how to
Monday, February 1st, 2010
Photo By: Seriouslygood1's
I recently found a recipe for chicken parmesanthat I tried out and enjoyed. I made a few changes to the original recipe to share with you. So, gather your roommates in your MSU student apartment and try it out. Trust me when I say it’s a crowd pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- A couple tablespoons of minced garlic
- 1 28oz can of diced tomatoes
- Chopped basil leaves (as desired)
- Parmesan cheese (as desired)
- A few slices of mozzarella
Lightly pour extra virgin olive oil over the chicken breasts. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and any other seasoning as desired. Cook the chicken on an indoor grill pan or George Foreman grill until completely cooked.
While the chicken is cooking you can start the sauce. Put a medium sized pot over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the tomatoes and begin stirring slowly. Add garlic and basil as desired and continue stirring for 10 minutes.
Preheat your broiler to high.
Layer the chicken and the tomato sauce in a small casserole dish. Place the sliced mozzarella on top of the chicken followed by some parmesan cheese. Leave the dish under the broiler for 3-5 minutes or until the parmesan and mozzarella is browned.
And you’re done! Gather your buds around your East Lansing Student Apartment and enjoy dinner together; family style!
Emily Rubin
Tags: college food meals, easy college cooking, easy college recipes, easy meals, Easy Recipes
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2009
Hosting a New Years Eve party tomorrow night? Stressed because you don’t have any appetizers for your guests to enjoy? Well, take a deep breath, because it’s “Ryan to the rescue!” Below I’ve listed a bruschetta recipe I used last year when I was the party host that went over incredibly! It’s not hard to make at all, and you’ll make your guests think you’re a 5 star chef!
Ingredients
1 loaf French bread
sliced 1/2 sweet onion
finely chopped 2 cloves garlic hopped
1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives
drained 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
divided 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
2 large fresh tomatoes
diced 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. In a bowl, mix the onion, garlic, olives, 2 tablespoons olive oil, oregano, basil, and parsley. Gently toss in the tomatoes. Top bread slices with the tomato mixture. Sprinkle with feta cheese and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with remaining olive oil.
3. Bake 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheese is melted and bread is lightly toasted.
Happy New Year!
(Original Recipe Source)
-Ryan Shaul
Tags: east lansing new years, new years appetizer, new years eve, new years eve party, new years eve recipe
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Thursday, December 10th, 2009
For a gift to all of my MSU friends this winter, I decided to make lots of Holiday cookies. After receiving a lot of thanks and feedback I thought I would share a few of my favorite recipes. Enjoy!
The traditional sugar are always a big hit! You use cookie cutters to make cute holiday shapes such as trees and snowmen. I would advise you to buy the pre-made dough or the packet that you mix the ingredients with the Betty Crocker mix. This will save you time and it is a good inexpensive alternative if you don’t have a ton of baking ingredients.
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-Super Chocolate Chunk!
2 cups of all purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons of baking soda
1/4 teaspoon of salt
3/4 cup of unsalted butter
2/3 cup of granulated white sugar
2/3 cup of brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup chocolate chunks or chips
Mix all ingredients and place dough balls on cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Cook at 350 degrees for 15-17 minutes. (Yields about 18 large cookies)
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-Coconut Macaroons: A little fancy, but super easy to make and delightful!
Combine-
4 large egg whites
1 cup granulated white sugar
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup flour
3 cups sweetened, shredded coconut
Preparation: heat the egg whites, salt, and sugar in a stainless steel bowl over a simmering saucepan. Whisk ingredients until creamy. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients. Let this mixture cool in the fridge for about two hours. Line baking sheets with wax paper, and place the dough a few inches apart on the paper. Bake at 325 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Allow cookies to cool for about 10 minutes on the baking sheet and then move to a wire rack.
Happy Holidays!
Tags: christmas east lansing, cookies msu, east lansing cookie, msu christmas, msu student apartment
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Tuesday, December 1st, 2009
Photo by Debbie Chi
Just like the majority of East Lansing residents, if you are reading this you are probably a broke college student. During the holidays we are already under enough stress with finals, let alone worrying about finding extra cash for holiday gifts. Well fret no more! I have found some awesome inexpensive gift ideas that are sure to be a hit, but not on your wallet! Remember that the holidays aren’t about how much you spend or what goes under the tree, but quality time with your family. The greatest gift you can give someone is your time.
Here are a few cute, cheap gift ideas:
- Decorate ornaments- if you are creative and good at painting, pick up some plain ornaments from your local craft store and personalize them! This is a a cute idea that will last a long time, and you can make them really heart felt.
- Candy mugs- buy some cute holiday mugs from the dollar store and fill them with decorative tissue paper and candy. Super sweet, and cheap!
- Bake it!- Everybody loves baked goods, so borrow your grannie’s favorite recipes and make a few goodie baskets. Yum!
- Mini Stockings- pick up a few mini stockings from the dollar store and fill them with candy, or little items such as coffee and tea samples, little hand lotions or chapstick. You can even find free samples online!
- Etched wine glasses- all you need is two wine glasses per person and pick up an etching kit from the craft store. The wine glasses are super cheap, it it looks fancy and expensive. You can personalize them as much as you want, or keep it simple.
- Books- usually pretty inexpensive and it is something that they can enjoy right away, no assembly necessary.
- Chandler Crossings Apartments offer free gift wrapping days and holiday events for their residents, so if you are lucky enough to be one check it out!
-Katelyn Moore
Tags: cheap college student gifts, cheap gift ideas, creative gift ideas, personal holiday gifts
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Thursday, October 15th, 2009
You come home to your East Lansing apartment after a long day of classes. Dreading the eight page paper your professor asked you to write without any notice, you go to turn on your computer when you realize one of the most upsetting truths a Michigan State college student can have:
You have a virus.
More specifically, the virus known as the Blue Screen of Death (named after the popular Three Rings of Death X BOX virus). Once you have the Blue Screen, you may not get it again for a while, or it may never let you look at anything else again. For some reason it varies on frequency. Most of the time from my experience this problem is fixable provided you follow these easy steps:
1. Remove your computers hard drive and connect it to a different computer using a universal drive adaptor. Basically, this will make your computer’s hard drive into a USB drive, and you can put any files you still want on to a different computer for the time being.
2. Put your hard drive back in your computer.
3. Re-install whatever operating system you use (Windows Vista, XP, etc). This will serve as your “Do-Over” essentially, bringing your computer back to its original settings.
4. From there, you can take your old files and transfer them to your now working computer via either USB drive, CD, or email. I would recommend a large USB, as the other two hold less data.
I know this won’t solve every problem, but this seems to be a very prevalent virus in the past month. I spent about $35 on the adaptor, which I was thrilled to pay rather than buying a new computer.
-Ryan Shaul
Tags: blue screen, blue screen of death, blue screen virus, Chandler Crossings Websites
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2009
Photo by Betterinpink.com
I loved Mucki’s posting on fall recipes so I thought I would contribute my favorite fall food. CIDER! Yum. I love it at my MSU tailgates, on cool evenings and cozy movie nights. There are a few different ways of making it but here is one of my favorite ways to try:
Cinnamon Cider: Super easy recipe, it can be doubled or tripled for large crowds. Take 6 cups of apple juice, 1/8 cup of cinnamon candies and heat until candies dissolve. Put in a crock pot to keep warm.
Carmel Apple Cider: Sooo yummy! A little bit more detailed to make, but completely worth it! Cider ingredients, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 3 cups apple cider, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream. Whipped cream, 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
-To make the cider, combine sugar and 1/4 cup cream and boil in a saucepan then reduce to medium heat. Stir in cider and water. Continue to heat on medium-high until cider starts to steam. (About 4 minutes)
-Whipped topping, chill the remaining 1/2 cup of cream. Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and whip until combined and the cream takes more of a solid form.
Serve the cider with 2 tablespoons of whipped topping for an extra treat. I find these recipes to be the perfect excuse to cuddle up with my roommates in my MSU apartment.
I hope you enjoy!
Posted By Katelyn Moore
Tags: Cider Recipes, Fall Cider, Michigan State Spartans, MSU Tailgate Recipe, Spartan Cider
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Wednesday, September 16th, 2009
Fall is in the air, I know you feel it too! Some mornings hint of the tailgate weather to come. As sad as I am to see summer ending, I always feel a certain sense of excitement for the beginning of fall. The leaves start changing, jeans and long sleeves become essential…
My favorite part of fall though is the food! Fresh apples, heartier meals and cider are just a few of the best things. With the change in weather we start to crave more substantial fare, so I thought what better way to start the season than with some yummy fall recipes? Here are just a few to get you started!
Spiced Pumpkin Soup
Ingredients:
2 tablespoon(s) margarine, substitute butter
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
clove(s) (2 cloves) garlic, minced
2 teaspoon(s) ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon
1 carton(s) (32 ounces) chicken or vegetable broth
1 can(s) (29 ounces) pure pumpkin, not pumpkin-pie mix
1 can(s) (12 ounces) carrot juice
1/2 cup(s) pumpkin seeds (pepitas), roasted and shelled
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Directions
1.In 4-quart saucepan, melt margarine over medium heat. Add carrot and onion, and cook 8 to 10 minutes or until soft, stirring frequently. Add garlic, cumin, and cinnamon, and cook 1 minute, stirring.
2.Add broth, pumpkin, and carrot juice to saucepan, stirring to combine. Cover saucepan and heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer, covered, 15 minutes to blend flavors.
3.Stir soup just before serving. Pass pumpkin seeds to sprinkle over soup.
Spiced Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients:
3 tablespoon(s) mustard seeds
1 tablespoon(s) fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon(s) crushed red pepper
2 (14-ounce) pork tenderloins
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup(s) grainy Dijon mustard
1/4 cup(s) traditional Dijon mustard
1/4 cup(s) honey
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Directions
1.Preheat the oven to 375°. In a mortar, lightly crush the mustard and fennel seeds with the crushed red pepper. Set the pork tenderloins on a rimmed baking sheet and season them with salt and pepper. Spread the crushed spices on the baking sheet and roll the pork tenderloins in the crushed spices to coat them.
2.Roast the pork tenderloins for about 20 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of each tenderloin registers 145°. Transfer the pork tenderloins to a cutting board and let them rest for 10 minutes.
3.In a small bowl, mix the mustards with the honey and season with salt and pepper. Slice the pork 1/2 inch thick and serve with the honey mustard.
Happy Cooking!
Mucki
Tags: Apartment Cooking, MSU Culinary Tips
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Monday, September 14th, 2009
I love football. I love the game so much that I find myself watching ESPN highlights all day on occasion. Though I’ve watched the clip ten times already, I still love to watch it again. 
I am now entering my fourth year of Fantasy Football on ESPN, and with the season approaching, my excitement level is at an all-time high. My buddies and I watch the Sunday games at either Reno’s East or Buffalo Wild Wings, and then watch Monday Night Football at one of our apartments at The Club at Chandler Crossings. There’s nothing like friendly competition with friends, co-workers, family members, and class-mates.
If your anything like me, you’re always curious about different methods people have to draft players. This is my system that has worked well enough to earn four straight Championship Game appearances:
- -Look at what the player has done in the past
- -Look at what the player is projected to do this season
- -Look at the supporting cast the player has
- -Look to see what previous team members are not currently on active rosters
If you have a different system that has been effective, feel free to post it here as a comment! Please remember: When drafting your team, DO NOT draft solely on names alone. No team is ever exactly the same as they were the year before, and the slightest personnel change can effect that players role greatly for the upcoming year.
Wish me luck, and I hope you all have a fantastic fantasy football season. (Those of you who aren’t in my league!)
-Ernest Madison
Tags: Buffalo Wild Wings, Chandler Crossings Websites, ernest madison, ESPN, Fantasy Football, how to, Reno's, the club at chandler crossing
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Wednesday, August 26th, 2009
- ROOMMATES R FUN!
School is about to start yet again! East Lansing is a super fun place right now full of Michigan State spirits. If you are living with roommates this fall, check out this blog to learn some fun ways to get to know each other and to improve your new relationship. College life is all about having fun and meeting new people, so make sure your roommates are your close pals! I personally have met some of my best friends from being roommate matched with the roommate matching services that Chandler Crossings offers. If you are going in blind, this is a great way to get an individual lease and to be matched with people with similar personal interests. Looking to have a great year and make new friends? Then read on!
1. Talk. Get to know your roommates, don’t be shy! Compare decorating styles, clothing, food choices and school information. You might be taking similar courses and be able to help each other out. The first day of meeting someone might be a bit busy, but make time.
2. Invite your new roommates to dinner. Whether you all eat in and enjoy your new place, or find a new favorite spot out on town, this is a great way to get to know each other. Take a look at my blog on being a tourist in your own town to find hot places in East Lansing to try out!
3. Throw a fiesta! (or other cool themed party) Welcome week is almost here, so why not celebrate with your new found friends. Relax, eat some good food, party it up with music or chill out with a movie. Meeting each other’s friends will also make you closer and more comfortable.
4. Facebook or Myspace your roommates before you move in. If you can strike up a conversation before you actually meet, you will probably feel more comfortable on move in day. You can also make arrangements for decorations and shared accessories too.
5. Do your shopping together. Next time you hit the store, invite your roomies. You can learn a lot about someone while you are shopping, and who knows, you might even be able to split the cost of groceries. One of my roommates didn’t have a car so we would shop together, it was fun and she appreciated that I helped her out.
6. Hit up all the local events you can together. Chandler Crossings Apartments always have great resident appreciation events such as free food days, tournaments and pool parties. The best part, the are FREE and right in your front yard! Check with your community to see what events and activities you and your buddies can do together. (This is also a great way to meet your new neighbors)
7. Be outgoing. If you’re watching T.V., making a snack, or going out for a jog, ask your roommates to join you. It is common for people to be shy around strangers, but showing them that you are trying to make an effort can make both of you more comfortable. Nobody says you have to be friends over night!
Good luck and have a great school year!
-Katelyn Moore
Tags: Chandler Crossings Events, Getting to know your roommate, MSU Roommates, Roommate Matching Services, Roommates
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Tuesday, August 18th, 2009
I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite parts about moving into a new place is buying all kinds of decorations. With that being said, this blog is dedicated to finding cheap decorations for furnish your East Lansing Student Apartment.
First and foremost, before you get out there and make your purchases you have to decide on a theme. If you can’t decide on a theme or have so many ideas you can’t narrow it down, I like to look at magazines or use my friend Google to finalize my vision for my new home.
The next step is finding things to not only fit your theme but fit your budget. Try checking out your neighborhood yard sale, antique malls, flea markets, or thrift stores to find the best deals.
If your budget is a bit flexible you can still find a great deal at local department stores. I personally love shopping at Target. Target has a great selection of dorm room or MSU apartment decor that you are sure to love.
Another one of my favorite places is IKEA. I love IKEA. The best part is I no longer have to travel to Chicago to go to IKEA. A store recently opened in Canton, Michigan which is only about an hour drive from your Chandler Crossings Apartment. If you are a first timer to IKEA. I would plan an entire day to get lost in their warehouse of decor. They have everything. Seriously. They even have an amazing food court. One of my favorite parts about shopping at IKEA is enjoying their 50 cent hot dogs. They are delicious.
You can pretty much find everything you will need to furnish your East Lansing Apartment at IKEA. Don’t believe me? Check out the store or visit them online. They are awesome.
Those are just a few of my favorite bargain stores. If you have a store that you love to pick up cheap decorations at please share them. I am always looking for a new place to shop.
Have fun decorating!
- Joanna Gibbons
Tags: apartment decor, cheap decorations, college apartment, decorating, how to decorate your college apartment for cheap
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