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In addition to Thanksgiving, a tradition has been started called Friendsgiving. They invite friends to their place, and they all enjoy a holiday meal with each other. If you have been invited to spend Thanksgiving with your friends, you may want to bring a dish that is very fall-like yet different from all of the common side dishes that are served on Thanksgiving. Here are a few trendy side dishes that you may want to bring with you to a Friendsgiving celebration.
Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin soup is a warm side dish that is earthy, comforting and tasty. Best of all, pumpkin soup is also very easy to make. Most recipes combine pumpkin puree with vegetable stock to create the base for this soup. There are different recipes out there that can spice up the soup or make it a bit unique. Look around to find something that appeals to you and then bring your soup along for your meal.
Brussels Sprouts
On Thanksgiving, green beans are commonly served. They can be served by themselves or in a green bean casserole. However, younger generations are turning to Brussels sprouts rather than green beans. If you want to bring a trendy side dish with you to a Friendsgiving event, consider making a Brussels sprouts-based dish. You can incorporate Brussels sprouts with bacon or even make fried Brussels sprouts. No matter how you prepare this cruciferous green vegetable, your dish is sure to be a hit.
Harvest Salad
If you want to bring something light and fresh to Friendsgiving, consider opting for a harvest salad. A harvest salad can be prepared in a number of different ways, but most call for your choice of lettuce or greens to be mixed with common fall fruits and walnuts or pecans. Some common fall fruits that you can throw into a harvest salad include cut-up apples, dried figs, cranberries or pears. You can also throw in things like goat cheese or butternut squash to add depth and flavor to the salad. A vinaigrette is typically used as a dressing.
A Friendsgiving meal is the perfect time to enjoy an amazing meal with the people who mean the most to you. If you enjoy hosting events with your friends, you may be searching for apartments in Chicago, IL. that are ideal for entertaining. Presidential Towers offers spacious apartments with amazing views. Visit our community today to learn more about the amenities our community has to offer.
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Many chefs will feature a signature dish inspired by personal preferences and created as an original offering at their restaurants. Many times a signature dish will become closely associated with a particular chef or restaurant and eventually take a place among cookbooks once the secret recipe is revealed. You can create your own signature culinary dish with just a little imagination and experimentation.
Here are four things to consider when crafting a culinary masterpiece.
Your Signature Culinary Dish
1. Choose a Type of Cuisine
Start with your favorite, go-to cuisine; Southern, Italian, Asian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Home Style, or Street Food. Whatever pleases your personal palette and the area of cooking where you have the most experience is a great place to start. Another option is to do a variation of an existing dish. Many people create signature Mac and Cheese, burgers, soups, and casseroles.
2. Add Personal Touches
Your signature dish should have a distinct personal touch that is evident in the flavor, presentation, and textures. You may even start with an existing recipe and start swapping out high-calorie items for those that are low in fat, but still favorable. Consider the person that first substituted fish for ground beef in tacos. Today, fish tacos topped with coleslaw instead of lettuce and tomato are a favorite food truck offering throughout the country.
3. Herb and Spice Combinations
This is the fun part when making a signature dish — creating a one-of-a-kind flavor that is unmistakably your own. Attempt to combine great herb and spice pairings when creating a new dish that will bear your personal touch and add a distinct flavor to your dish. Herb and spice combinations start with a predominant herb combined with spices to imbue a certain taste (sweet, tangy, spicy, etc) and paired with the right base foods — chicken, pork, stews, soups.
- Sweet or spicy
- Sour and sweet
- Savory or creamy
- Sweet and tangy
- Bitter savory
4. Authentic Presentation
Finish off your signature dish with a unique presentation which could be serving a casserole in a bread bowl, using certain garnishes, crisping the top of your dish using the broiler, a creative drizzling of a secret sauce, or stacking food items to create an edible structure.
The gourmet kitchens in our apartments in Chicago, IL are the perfect place to create a signature food dish that you can serve when entertaining family and friends in your spacious apartment. Presidential Towers' units include renovated kitchens with an espresso cabinetry option, granite countertops, upgraded appliances, and wood-inspired flooring.
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With the warm weather in full swing, it’s time to throw an outdoor party. We hope our Presidential Towers community members in Chicago, Illinois, find these party tips helpful!
Inviting Your Guests
The key to any memorable gathering is intimate conversation and laughs. You won’t get either of those things by filling your guest list will people from the same walk of life. For instance, if half the attendees work in the same field or share a hobby, the conversation is likely to be dominated by work or that interest. Bringing people together with diverse interests and backgrounds can make the party conversation unique and memorable.
Pre-Party Preparation
When the weather is warm, the mosquitos and biting insects run rampant. Don’t let them ruin an otherwise wonderful afternoon or evening event. There are several safe products on the market that you can prep the area in advance. There are also new gadgets out that repel mosquitos within 15 or so feet.
Beyond devices and chemical products, consider employing natural repellents such as citronella, lemongrass, or peppermint, among others. The point is to take pre-party measures to thwart biting fly attacks.
KISS-Themed Party
This doesn’t mean setting up a smooching table or adorn platform shoes and fierce rock ‘n’ roll heavy metal makeup. Instead, KISS is the acronym for Keep It Simple Silly. So, keep your party simple.
Consider hosting a potluck party that encourages people to bring their signature dish. This strategy gets party-goers invested in the gathering. It also generates food talk and recipe sharing, which are always welcome. Perhaps the one trick to a KISS potluck party is to set parameters. Think about setting up a Facebook group where people can post what they are bringing. This tends to reduce the amount of duplication.
Music Mood Matters
Creating the perfect ambiance may be the single issue that trips up party hosts. One way to avoid this problem is to utilize themed musical stations on Pandora, Spotify, SIRIUS radio and others. You may want to work with an age demographic such as ’90s music or some other common thread. The point is to keep mood music accessible to guests and remember to keep the volume low.
We hope our Presidential Towers community members enjoy these party tips. If you or a friend would like more information about our Chicago apartments, call us today!
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Having a breakfast bar in your Chicago, IL apartment is most definitely a nice touch for life at home, but this one nifty kitchen feature can be a lot of help when you are entertaining guests. Higher than counters and just the right height to be deemed a bar, there are several ways you can use this implement during parties and events at home.
Getting the Most out of the Breakfast Bar in Your Chicago Apartment
Breakfast bars are a popular feature in a modern kitchen, and it is for good reason. Check out three ways to use your breakfast bar for entertaining.
Host a Bagel Bar Brunch
Pick up a few types of fresh bagels, and set up bowls for all the yummy toppings people could want. Get out the toaster oven and set it up for those who want more savory bagel toppings, such as sausage crumbles and cheese.
Open a Bar at Your Holiday Party
There are few things as much fun as setting up a bar where guests can walk up and order the drinks that they want at a holiday party. Create a makeshift menu out of a small chalkboard propped up on the breakfast bar. A short list of mixed drinks, white and red wines, and beer will suffice, and it doesn't take a certified bartender to serve up drinks as people order them. Don't forget napkins, some bowls of mixed nuts, and maybe some olives set out for guests to grab as they need them.
Have a Taco Night at Home
You can set up a buffet-style taco night right in your apartment. Prepare your meats, whether it is shredded chicken or ground beef, in a small crock pot set to warm on the bar. Set up bowls or trays of all the toppings. Guests can fix up their favorite tacos right at the bar.
Overall, having a breakfast bar means you have the ideal entertaining fixture in your kitchen. Schedule a tour today!
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In case your wine and spring fare pairing skills have gotten rusty over the long winter, here are 5 suggestions perfect for spring meals!
Pasta Primavera and Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is a bright wine with enough acidity to cut through the creamy sauces used in pasta primavera. Choose one with a fruity bouquet to go nicely with the fresh spring vegetables in the dish!
Grilled Salmon and Pinot Noir
The first wild salmon runs begin in spring, and this is one fish with a robust enough flavor profile that it doesn't need to be paired with a white wine per traditional custom. Pinot noir is an ideal wine for pairing with a grilled salmon dinner because it's got a bolder flavor than white wine yet isn't so rich that it overpowers this popular fish's taste.
Fruit Salad and Moscato
The first fruit salad of the season is definitely a special treat, particularly when it's enjoyed al fresco on a warm summer evening with a deliciously cool glass of Moscato. With just the right combination of sweetness and acidity, this beverage pairs excellently with fresh fruits!
Trout Almandine and Sparkling Rosé
Trout almandine is an ideal entree for an elegant romantic dinner for two, and bringing a sparkling rosé to the picture adds a classy finishing touch that provides a celebratory accent. Sparkling wines go with everything, but this one's particularly suited to complementing the light, delicate flavor of freshly caught trout.
Roast Lamb and Merlot
Spring lamb is another seasonal delight that's suitable for special occasion meals. Like salmon, it has a strong enough flavor profile to pair well with red wine rather than white, but it needs something more substantial than pinot noir. Merlot is an excellent choice for serving with roast lamb.
Our renovated kitchens feature oak cabinets, updated appliances, breakfast bars, and granite countertops perfect for any meal you want to create this spring. Call us today to schedule a tour!
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If you're like most residents of apartments in Chicago, you've welcomed the flowers, foliage and blue skies of spring with a happy heart. Here are several suggestions designed to make your picnic fabulous at enjoying the changing season!
Keep It Classic
There's a reason why classic picnic foods include cold fried chicken, pinwheel sandwiches and watermelon — these are easy as finger foods! Other staples include macaroni or potato salad. if you want to go green, consider using disposable items manufactured with sustainable materials, such as bamboo or recycled plastic.
Have Cover Area Nearby
Spring weather can be unpredictable even if the forecast calls for perfect weather. Choose a location with a covered area nearby, such as a park with a lovely gazebo. That way, the picnic won't be ruined if the weather takes an unexpected turn.
Create a Checklist
This ensures that you never leave an important item behind at home that you need for the picnic spot. Make a compressive checklist of everything you'll need, bottle openers, trash bags, ice for drinks, or napkins, and carefully check it off prior to departing on your picnic.
Be Mindful of Food Safety
Keep cold foods cold until it's time to eat. Always pack your picnic in an insulated carrier even if your destination is just a short drive away. The last thing you want is for someone to come down with a foodborne illness. Also, be sure to take along enough antibacterial wipes for everyone in case there isn't a place nearby to wash your hands before eating.
Our community is abundant with picnic and barbecue areas right on-site! Call us today to find out more.
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Do homemade cookies automatically put a smile on your face? Maybe it is the memory of being irresistibly drawn into the kitchen by the aroma of cinnamon, buttery goodness. Perhaps you recall biting into a just-out-of-the-oven, heavenly confection filled with melting chocolate chips, toasted pecans and sugar. Whatever you love about cookies, National Homemade Cookies Day is the perfect excuse for firing up the oven in your apartment kitchen.
If Mom isn't visiting or if you misplaced the dog-eared recipe from Nana, don't despair. You will find a way to satisfy your sweet tooth among the many recipes found, here. Following are a couple of suggestions that are sure to please you and impress your guests.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
You cannot go wrong with a good chocolate chip cookie. While you might save time by using a mix, available at most food stores, the homemade versions are worth the effort. The basic recipe calls for butter, brown and white sugar, eggs and vanilla mixed together; all-purpose flour, baking soda and salt are then added. Two cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips complete the recipe. Drop onto a cookie sheet and pop into the oven. Baking the cookies a little longer than suggested will create a crispier cookie, so judge baking time by your preference.
Snickerdoodle Cookies
Aromatic cinnamon really sets these cookies apart. The dough comes together easily as butter, white and brown sugar and eggs are mixed together and then joined by flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. After mixing the dough, use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to make 1 & 1/2-inch balls. The balls are rolled in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon and then placed on a parchment-lined cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. As they cook, the cream of tartar in the dough makes the balls rise and then flatten out on the pan, creating a crinkled top. Chewy and yummy even after cooling, these cookies are absolutely irresistible when eaten warm with a cold glass of milk.
While enjoying cookies warm from the oven with friends and loved ones, don't forget to share the amenities and floor plans of our beautiful Chicago apartments. Give our office a call to learn more!
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If you're one of those who joyfully anticipate their first bite of freshly baked apple pie once the fruit begins to ripen in the fall, you're in luck—harvest time is here, and kitchens all over the country are filled with the aroma of apple pies baking in the oven. However, the same apple pie recipes get old after a while, and fortunately, there are many variations of this classic favorite.
Here are two tasty twists on an old tradition that residents of our apartments in Chicago can whip up in their kitchen this fall.
Fried Apple Pies
If you're in the mood for warm-from-the-oven apple pie goodness but don't want to bake an entire pie, you can quickly create an equally delicious option using a home deep fryer or a large heavy skillet instead of an oven. Simply make your favorite pie crust, or for simplicity's sake, use a frozen crust, and peel and dice your favorite apples. Place them in a saucepan with cinnamon and sugar, and cook them on low heat until they're the consistency of thick applesauce. After allowing the mixture to cool for five minutes or so, fold them into turnover shapes in small pieces of pastry—a heaping tablespoon for each one—before deep-frying for about five minutes or until golden brown.
Apple Pie Baked Apples
Apple pie baked apples provide an ideal grand finale for an elegant seasonal dinner party. Assemble them ahead of time so all you'll have to do is pop them in the oven after you've cleared the dinner plates. They only take about 20 minutes in the oven, so while you and your guests are enjoying a glass of wine by the fire, you'll also be treated to a heavenly aroma as they bake.
This dessert works best when using the roundest possible apples, so pick up some Granny Smith or Honeycrisp varieties. Make the filling the same way as described in the fried pie recipe above, spoon the mixture into hollowed-out apples, make a cute lattice crust for a topping, and bake for 20 minutes.
We've got floor plans ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments. Please call today to find out more.
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Great barbecue is hard to beat. It’s a meal and an experience. We’ve gathered a few recipes you’ll want to try this summer and fall. Remember, when you’re planning to craft these barbeque delights, the grills available on the BBQ deck of our Chicago apartments are an excellent place to do so!
Delicious Barbecue Recipes
Grilled Cumin-Rubbed Hanger Steak
Hanger steak is an often underutilized cut of meat. Put it to good use next time you cook out by making a simple rub of 2 parts cumin to 1 part salt to 1 part black pepper. Rub generously on both sides of the steak and grill. Grill to an internal temperature of 130 degrees for a medium-rare steak, or higher as desired by your guests. Serve with baked potatoes and a salad for a simple, yet elegant barbecued dinner.
Barbecued Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
​​​​​​​Buffalo chicken is tasty and fun to serve but can be messy and complicated to cook. Utilizing the classic sauce on boneless, skinless breasts makes for a great sandwich stuffer. Combine 1/2 cup hot sauce with 1/4 cup melted butter and 3 tablespoons of ketchup. Use this to generously coat 4 boneless, skinless breasts. Then, barbecue the breasts until cooked thoroughly. Serve on lightly toasted buns with lettuce and blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Veggie Kebabs
When barbecuing, it’s always a good idea to have an option on hand for any vegetarian friends or those who may be trying to cut back on meat intake. Veggie kebabs are a great option. Zucchini, summer squash, peppers, onions, and cherry or grape tomatoes are excellent options to line your skewers. Grill other veggies for approximately 12 minutes on indirect heat and add the tomatoes for the last 3 to 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite vinaigrette or whip together a mixture of lemon juice, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper to drizzle on the kebabs after they are cooked.
Grilled Corn
The perfect accompaniment to nearly any barbecued meal is grilled corn. Husk your corn and gently rub with olive oil. Grill on medium-high until tender–approximately 18 to 20 minutes. Serve with available butter, mayonnaise, chili powder, Parmesan cheese, lemon pepper, Old Bay, garlic and other seasoning options for your guests to create their own perfect grilled corn.
If you’re looking for a great place to live in Chicago, IL, that offers the ideal spot for hosting friends and loved ones for barbecues and other gatherings, call or contact us at Presidential Towers today. We look forward to showing you our available floor plans!
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The city of Chicago is known for robust urban living and offers the very best in metropolitan life and culture. However, not everyone is aware that Chicago is also a source for some of the best fried chicken in the country.
National Fried Chicken Day is on July 6, but any day can be fried chicken day from your Chicago apartments at Presidential Towers. Whether you go out to eat or make your own fried chicken in one of our well-appointed living spaces, that unparalleled flavor is available all year-round. For those who want lighter fare, grilled chicken prepared at our on-site grilling area is the perfect alternative.
Crispy breading, the perfect spices and a juicy interior create the best fried chicken, and Chicagoland is overflowing with great choices. Here are five of the best fried chicken options in the city.
Best Fried Chicken in Chicago
1. Blue Door Kitchen & Garden
52 W Elm St.
(312) 573-4000
Enjoy buttermilk marinated chicken cooked to golden, crispy perfection. This is an Oprah favorite! During brunch on the weekends, you can get Art Smith's famous fried chicken served with waffles.
2. Big Jones
5347 N Clark St.
(773) 275-5725
Feast on Southern fried chicken at this restaurant. Chef Paul Fehribach brines Amish chicken in herbs and spices and then fries it in leaf lard, ham drippings, and clarified butter.
3. The Budlong
1008 West Armitage Ave.
(773) 270-9005
Enjoy Nashville-style hot BBQ chicken in mild, medium or extra spicy hot. There are additional locations in Lincoln Square and Revival Food Hall.
4. Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
847 W Fulton Market
(312) 733-1971
Originating in Tennessee, the secret to this fried chicken is the dark skin, which receives its color from the fryer and creates a crunchy and tasty coating. Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken achieves the perfect balance of saltiness and spiciness which will have you wanting more.
5. Crisp
2940 N Broadway
(773) 697-7610
Korean fried chicken offered as plain or sauced makes for a unique and unforgettable experience. There are traditional BBQ and Buffalo options, but the family recipe Seoul Sassy is a favorite. It's a sweet sauce composed of ginger, soy, garlic, and other spices.
For more fried chicken restaurant options around the city of Chicago, click here.
If you’d rather stay in, it's easy to whip up your own batch of fried chicken in your Chicago apartment. Our community offers a range of floor plans with the perfect amenities for your taste and style. We also offer direct-access garage parking, on-site restaurants, 24-hour emergency maintenance service and valet package service.
Host your own outdoor party at our picnic and barbecue area where you can relax and create the perfect grilled meal. Best yet, at our Chicago apartments, everything that the city has to offer is just steps from your door. Contact us today to schedule a tour.
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