Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Best Brunch/Breakfast Spots in Shrewsbury

As the weekend approaches it’s time to start planning where you will brunch this weekend! Shrewsbury has some great breakfast/brunch spots that offer great coffee and mouthwatering breakfast favorites. Here are some of our favorites in the area!


Blue Coast Coffee
This coastal-themed breakfast spot is perfect for fresh baked parties, freshly brewed coffee and espresso, tasty breakfast sandwiches on a Saturday or Sunday morning. You can even treat yourself to ice cream or a milkshake after you eat your meal!

Center Café
Looking for breakfast served all day long? Stop by Center Café! If you are looking for pancakes, eggs, bagels, muffins, or donuts you can find it all at a great price here. They also offer great smoothies and frozen hot chocolate if you are looking for a flavorful drink to enjoy with your breakfast.

Brody’s Diner
Diners are the best for Sunday morning brunches! If you are looking for a go to brunch place check out Brody’s Diner. Brody’s offers tasty breakfast classics as well as some unique twists on omelets including the Italian Omelet and the Buffalo Chicken Omelet. So check out this quaint diner atmosphere if you are craving brunch this weekend!





Monday, April 28, 2014

Weekly Recipe: Asparagus Risotto

Looking for a fresh meal to try this week? Head to the nearest Farmer’s Market and grab your favorite vegetables for this risotto recipe! Asparagus is in peak season right now and is also high in fiber and potassium, not to mention a great low calorie choice. Our recipe features asparagus and mushrooms, but get creative and add some of your favorite greens to add to the flavor!

Don’t forget to share your photos with our Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag #MakeitMonday and you could see your picture shared on one of our sites!



Ingredients
  • 3 1/2-4 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 lb asparagus, tough ends removed
  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups cremini mushrooms, destemmed, cut in half lengthwise, and sliced (may sub button mushrooms)
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • 1 cup arborio rice
  • sea salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup nutritional yeast flakes
  • 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
  • 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest


In a medium saucepan, place the vegetable stock and bring to a boil.

Slice the asparagus spears diagonally into 1-inch pieces and place them in a fine mesh strainer. Place the strainer in the boiling vegetable stock and cook the asparagus in the stock for 2 minutes to blanch them.

Remove the strainer from the stock and set the asparagus aside. Reduce the heat of the stock to low.

 In a large saucepan, saute the onion in the olive oil for 3 minutes to soften. Add the mushrooms and garlic and saute the mixture an additional 3 minutes.

Add the Arborio rice, stir well to coat it with the sauteed vegetable mixture, and cook an additional 2 minutes while stirring constantly or until rice turns opaque.

Add the white wine (or use some of the stock if omitting) and saffron threads, season to taste with salt and pepper, and stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and cook the mixture while stirring occasionally until all of the liquid has been absorbed.

Add 1/2 cup of the simmering vegetable stock and continue to cook, while stirring occasionally, until all of the stock has been absorbed.

Repeat the procedure of adding a 1/2 cup of simmering stock, stirring, and cooking until fully absorbed before adding additional stock, until all but a 1/2 cup of stock remains.

Add the blanched asparagus, along with the remaining ingredients, and stir well to combine. Cook the mixture an additional 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly, adding the remaining stock, as needed, so that the rice is tender and the risotto has a creamy consistency.

Taste and adjust the seasonings, as desired :)


Thursday, April 24, 2014

Easy-to-Grow Edible Plants

Now that spring is here, you finally have an inspiration to begin those decorative and productive home projects. So why not start with something that will give back to you in so many ways? Home gardens are easier than you think, and we are here to help you add some freshness to more than just your living space. Whether your taste runs to fruit plants or herb gardens, you don’t need a lot of earth to add a tasty element to your apartment. Spice up your meals with a selection of home-grown edibles that are so fresh, they’re dirty!

  

 Strawberry Plants
Strawberries are surprisingly easy to grow. If you are looking to start a garden, begin with a small pot of these luscious fruits, purchased with bare roots. The tendrils will start to leaf within a couple of weeks after putting them in the ground. Water them daily but make sure they don’t just sit in water. If you notice any decay or fungus, remove those branches immediately to prevent harmful spread. Once the berries are ripe, pick them, ripe and juicy, for your entire family.


Basil Plant
A basil plant is the perfect outdoor growing option. Easy to grow and care for, basil usually is watered every other day. Make sure not to water too much or too little. Monitor the bright green -- not yellow -- and the moist -- not limp -- leaves as the best indicator of correct watering. Planting environment should be fairly warm with lots of sunlight. For a growth spurt, pick off the big, top leaves, which never taste as good anyway. Basil is an easygoing plant  with fabulous flavor that will add lovely greenery to your apartment.


Grape Tomatoes 
This versatile fruit -- that’s right, not a vegetable, because it has seeds -- is the perfect addition to any summer meal. If you have hooks on your patio, the grape tomatoes make beautiful hanging plants. If not, you can always stick to a traditional ground pot. Take care the plant is well watered, saturated enough to reach the deep roots. Tomatoes love light so place them where they can bask in it most of the day. It will take a couple of weeks for your tomatoes to mature. Picking time is best once they turn red. Any earlier and they can tend to dry out while they mature, even if on a sunny windowsill.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Weekly Recipe: Marathon Monday Spinach Pasta With Asparagus Pesto

It’s Marathon Monday and we’re celebrating here at Shrewsbury Commons! Whether you’re cheering on the runners at the finish line in Boston or following the elite on television, it’s one of the most exciting days of the year. 

Since runners are loading up on carbs, we thought it would be appropriate for our weekly recipe to include a must-have pre marathon meal, PASTA! If you try this out, be sure to share a photo on our Facebook or our Instagram! 



Ingredients

  • 1 pound spinach spaghetti
  • 1/2 pound green asparagus, peeled and trimmed
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1 ounce pine nuts (2 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 shallot, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 ounce Parmesan, freshly grated (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions

  1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain.
  2. Meanwhile, place the asparagus in a pot of lightly salted boiling water. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until tender-crisp. Drain and run under cold water to stop cooking.
  3. Cut the spears in half. Roughly chop the stalk bottoms; cut tops into 1-inch pieces. In a food processor, combine the bottoms, garlic, ¼ cup basil, pine nuts, and ½ teaspoon salt. With the motor running, add 1 tablespoon oil and process until finely chopped.
  4. In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the shallot; cook until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the asparagus mixture and cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and asparagus tops and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until liquid is thickened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Tear the remaining basil leaves and add to the skillet, along with the pasta, Parmesan, pepper, and remaining salt. Toss well. Serve immediately.


Monday, April 14, 2014

Weekly Recipe: Glazed Baby Carrots for an Appetizer or Snack

Spring is here and that means your food pallet should match the weather.  Warm, light, and flavorful dishes are what you need as the temperatures rise. If you are looking for a side dish to go with a dinner or bring to a party these Glazed Baby Carrots are a perfect spring choice. It offers a healthy, yet flavorful option with a crunch. If you are interested in making it here’s what you need and how to make it:

 
Ingredients
1 cup of small shallots
4 tablespoons
1 lb. of baby carrots
¼ cup water
toasted almonds
chopped tarragon

Directions
Cook 1 cup small shallots with 2 tablespoons butter and a pinch each of sugar and salt in a skillet until light brown, about 4 minutes. Add 1 pound baby carrots, 2 more tablespoons butter and 1/4 cup water; simmer until tender, about 5 minutes. Top with toasted almonds and chopped tarragon.

This Glazed Baby Appetizer will be a crowd pleaser with family and friends so if you try making this dish share it with us on Instagram with the hashtag #MakeItMonday or on Facebook and maybe you will see your finish product shared!

Thank you to our friends at Food Network for this delicious recipe! 

Friday, April 11, 2014

Run Shrewsbury!

Massachusetts weather.  So what? Many of us run winter, summer and fall. But spring makes those runs just a little bit easier and a lot more enjoyable. How can anyone avoid being outdoors on a sunny day? And with the upcoming Boston Marathon, we’re sure a lot of you are itching to get in a bit of practice before the big day. Here’s a list of 5k events happening in and around Shrewsbury that’ll get our limbs limber.

Central Mass Striders 52 Week Series
Saturday at 9 is one of the Central Mass races, open to anyone who wants to run, no matter what speed or age.  Come join your community of excited runners. The flat and fairly easy 5k starts at Worcester State College. There is a $5 entry fee for non CMS members and $3 for CMS 

Central Mass Spartans Baseball 5k Race
Sunday (April 13) the CMS baseball team is sponsoring a 5k race at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. Races are divided by age. Top male and female winners will be awarded a trophy and other prizes. Registration at 7:30; shirts a must for all runners! 

Millbury Parents Club 5k and Fun Run
The Millbury Parents Club is hosting a 5k road race this Sunday, April 13, to benefit the town’s schools. The race begins at 9:45 after the one-mile fun run at 9:15. All ages and abilities are welcome. Registration can be made in advance or on race day, beginning at 8 a.m. at the high school. Cost ranges from $15-$28 for individuals and $60-$63 for families, depending on you register.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Perfect Indoor Plants for Apartment Living

The weather is finally warming up and that only means one thing: Spring has sprung.  From cleaning to redecorating, the change in weather is sure to spark your motivation to update your apartment. One of the easiest ways to add some life to your space after the dreary winter is by taking a hint from the outdoors. Low-maintenance plants will liven up any room in your apartment and finally let spring in! Here are some plants that require minimal light and are even proven to improve air quality.  Indoors or outdoors, plants help the environment, your health and well-being and, of course, your décor.

Chinese Evergreen

The Chinese Evergreen is a staple in most home offices or living rooms. It provides a full bodied plant without requiring lots of sunlight. Places with natural lighting and even artificial lighting are the perfect medium for this plant. You want to make sure to water the plant moderately and allow some drying in between waterings. If it becomes too dry, the leaves will yellow and drop. However, one of the best effects of this plant, besides the natural look it will bring to your apartment, is the filtering out of toxins and air pollutants in your space! This plant will give your place a fresh look, while also freshening up the air.

Warneck Dracaena

Looking to fill up some space in your apartment? The Warneck Dracaena is an ideal plant for the indoors and grow tall to fill up that empty corner you have been hiding. Watering regularly isn’t as necessary, but they do prefer more humid conditions. Make sure the soil is usually damp and can even be a little drier than other plants. This is the perfect plant for a living room or entry-way, because it combats pollutants associated with varnishes and oils. This striking houseplant is sure to make a statement anywhere in your apartment and even add a little life to the dead space.
Peace Lily

The Peace Lily is one of the most popular houseplants because of its beautiful white blooms and forgiving nature. It requires little light and only weekly waterings. Although it is easy to care for, beware of yellow leaves, an indicator that your plant is getting too much light. As a decorative addition to your home, this lily provides an elegant accent to any style and wall color. The plant even topped NASA’s list of best plants to remove unwanted houseguests like formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. This lily is sure to bring peace and style to your space.

Looking to add greenery to your home? Check out these local stores for different houseplants. Even if you’re just looking for tips and advice on starting your home garden or plant maintenance, they can help with any questions. With the weather finally improving, plant-browsing is a perfect weekend activity. Jump into spring with these plant ideas and get your apartment on the right track for summer.

Danielson Flowers Inc
660 Main St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545
(508) 842-8992

Monday, April 7, 2014

Weekly Recipe - California Grilled Veggie Sandwich

We finally seem to be moving past the cold season as we finally begin to feel the warmth of spring! Every Monday we’ll be sharing one of our favorite recipes for you to try – and we’re thinking this new take on an everyday sandwich will be a tasty treat. Let us know what you think in the comments below!



California Grilled Veggie Sandwich

What You’ll Need:
¼ cup mayonnaise
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 cup olive oil
1 cup sliced red bell peppers
1 small zucchini, sliced
1 small yellow squash, slices
2 (4x6 inch) focaccia bread pieces, split horizontally
½ cup crumbled feta cheese


How It’s Made:
In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Set aside in the refrigerator.
Preheat the grill for high heat.

Brush vegetables with olive oil on each side. Brush grate with oil. Place bell peppers and zucchini closest to the middle of the grill, and set onion and squash pieces around them. Cook for about 3 minutes, turn, and cook for another 3 minutes. The peppers may take a bit longer. Remove from grill, and set aside.

Spread some of the mayonnaise mixture on the cut sides of the bread, and sprinkle each one with feta cheese. Place on the grill cheese side up, and cover with lid for 2 to 3 minutes. This will warm the bread, and slightly melt the cheese. Watch carefully so the bottoms don't burn. Remove from grill, and layer with the vegetables. Enjoy as open faced grilled sandwiches.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

How to Declutter Your Apartment this Spring

Spring is upon us -- even if the weather isn't fully cooperating -- and that puts spring cleaning on the mind here at Shrewsbury Commons. It’s time to clear out the clutter you've accumulated and bring new life to your apartment. With these tips you can eliminate the stress of a messy apartment and approach the upcoming warm months with a renewed outlook!



Set a Date
In order to successfully declutter your apartment, you need to set a mindset and get it done. Along with this you need to set a date. Otherwise, you will find yourself saying, “I’ll do it next weekend” every weekend. If you don’t finish in one day that’s fine, but create a to-do list to help you keep track of what you still need to accomplish. Once you start to see your hard work paying off you’ll want to complete the whole apartment!

Use Wall Shelves
Clutter often builds from the floor up. To eliminate the mess, move the clutter from under your feet onto your walls. Shelves not only help create a neat place to store what was underfoot, but can also serve a dual purpose, providing a decorative additions to your apartment. Try colorful or unusual shapes to add extra style to your rooms and start seeing your floor again!


Tackle Your Closet
Fashion trends come and go therefore they have an expiration date in your closet. Apply the golden rule: if you haven’t worn it in a year, you’re finished wearing it. You can even do “The Hanger Test.” Turn all hangers in one direction and once you wear an item turn the hanger the other way. If after a couple months a hanger hasn’t been switched it’s probably an indication for you to get rid of that item. By clearing out your closet you add space for new purchases and can also provide donations for Goodwill or the Salvation Army.  Looking at a clarified closet can also make picking out an outfit in the morning that much more enjoyable!
Fill a Trash Bag
The single best way to declutter your apartment is to remove all trash  It’s surprising how much extra unnecessary stuff can gather in corners and closets around your home. Set a goal to fill one trash bag. Go through your kitchen, bedroom, and living room and remove any items that can be classified as trash. After tossing all that clutter, you’ll feel brand new!  

Invest in Containers
Containers are necessary when it comes to organization. Having an assigned place for everything in your life will instantly help declutter your apartment. Once you have your containers and organization tools assign a location for each item in your apt. Not only will this help declutter but will also help you maintain a neater, easier-to-clean home.

Take on Junk Drawers
Junk drawers often become a feeding ground for clutter. Usually you end up throwing anything that doesn’t have a designated location into these drawers and the disorder continues to grow. Take the drawer out and empty it on a table. Then sort the drawer into three piles:

1. Stuff belongs in the drawer
2. Stuff that belongs elsewhere
3. Trash

Once you have these three piles sort what you want to put back in the drawer and find locations for the other items. This task could be accomplished as you cook dinner or are catching up TV and will make your life a lot easier when you need to find something.

With these simple tips you can transform a cluttered apartment into an organized home. Start planning today and let the spring cleaning begin. You will be glad you did when the warm weather comes and our pool is open!