The kitchen is the heart of the home, and with brand new appliances, sleek granite countertops, and a spacious layout, your new Lennar home is a culinary haven just waiting to be utilized. In this article, we’ll share five delectable recipes that perfectly complement these fantastic kitchen amenities, allowing you to savor the joys of cooking and create memorable meals in your new abode.
Hearty Pasta Salad
Whether you are looking for a dish to bring to the local block party, or a tasty treat for the family, it’s hard to go wrong with a classic pasta salad. And with just a few easy steps, you can take this fan favorite from ingredients to a masterpiece in just 30 minutes! To cook, bring one pack of tri-color rotini (or your favorite pasta) to a boil, strain, rinse in cool water and allow it to cool in the fridge. In the meantime, chop some cherry tomatoes, red onions, mozzarella cheese, salami, bell pepper and olives. Toss your cooled pasta and chopped ingredients in your favorite Italian dressing and it is ready to serve!
Caramelized Peach French Toast
Nothing brings people together like a delicious Sunday morning breakfast in the kitchen, and this caramelized peach French toast is a recipe that will quickly become a household staple. For your French toast, dip your favorite sliced bread in an egg wash, adding vanilla extract and cinnamon to taste. Place the egg-soaked bread on a saucepan or griddle over medium heat, heating both side until golden brown. For your topping, simply slice a few peaches and sauté them in butter and a few tablespoons of brown sugar until caramelized. Place your decadent peaches over your French toast and add syrup, whipped cream or even powdered sugar, and enjoy!
Strawberry Arugula Salad
During the warm, late summer months, nothing is more delicious and refreshing than a good, hearty salad. To create this tasty summer meal, simply toss together some arugula, sliced strawberries, feta cheese, walnuts and balsamic vinaigrette. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side dish, or main course, this salad will do the trick – make it even more satisfying by adding some steak or chicken, hot off your new home’s cooktop!
Harvest Chili
Enjoy the best of summer and early fall with this healthy, yet hardy treat chockfull of the season’s freshest produce. To make harvest chili, place two cans of black or kidney beans in your slow cooker alongside three cups of chicken or vegetable broth, diced sweet potato, diced butternut squash, carrots, cauliflower, sauteed onion, sauteed garlic, quinoa, diced tomatoes and a can of tomato paste. Add your favorite chili spices such as chili powder, cumin, oregano, parsley, paprika or coriander. To add some early fall flavor, opt to add a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree! To cook, allow the mixture to slow cook on low for 7-8 hours.
Creamy Tomato Risotto
It’s hard to go wrong with a fan favorite like pasta or risotto, and topped with a refreshing basil garnish, this recipe is a refreshing summer dinner favorite that will have all your dinner guests saying bon appétit. For this recipe, simply boil desired quantity or arborio rice in water for 20 minutes at a 3 to 1 water to rice ratio. To make the creamy tomato sauce, sauté half of a shallot and two tablespoons of mixed garlic in olive oil for two to three minutes. From there, mix in 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste, whisk in half a cup of heavy whipping cream, a splash of white wine or vodka and salt/pepper to taste. Allow the ingredients to cook slowly on low for 6-7 minutes before stirring in the cooked arborio rice. Plate your risotto and top with fresh basil and parmesan cheese and simply wait for the complements to the chef to roll in.
Feeling inspired to get cooking in your brand new kitchen this summer? Lennar has you covered. Visit www.Lennar.com to shop for your new home, complete with the kitchen of your dreams!
