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Flagstaff has a well-earned reputation as a winter wonderland, but what's a beautiful winter day without hot chocolate? If you're like many people, however, the same old beverage wears thin after a while. Even though it's hard to imagine getting tired of chocolate, it can't hurt to give your taste buds a treat by mixing it up a little now and then. One of the easiest ways to change up any cup of hot chocolate is by adding your choice of flavored extract. The following are just four easy hot chocolate recipes that residents of apartments in Flagstaff need to know about.
Butterscotch Hot Chocolate
All you need to do to create this delectable delight is to stir in a little butterscotch extract into your favorite hot chocolate and top it off with some freshly whipped cream. Sprinkle on some butterscotch shavings if you want to further play up the butterscotch accents.
Raspberry Hot Chocolate
You may have heard of raspberry-chocolate cake, and maybe you've been lucky enough to have enjoyed a slice or two yourself. Imagine it in liquid form, and you've got raspberry hot chocolate. Stir in raspberry extract to taste, top with freshly whipped cream, and garnish with fresh or frozen raspberries.
Banana Hot Chocolate
Add banana extract to your hot chocolate and garnish it with a skewer of banana slices. This one is good with or without whipped cream, but if you want to mimic the flavor experience of certain Mexican desserts, top with whipped cream and sprinkle liberally with cinnamon.
Maple Hot Chocolate
Maple and chocolate may be an off-the-beaten-track flavor combination, but that doesn't make it any less delicious. This one's best sans whipped cream or anything else that may distract from the intriguing play of flavors.
Whether you want to live by yourself or with a group of other NAU students, we've got something to suit your lifestyle at our Flagstaff apartments. Please contact us today to find out more.
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When summer hits Flagstaff, Arizona, it’s important to keep one thing in mind — it’s all about keeping cool. The key to enjoying that Arizona heat is to have the right drinks on hand. A spritzer is a perfect tool for residents in need of a cool-down.
Refreshing Spritzers for Summer
Fruity Alcoholic Spritzers
Nothing says the good life in Flagstaff apartments like watermelon spritzers. Cut and cube about 2 cups of fresh watermelon; then puree the cubes in the blender or food processor.
Pour the watermelon into four glasses and add equal parts white wine and club soda to fill each. Garnish with a little watermelon slice to make it pretty, and enjoy.
If you are more of a berry person, try muddling fresh berries with a splash of lime juice and mint leaves. Put the muddled mess in the bottom of a glass and top it with white wine and carbonated water.
Nonalcoholic Spritzers Are Just as Fun
Typically, a spritzer contains alcohol, usually white wine, but that’s more of a guideline than a rule. The Asian Pear Sparkler introduces something a little different for those looking to stay cool. Start by pureeing or juicing an Asian pear.
Combine the pear puree or juice with a teaspoon of lemon juice, ¾ cup of honey, ¼ cup of sugar along with a sprig of fresh rosemary, a 1-inch piece of fresh, peeled, and a dash of nutmeg. Place the mix in a saucepan and simmer for five minutes. Heating it allows the sugars to fully dissolve.
Let the heated mix cool for 30 minutes and then strain it. Let it finish cooling; then pour it over ice and add soda water. Add simple syrup to taste.
The best thing about spritzers is the chance to experiment and find your signature drink. If you are new to Flagstaff, give our office a call to schedule a tour of our apartment community.
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Coffee fans are always looking for the best-tasting cup, something that's rare — but not impossible — to find coming from ubiquitous automatic drip-brew machines. These three coffee-brewing alternatives are favorites of connoisseurs.
Keep in mind that each of these methods work best with freshly ground coffee. Consider investing in a coffee grinder for your apartment or be sure to use store-ground beans ASAP after purchase.
French Press
Probably the easiest way of brewing coffee, you'll need to start with coarse grounds, a kettle and — of course — a French press. To brew, just place the grounds into the bottom of the press and pour in boiling water. After letting it steep for a few minutes, press down with the plunger and pour yourself a cup.
Cold Brew
An especially popular choice for busy people during the warm summer months, cold brew produces a concentrate that can last for up to a week in the refrigerator. Place coarse grounds into a French press or covered bowl and refrigerate overnight before straining out the used grounds.
Pour Over
At heart, pour-over coffee brewing is a very similar process to average coffee makers, only everything is handled manually. However, according to aficionados, the greater level of control produces a much better-tasting cup. Simply bring water to a boil using a swan-neck kettle, let it cool slightly and then pour through a specialty dripper and carafe device.
Of course, having a private kitchen makes brewing your own coffee much easier — and you won't have to worry about others using your equipment without permission. With kitchens in limited supply at Northern Arizona University residents halls, many students are opting for off-campus living. If you're looking for a new place, consider visiting our offices at Pine View Village apartments in Flagstaff, AZ, to find out more about our community.
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