in the egg mixture and cook for 5 minutes. Remove and place in the oven on broil for 3-4 minutes or until eggs are fully cooked. Remove from oven and let stand for 3 minutes. Add remaining Romano cheese and sprinkle with parsley.

Baked Denver Omelette

A tasty omelette is rendered even better when all you have to do is slip it into a hot oven while you prepare your morning beverage of choice. This Denver-style omelette is going to become your new favorite!

Gather These Ingredients

• 8 extra-large eggs
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (sliced or shredded)
• 1 cup chopped ham
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped peppers
• 1/4 cup diced yellow onions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Whisk the eggs and cream together in a large bowl. Then, add the remainder of the ingredients and gently mix. Grease a skillet or 9-inch baking pan with the olive oil and warm for 3 minutes. Remove and pour in the egg mixture and bake until golden brown (about 25 minutes).

We hope our Country Club Vista community members enjoy these omelette recipes. If you or a friend would like more information about our Flagstaff apartments, call us today.

The post Fun Breakfast Omelette Recipes appeared first on Country Club Vista Apartments Blog.

Easy Breakfasts for Your Flagstaff Apartment Entertaining

• Strata. A strata looks complex but is actually very easy. Place four slices of your favorite bread in a square casserole dish. Beat four eggs with 1/2 cup milk and add salt, pepper and seasoning to taste. Pour this over the bread. Sprinkle with diced Canadian bacon and refrigerate overnight. Bake uncovered in a 350-degree oven for 30 minutes. Top with cheese and cook for 5 to 10 more minutes until strata is firm and golden. You have a delicious, simple breakfast casserole that feeds several with very little effort!

• Bacon for a Crowd. You can easily make bacon for a crowd in your oven. Place slices of uncooked bacon in your cold oven on a cookie sheet. Turn the temperature to 450 and keep an eye on things. In around 10 to 12 minutes, your bacon should be crisp and ready to go. Drain and you’ve got bacon for a crowd.

• Bagel Bar. Serve bagels with a variety of toppings including butter, cream cheese, cheese, fried eggs, Canadian bacon and peanut butter. Everyone can create the breakfast that suits their needs, and you can relax and enjoy good company.

Having a nice big kitchen and dining area can make serving these morning meals even easier. Check out our currently available apartments in Flagstaff at Country Club Vista Apartments and schedule a walkthrough today. We’d love to show you our currently available floor plans and see if one works for you.

The post Easy Breakfasts for a Crowd appeared first on Country Club Vista Apartments Blog.

Pecorino Chicken and Salad

This dish is elegant enough for a romantic dinner for two, but it's also appealing to the taste buds of children and can be considered family-friendly. Simply make a batter of bread crumbs, butter and grated pecorino, and sprinkle it liberally over cut-up chunks of chicken breast. Bake them in a preheated oven at 400 F for 15 minutes, and prepare the salad of your choice in the meantime. 

Pasta Primavera

Although some people associate this classic pasta dish with endless fuss and bother in the kitchen, it doesn't have to be that way. The trick to making this quickly is to use broccoli as the main vegetable and cook it in the same pot as the pasta. Add minced garlic and roasted red pepper, and let the mixture boil for 20 minutes. Toss with olive oil and serve on a bed of fresh greens. 

Spanish Frittata With Chorizo 

This single-skillet meal takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish, and although frittatas are a classic breakfast tradition, they're a great option for dinner any night of the week. Combine chopped baby red potatoes, diced yellow onions, chorizo sausage, eggs and your choice of seasonings, and fry them in a skillet. Round out the meal with a simple green salad and a piece of French bread. 

Our pet-friendly apartment community features a clubhouse, in-unit washers and dryers, a swimming pool and other sought-after lifestyle amenities. Please feel free to reach out to us for more information on enjoying life at Country Club Vista. 

The post Three Quick Evening Meals That Are Perfect After a Long, Busy Day appeared first on Country Club Vista Apartments Blog.