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The days are getting warmer and sunnier, which means it’s time to start thinking about outdoor barbecues at your Cypress, TX, apartments. It’s the perfect way to share food and fun with family and friends. You don’t have to be a pro to pull off a barbecue that’s a huge success.
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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Rice is not just a side dish. When combined with proteins and vegetables, it can make one glorious meal. The following are rice dishes that can be used as side dishes or main meals.
Amazing Rice Dishes
Garlic Butter Rice
Saute six cloves of finely sliced garlic in oil until golden and crispy. Drain on a paper towel. Remove excess oil from the pan. Heat two tablespoons of butter, then cook 2 1/2 teaspoons of minced garlic until golden. Add 1 1/2 cups of white medium- or long-grained rice to the pan, and toss to coat it with garlic butter. Pour in 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth, and then place a lid on the saucepan. Heat to simmering, and then turn it to medium-low heat. Cook for 12–15 minutes. Let it rest 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, and transfer it to a serving bowl. Top it with thinly sliced green onions and crispy garlic. Top it with your protein of choice.
Pineapple Fried Rice
Heat two tablespoons of coconut oil in a large skillet. Saute one chopped onion, one diced red bell pepper, and one cup of fresh, diced pineapple until the pineapple is caramelized. Toss in three cloves of minced garlic and 1/4 cup of cashews, and cook for about one minute. Stir in three cups of cooked rice, 1/2 cup of frozen peas, the juice of one lime, two tablespoons of soy sauce, and one teaspoon of Sriracha into the pan to cover the rice. Push the rice aside in the pan, and add two whisked eggs to the pan. Stir until it is almost set, and then combine it with the rice mixture. Top it with green onions and serve. Top it with your protein of choice.
Chicken Fried Rice
Add salt and pepper to both sides of three chicken breasts. Cook in a skillet with olive oil, and then let it rest for five minutes. Dice the chicken when it's cool. Cook one chopped onion and two diced carrots in one tablespoon of sesame oil until soft. Add one tablespoon of minced ginger and three cloves of minced garlic, and cook for one minute. Incorporate four cups of cooked rice and 3/4 cup of frozen peas into the vegetable mixture. Cook it until heated. Push the rice aside in the pan, and then add one tablespoon of sesame oil to the empty side. Add three whisked eggs, and then cook until they're almost set. Fold the eggs into the rice mixture. Add chicken, three tablespoons of soy sauce, and two sliced green onions to the pan and stir it all together.
At Carrington at Barker Cypress Apartments in Cypress, TX we're always cooking up ways to make residents' lives better. Call us today to find out more about our luxury amenities.
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