Black and White Sugar Cookies

Find a pack of your favorite sugar cookie dough or make it from scratch if you have the skills. Roll the dough out until it is around 1/8 inch thick, then cut out two-inch round sections. Place them in the refrigerator and allow them to chill for 30 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees or the recommended temperature on the cookie packet. Bake the cookie dough in the oven for eight to 10 minutes or until they are golden brown, then let them cool. Spread chocolate frosting on one half and vanilla frosting on the other. Add some red and green sprinkles to make them more festive!

Cocoa and Peppermint Cookies

Start with a roll of your favorite refrigerated cookie dough, three tablespoons of unsweetened baking cocoa, a cup of marshmallow crème. Crush up enough peppermint candy until you have enough to fill a 1/3 cup.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Break the cookie dough apart in a bowl, then knead in the cocoa until it is mixed in completely. Create 1 ½ inch balls with the dough and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten them by pressing down slightly with your fingers. Bake for 10 to 13 minutes, then allow them to cool for two minutes.

Place the marshmallow crème in a cup and microwave it on 50 percent until melted. Let it cool, then place the mixture in a plastic bag. Drizzle the marshmallow mix on the cookies, then top with the crushed peppermint candy. Refrigerate the cookies for another 30 minutes before serving.

Snowball Cookies

Make sure you have a pack of your favorite sugar cookie dough, ¼ cup of flour, ½ teaspoon of vanilla, and some powdered sugar on hand. Heat your oven to 350 degrees and break up your cookie dough in a large bowl. Mix in the flour and sugar.

Make 54 1-inch dough balls and place then one inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake them for 10 to 14 minutes, then take them off the cookie sheet to cool. Roll the warm cookies in your powdered sugar several times, letting them cool for a few minutes more each time.

We hope you enjoy these Christmas cookie recipes and if you're looking for apartments in Chicago, IL. give us a call at (866) 473-1997.

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The Perfect Chicago Hot Dog

Hot dog stands are definitely a "thing" here during the summer months, as evidenced by the throngs of people queued up around them. But you don't have to wait in line for the perfect Chicago-style dog. Instead, you can make one at home with this tasty recipe.

Mouthwatering Burgers

This recipe goes beyond the traditional grilled burger. If you want to give your patties a little extra "kick," don't forget to include this one on the menu.

Italian Sausage Sandwiches

Bring home the taste of the fair with this Italian sausage sandwich recipe. Use spicy meat for extra flavor.

Summer Squash With Lemon Dressing

The Chicago area is home to some excellent farmers markets. If you're not sure what to do with all that fresh produce, try putting seasoned squash and zucchini on the grill for a nutritious side dish.

Chicken and Black Bean Nachos

Didn't think it was possible to make nachos on the grill? This flavor-filled recipe makes it easier than ever. Just wrap your favorite ingredients in foil and place them over the fire.

Barbecue Salmon, Asian-Style

Looking for a creative alternative to the typical barbecue sauce? This Asian barbecue salmon recipe might just become your go-to when you don't want to spend a lot of time on food prep.

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods are home to a considerable selection of grocery stores, so you can stock your kitchen with everything you need to prepare your favorite meals. In addition to inviting outdoor spaces, our Chicago apartments are equipped with all the amenities you need to hone your culinary skills. Contact us today to see which floor plans are available.

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Cold Japanese Soba Noodles

Cold buckwheat noodles are a popular dish in Japan on hot days. 

Ingredients:

• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup chicken stock or dashi
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 8 ounces soba noodles
• Finely grated ginger for garnish
• Finely chopped scallions for garnish

Directions:

1. In a large pot, add water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil. 
2. Add noodles and cook until tender. 
3. Drain and rinse under cold running water. Continue to do so until noodles are cold. 
4. For the soup, combine the chicken stock (or dashi), soy sauce and mirin in a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
5. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature, although it is best if chilled. 
6. To serve, divide noodles into bowls and spoon soup over each. 
7. Top with garnishes.   

Spring Fresh Gazpacho

This recipe is perfect for highlighting the delicious taste of fresh vegetables. 

Ingredients:

• 6 plum tomatoes, chopped
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 1/2 large peeled cucumber, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Add everything but the vinegar and olive oil to the blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour in the vinegar and the olive oil and blend again until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.

Do you enjoy whipping together different recipes? Then, please come by and check out our beautiful apartments in Chicago, IL, where you can enjoy creating new taste sensations in our recently upgraded kitchens. Our pet-friendly community also boasts a host of other great amenities and services, including an indoor pool, a package receiving service, a garage, and a door attendant. We even offer a fitness studio with free classes. 

The post 2 Delicious Cold Soups That Are Perfect for Spring appeared first on North Harbor Tower Blog.

James Bond — The Vesper Martini

The recipe for James Bond's famous martini was given in Ian Fleming's first novel about the spy. 

Ingredients:

• 3 ounces Gordon's gin
• 1 ounce vodka
• 1/2 ounce Lillet Blanc 

Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain and serve in a champagne glass (this was Bond's choice of glass for this drink, according to the book). Garnish with a slice of lemon. Be forewarned: This is a very strong drink.  

"Sex and the City" — The Cosmopolitan

This was the drink of choice for the four women of the hit HBO series "Sex and the City." 

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce cranberry juice
• 1/2 ounce Cointreau
• 1/2 ounce lime juice

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in all of the ingredients and shake until chilled and well mixed. Strain your cocktail into a martini glass and then garnish with an orange slice. 

"The Blues Brothers" — Orange Whip

This drink earned a following after it was ordered by John Candy's parole officer character during a scene in the hit movie "The Blues Brothers."  

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce vodka
• 1/2 ounce triple sec
• 4 ounce orange juice
• 1 ounce rum
• 2 ounces heavy cream

Add all of the ingredients except the cream to a shaker that contains crushed ice. Shake for approximately 15 to 20 seconds until well mixed. Pour the cocktail into a glass, then float the heavy cream on top of the drink. Garnish with an orange slice. 

Have you been searching for a new home in the Windy City where you can indulge in delicious beverages such as these? Then please check out our apartments in Chicago. Our community boasts stunning views of Chicago and Lake Michigan, a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor pool, package delivery and a door attendant. Our apartments are also pet-friendly. Contact us today to learn more.

The post 3 Recipes for Cocktails Made Famous in the Movies and on TV appeared first on North Harbor Tower Blog.

Mouth-Watering Asian Noodle Dish Recipes

• Easy Lo Mein: In a jar, shake together 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil and 1 tsp sugar. Cook ramen noodles (without spice packet) according to directions. Drain and set aside in a bowl. Heat sesame oil in a wok. Stir-fry white parts of 3 green onions and 3 cups of diced or julienned vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, mushrooms, broccoli or bok choy. Add 2 tbsp mirin to pan, then toss in noodles and half of sauce. Stir to combine and add more sauce as necessary. Serve on a warm plate and garnish with the green parts of 3 green onions.
   
• Spicy Asian Noodles with Chicken: Heat sesame oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp grated ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves to pan. Saute quickly and put in a large bowl. Stir in more sesame oil, 2 cups diced chicken breast, 1/2 cup chopped green onions, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp hoisin sauce and 2 tsp sambal oelek. Stir-fry and then place in large bowl. Cook 1 package thin rice stick noodles according to directions. Rinse and drain. Cut noodles to make them smaller and add to bowl. Toss all ingredients in bowl and sprinkle with chopped peanuts and green onions.
   
• Sesame Ginger Noodles: To make the sauce, mix together 1/3 cup water, 1/3 cup tamari, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup sesame oil, 1 grated clove of garlic, 1 1/2 tsp grated ginger, 1 1/2 tsp corn starch and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds. Boil 8 oz package rice noodles according to directions.  Meanwhile, heat a skillet and add sesame oil and 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper, 2 grated carrots, 1 handful snow peas and 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced purple cabbage. Stir-fry until starting to soften. Add noodles, chickpeas and sauce to pan. Cook until sauce has thickened. Top with cilantro and toasted sesame seeds.

At North Harbor Tower Apartments in Chicago, there are plenty of great reasons to stay home and skip the take-out. Call us today to find out which floor plans are available.

The post Asian Noodle Dishes to Make at Home appeared first on North Harbor Tower Blog.

It Cooks While You Work

A slow cooker is so easy to use it's almost as good as going out to dinner. Add in the ingredients in the morning, set it on low, and you are sure to have a home-cooked, old-school meal awaiting you after work.

There are a LOT of Crock-Pot Recipes

Do have taste for some fall-off-the-bone chicken? What about some Swiss steak or pot roast? There are plenty of easy-to-make slow cooker recipes — everything from macaroni and cheese to Chinese meals. Whatever your taste, your Crock-Pot can deliver.

It Limits Cleanup

Rather than ending up with multiple pots and pans to be washed after dinner, many slow cooker meals can be made in this one handy cooking device. Cleaning a Crock-Pot can sometimes be a challenge, but it's often a simple cleanup job.

It Makes Your Place Smell Awesome!

Even when a workday is stressful, walking into your apartment filled with the aroma of a comfort food can be rejuvenating. It can be particularly rewarding if you've forgotten that you have dinner waiting!

You Are Sure to Have Leftovers

Crock-Pot recipes most often make more food than you'll need for a single meal. This means you'll have plenty of yummy leftovers for lunch or dinner over the next few days. Enjoy!

Of course, we can't talk about slow cooker cooking without at least one of the simplest examples of this type of cooking: Crock-Pot Pulled Barbecue Chicken Breast.

Simply put two or four frozen chicken breasts into a slow cooker with either a half or a full cup of barbecue sauce. Cook on low all day. When you come home, the chicken should easily pull apart with a wooden spoon. This makes terrific pulled barbecue chicken that can be served as a main course or on sandwich buns.

Changing seasons means menu changes and even appliance changes. Enjoy the tastes and aromas of Crock-Pot season in your new Chicago apartment at North Harbor Tower. We'll even include the views. Contact us to learn more.

The post The Benefits of Cooking with a Crock-Pot appeared first on North Harbor Tower Blog.

5 Delicious BBQ Recipes to Try

Chipotle-Orange Chicken

Mix together orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, pressed garlic cloves, orange zest, salt, and chipotle pepper, and place in a container or resealable bag. Add chicken drumsticks to the mixture and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes. Grill, covered, for 10–12 minutes on each side until done. In a saucepan, boil brown sugar, orange juice, soy sauce, cornstarch, and water until thickened. Brush this yummy sauce on the chicken and serve. 

Fish Tacos

Fish tacos are easy to make, healthy, and delicious. Season your fish with just olive oil, sea salt, and lemon, or add a rub such as chili and cumin. Arrange the fish in an oiled grilling basket and grill at 350 to 400 degrees for 3 minutes on each side. Insert into a tortilla (which could also be quickly warmed and softened on the grill beforehand), and add toppings such as salsa, guacamole, shredded carrots, cilantro, cabbage, lettuce or chopped onions. Serve with roasted corn or beans on the side.

Steak and Gnocchi

Prepare gnocchi ahead of time. Preheat the grill to 350 to 400 degrees. Rub a boneless top sirloin steak with olive oil, kosher salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes. In the meantime, stir together butter, tarragon, and mustard. Place the steaks on the grill, cover them, and cook 8 to 10 minutes. Place the steaks on a plate with gnocchi and cover steaks with the tarragon-butter mixture. 

Basil and Garlic Pork Chops

Mix together sea salt, fresh or dried basil, pepper, and freshly diced garlic. Sprinkle over bone-in pork loin chops. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes on medium-high heat on each side until done. Serve with a rice and vegetable mixture for maximum flavor potential.

Grilled Pizza

If you are looking for that wonderful fresh-out-of-the-wood-fired oven experience, why not try grilling your own pizza? Take some pizza dough and roll it out. Brush olive oil on both sides. Grill one side at 550 degrees for at least 1 to 2 minutes; then flip over with a tong. Quickly add toppings to the pizza and cook for 3 to 5 minutes longer. 

If you are looking for Chicago apartments with a great BBQ/picnic area and other amenities, check out North Harbor Tower conveniently located right in the heart of beautiful Lakeshore East. Contact us today to find out more about our available floor plans, beautiful views, and luxury amenities.

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