Teriyaki Wings

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds chicken wings
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1.5 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

Directions:

1. Thoroughly whisk together all ingredients (except for chicken) in a glass bowl
2. Add the wings and cover bowl with plastic
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour 
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
5. Place chicken into a greased baking dish and bake for about one hour 

Lemony Pepper Wings

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken wings
• 1/4 cup virgin olive oil
• Juice from 2 lemons
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a metal rack
3. Toss the wings in a large bowl with the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper  
4. Remove the wings from the bowl and place onto the prepared baking sheet 
5. Bake for 50 minutes or until crispy and nicely browned 

Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Wings

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken wings
• 1/2 stick butter (melted)
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Add chicken wings into a large slow cooker
2. Mix the butter, garlic and 1 cup of the Parmesan in a bowl
3. Season with salt and pepper
4. Add mixture over the chicken wings and toss to coat 
5. Cook on high for approximately 3 hours
6. Remove chicken from slow cooker and place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper
7. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and place under broiler for 5 minutes 

Do you enjoy cooking? Then please come check out our apartments in Cypress, TX that feature newly renovated chef's kitchens with a cable TV outlet and CleanSteel appliances. Our community is also pet-friendly and boasts a resort-style pool and a newly remodeled fitness center. 

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1. Iced Raspberry Tea

Scrumptiously sweet, this juicy tea refreshes and delights.

• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 4 quarts water
• 12 ounces frozen unsweetened raspberries
• 10 tea bags
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Fresh raspberries and lemon slices, optional

Bring the sugar and water to a boil in a saucepan. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the frozen raspberries, tea bags and lemon juice. Cover and steep for three minutes. Strain, and discard the berries and tea bags. Pour the tea into a pitcher and refrigerate until chilled. Pour the tea over ice and top with fresh raspberries or lemon slices.

2. Vanilla Chai Tea

Is it a dessert? Is it tea? It's a blend of both, we think you'll agree.

• 8 whole peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon whole allspice
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick (1-3 inches)
• 4 whole cloves
• 8 tea bags
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups 2 percent milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 1/2 teaspoons confectioners' sugar
• Ground allspice

Combine the first five ingredients in a bowl. Crush the mixture (using a wooden spoon) until the aromas are released. Bring the water to a boil, add crushed spices, tea bags and honey and steep, covered for six minutes. In a saucepan, warm the milk. Strain the tea into a heat-proof pitcher, and stir in the warm milk and vanilla.

Pour the cream into a bowl and beat until thickened. Add the confectioners' sugar and beat until soft peaks form. Serve the tea in mugs and top with whipped cream and allspice.

3. Spicy Mint Tea

This wonderful blend is perfect for any occasion.

• 6 cups water
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 4 whole allspice
• 2 cups mint leaves

Combine the water, cinnamon, cloves and allspice in a saucepan and boil for one minute. Stir in the mint leaves. Steep the tea for five minutes, strain into cups and sweeten with honey. Enjoy!

If you're looking for a Houston, Texas apartment that welcomes you and your guests with outstanding amenities, contact Carrington at Barker Cypress today.

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1. Squash & Lemongrass Soup With Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

Fall is the perfect time of year to start getting your soup recipes ready for the upcoming chilly winter season. Even in Texas, the feel-good foods associated with autumn help to warm bellies and hearts at the same time. This squash and lemongrass soup with spiced pumpkin seeds displays a vibrant orange hue that's perfect for pre-winter preparations. If you don't use all the spiced pumpkin seeds in the soup, eat them on their own as a snack when afternoon hunger pangs arrive.

2. Cardamom Pepita Brittle

You may not think of sweet things when you think of pumpkin seeds, but this cardamom pepita brittle brings raw pepita seeds together with a combination of ingredients that make for an awesome dessert.

3. Healthy Pumpkin Granola Recipe

Leave the store-bought granola on the shelf where it came from because this homemade recipe is packed with plenty of things that'll power you through your mornings in a positive way. A combination of different types of seeds, power foods and a little pumpkin puree for good measure make this granola recipe fit for fall.  

4. Pumpkin Butter

Give your toast something to be excited about in the morning by making your own nut butter spread. Swap out the raw nuts in this recipe for raw pumpkin seeds. Add a few ingredients to a food processor after you've baked the pumpkin seeds, blend until smooth and enjoy your fresh pumpkin butter.

5. Pepita Pesto

If you're looking for a versatile recipe that can be used several nights a week without getting boring, try this pepita pesto. You can pour it on steak, chicken, pasta or anything else your family might be craving.

If you're looking for an apartment that welcomes you home with a spacious floor plan, private balcony and plenty of other outstanding amenities, Carrington at Barker Cypress is your perfect place. Take a look at our ebrochures online today!

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Keep Your Cool

For food safety and convenience, keep meats refrigerated until you're ready to grill them. Refrigerated meats generally grill in the same amount of time as those at room temperature and are less likely to have collected bacteria that could lead to food poisoning.

Keep It Clean

Nothing is less appetizing than food cooked on a dirty grill. To clean the grill, heat on high for a few minutes then scrub with a grill brush. Crown Verity suggests soaking your grill grates in a sink full of freshly brewed coffee for 60 or 75 minutes, then giving a quick scrub and rinsing with warm water. Before cooking, use tongs to rub the grates with a paper towel that has been soaked in olive oil to prevent sticking.

Add Seasoning

Bold sauces rubbed on the meat or a marinade can increase the flavor. Salt helps steaks form a nice crust as they grill; use it, as well as pepper, before putting the steaks on the grill.

Flip Once

Flip your meat just once while it's grilling. To create an even more impressive set of crosshatches, rotate the meat about 90 seconds after beginning to cook. Always use tongs to flip or rotate the meat; forks and knives create holes that allow the juices to drip out.

Ensure It's Done

Using a thermometer will help determine whether the meat is done and is especially important for large cuts of meat. For smaller cuts of meat, poke with your finger. If the meat still feels squishy, it's rare; slightly yielding, it's medium; and firm and springy, it's well-done. After cooking, set the meat aside for a few minutes before serving. This allows the muscle fibers in the meats to reabsorb the juices.

Once you've practiced these tips, you're ready to invite your friends to a grilling party at Carrington at Barker Cypress, apartments in Cypress, Texas. Among its many amenities, Carrington provides a grilling area by the pool. Call today to discover all the amenities.

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4 Must-Try Instant Pot Meals

• Kung Pao Chicken. This home-recipe take on a Chinese favorite is a great choice for those who want delicious but healthy Chinese food. You can put this instant pot recipe together in under thirty minutes and enjoy plenty of leftovers for the next workday meal.
• Fast and Foolproof Chicken Wings. With just three ingredients, you can make a dozen flavorful chicken wings in your Cypress apartment. The instant pot transforms what would be a four-hour cook time into just thirty minutes and, great news for those looking to slim down, results in a keto-friendly meal. 
• Deconstructed Lasagna. Of course, not everyone is into the keto diet and for those who love the carbs, few meals are as fulfilling as a good lasagna. But homemade lasagna is notorious for being a long and often complex dish to get right… at least until the instant pot came around. This nifty recipe makes it so you can create a delicious lasagna meal with a fraction of the effort and time. 
• Indian Shrimp Biriyani. One of the big benefits of an instant pot is that you cut down on your pots and pans and can throw all of your ingredients in one pot to cook and then clean. This recipe is an excellent example of how well this works. In under 45 minutes, you can have one flavorful meal and only one pot to clean.

Have Issues With Your Current Kitchen Appliances? Contact Maintenance and Let Us Help

While instant pots and similar appliances aren't covered in your lease, if something that is — like your oven or refrigeration — breaks, then remember our Carrington at Barker Cypress maintenance team is here for fast and immediate service. 

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Good news for you! We’ve compiled three great treats that can satisfy your sweet tooth (and your guests’) without running the oven.

Can’t Go Wrong With Peanut Butter No-Bakes!

No-bake cookies are a staple summer treat, and no wonder — they’re awesome! We like this peanut butter variety pretty well. To make them, simply mix the sugar, milk, and butter and bring to a boil (this is the only heat involved, don’t worry). Then stir in your peanut butter, salt, vanilla, and quick oats. Take the mixture off the heat, and as it cools, form it into cookie shapes.

You can chill in the fridge or just let them set up on the counter. Either way works.

For some variety, try using a nut or seed butter in place of peanut butter. Add cocoa powder for a chocolate variety, and sprinkle in some instant coffee along with the cocoa for a mocha variant.

Paletas Are Homemade Popsicles With Flair

Homemade popsicles are pretty simple once you pick up a popsicle mold, or you can just use shot glasses. Take your popsicle game to the next level by making traditional Mexican paletas. Inspiring flavor combinations like strawberry coconut are real crowd pleasers.

Feeling adventurous? Check out these chile paletas, featuring an amalgam of sweet and spicy flavors, including cantaloupe, jalapeños, lime, and even cucumber!

Dessert Cookie Truffles

Dessert cookie truffles, like these Oreo balls, are another great summer treat. Simply combine crushed dessert cookies (preferably filled ones) with cream cheese in a food processor, then dip in melted chocolate. It’s a decadent experience, and the flavor combinations are near endless.

Looking to upgrade your Cypress apartments experience? Contact us today to learn about our awesome amenities and find out which units are available.

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Tips for a Perfect Barbecue 

Even if you’ve never thrown an outdoor barbecue before, we’ve got you covered with the essential tips you’ll need to make sure everyone has a great time. 

Tip No.1 – Have a Plan 

Even though barbecues are laidback affairs, things will go smoother if you plan for the event. A few planning tips include: 

• Decide on your menu in advance
• Know how many guests you’ll have
• Peel and soak veggies the day before
• Prepare sauces in advance
• Order all your fish, poultry or meat ahead of time, cleaning and cutting before you put them in the fridge

Tip No. 2 – Have the Right Tools 

Don’t wait until you’re in the middle of barbecuing to figure out that you don’t have tongs or heavy-duty oven gloves. Have a good set of grill tools on hand, and make sure you have a good grill or fire pit available. 

Tip No. 3 – Check the Temperature 

The last thing you want to do is send guests home with food poisoning, which means it’s essential to check the temperature on your meats. Look up the safe temperature for the foods you’re cooking, and use a food thermometer to check for the right temperature before you serve meats. 

Tip No. 4 – Spruce Up Your Table

While outdoor barbecues are all about being casual and fun, take a little time to spruce up your table. It’s spring, so go with colorful linens, and add a simple bouquet of flowers to your table. If you choose paper goods, make sure you select pretty options that are sturdy enough to handle the foods you’ll be serving.  

Tip No. 5 – Don’t Forget the Drinks 

The food may be the main focus, but don’t forget about the drinks. Have plenty of water on hand to keep guests hydrated. Fruit-infused waters are a delicious choice. For adults, have them bring their own beer so everyone is happy, or serve up a couple of spring cocktails. 

A barbecue is the perfect way to celebrate spring, and with a few tips, you’ll be able to throw a fun event that guests will love. If any of your guests are looking for apartments in Cypress, TX, have them give our office a call to find out what floor plans we have available. 

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Pulled Pork and Beer-Cheese 

The tangy meat of this sandwich is what gives the meal so much dimension. You can pretty much use any kind of beer, pork, bread, and cheese you happen to have in the house, making it a good way to use those extra leftovers you weren't sure what to do with. Because the flavor combination is so rich, it's going to be really hard to go wrong. This recipe doubles as an appetizer idea that is sure to run out well before the game starts. 

Pumpkin Grilled Cheese 

For those who are still craving the flavors of fall, pumpkin grilled cheese can really take you back to the start of the season. The gruyere, pumpernickel, and signature puree all combine to create a bite that's loaded with savory goodness and just a hint of sweetness. If you're planning to make this particular sandwich for a more picky member of your household, it's worth noting the pumpkin flavor is not especially strong. 

Grilled Apple and Swiss Cheese

There's something about the combination of apples and cheese that can put a smile on anyone's face. The richness and the acidity blend together to create a perfect bite. This recipe uses gooey Swiss cheese, seeded bread, and Granny Smith apples. It's a simple recipe with very few ingredients that delivers a huge blast of flavor to your taste buds. 

Cooking this winter is a great way to celebrate the chillier temperatures with all the comfort food you were craving over the summer. If you're looking for a kitchen that can keep up with you, consider Carrington at Barker Cypress. Call us today to learn more about our amenities, floor plans, and facilities, or to schedule a tour for yourself. 

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The Best Cocoa Recipe

Cocoa is best when made from milk or cream, even though it generally has more calories that way. But if you need a rich boost, skipping powdered mixes that you add water to is the first thing to do. With a microwave, heating milk is easy. Check your model's instructions online to find the right amount of time to heat milk. Using cream instead of milk will give you a rich, satisfying cocoa drink. Then add your favorite chocolate in powdered or bar form. Mix it into the warm cream until it melts. It should melt just fine without heating it more in the microwave.

If you prefer using a stovetop to heat milk or cream, you know you have overheated it if it starts to form a skin on top. Heating milk (and chocolate) is best to do slowly or in short 15-second increments in the microwave if you aren't sure of the right amount of time.

Rich Hot Chocolate

from Taste of Home

2/3 cup Heavy whipping cream

1 cup 2% Milk

4 oz. Dark chocolate candy bar, chopped

3 T sugar

Vanilla rum (to taste), optional

Sweetened heavy whipping cream

Heat cream, milk chocolate, and sugar in a saucepan (or in the microwave) over medium heat. Stir consistently while heating. When it starts to simmer, remove from heat. Pour into the mug and add rum, if desired. Top with whipped cream and enjoy.

Alternatives:

Hazelnut – Replace chocolate with Nutella and rum with Frangelico. If it's too sweet, reduce or eliminate sugar.

Dairy Free – Replace milk and cream with vanilla almond milk. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Top with marshmallows instead of whipped cream.

Peppermint – Add crushed candy canes to taste (about a tablespoon per cup).

Come up with your own flavors for warm cocoa and test them out on your friends and family while you're on vacation in your Cypress, TX apartment. Contact us if you want a tour of our model apartments.

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Healthy Holiday Meal Ideas

• Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes. Sweet potatoes are low on the glycemic index and therefore a healthier version of traditional mashed potatoes. Using an Instant Pot makes preparation that much faster. Simply peel and chop sweet potatoes. Add sweet potato cubes to Instant Pot, along with salt, cinnamon, thyme and one cup of water. Cook in pressure cooker mode for eight minutes, then release pressure. Add maple syrup and coconut oil to potatoes and stir together. Serve in a beautiful dish.
• Vibrant Winter Salad. In the dark days of winter, sometimes you just need a little color. If you need a break from the soup rut, a bright salad is the way to go. You can make this salad ahead of time, which is great for holiday entertaining. For dressing, mix together 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of orange juice. Set aside. Add sliced kale and Brussels sprouts to a bowl. Pour dressing over kale and Brussels sprouts and let soak for several hours or overnight. Roast thinly sliced butternut squash in 450 degree Fahrenheit oven and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Remove squash after 25 minutes. Add pomegranates, orange slices and thinly sliced red cabbage to kale mixture. Top with roasted squash and nuts.
• Skillet Honey Pomegranate Chicken Thighs. This is an easy protein dish to impress your guests. Mix together salt, cumin, chili powder, ginger and pepper. Rub onto chicken thighs. In a different bowl, mix together pomegranate juice, honey, vinegar, molasses and lemon. Brown chicken in a skillet and saute on each side until cooked through. Cook shallots in skillet. Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Set aside. Saute garlic in skillet, then add molasses mixture. Add cornstarch and water mix. Reduce heat, stirring until thick. Add chicken back to skillet and cover in sauce. For extra presentation, add pomegranate seeds, chopped parsley and lemon slices.

There's no better place to try out new recipes than at one of our chef's kitchens. Contact us at Carrington at Barker Cypress Apartments in Cypress to learn about our many upscale amenities that make life really grand. 

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