There is nothing better than a home-cooked meal. Especially ones that are easy, nutritious, and delicious! However, with busy jobs, and the other fun responsibilities that come with being an adult, crafting meals that are both simple and delicious can be a challenge. However, we at Garden Communities Florida are here to help get our fellow Florida apartment renters get into the kitchen and out of their food ruts to whip up some yummy meals to keep fueled and full throughout the day.
But First, Grocery Shopping
We know. Grocery shopping can be a pain, but there is a plethora of trusted grocery stores, health food markets, and farmers markets scattered throughout Hillsborough County and Brevard County that are sure to bring the freshest ingredients to your table. After all a good dish requires good ingredients so whether you need fresh vegetables, organic fruits, or specialty items, these stores provide a broad range of options to help you create delicious and healthy meals right in your apartment.
Hillsborough County Food Stores
For residents of Compton Place and New Tampa Palms in Tampa, Florida, Publix Super Market at City Plaza in Tampa Palms offers a wide selection of fresh produce and organic items. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market are excellent alternatives for those seeking specialty health foods and unique ingredients.
Brevard County Food Stores
In Melbourne, Florida and residents of Harvard Apartments you have convenient access to both Publix and Walmart Neighborhood Market for your everyday grocery needs. Paradise Health and Nutrition stands out with its impressive array of organic and health-conscious products, perfect for those dedicated to maintaining a nutritious diet.
Rise and Shine with the Perfect Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It is the fuel that powers the day’s activities. That does not mean that it has to be bland or boring! These recipes run the gamut of sweet and savory while also being kid-friendly, easy to prepare, and perfect for apartment cooking.
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Apples and cinnamon are a classic combination, and this easy-to-prepare overnight oats recipe tastes just like a nutrient filled, flavor packed, slice of apple pie. It is also a perfect prep ahead meal as the jars of overnight oats stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Prep Time: 5- minutes
Cook time: 8 hours
Source: Well Plated
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Simple Egg and Cheese Breakfast Quesadillas
If a savory breakfast is more your speed these simple egg and cheese breakfast quesadillas are an easy and fun way to start the day. Breakfast quesadillas are wildly customizable so have some fun and use up any produce or other fun ingredients in your pantry to keep this recipe interesting.
Prep time: 10- minutes
Cook time: 15- minutes
Source: All Recipes
Lemon Blueberry Breakfast Bread
Don’t panic. This bread recipe is quick and simple. There’s no yeast, no kneading, and no long proofing times involved. The use of leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda (pantry staples) give loaves like this their rising power. Whip up this tangy and fruity loaf for a special occasion or bake and freeze slices to grab and go when needing a morning pick-me-up.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Source: Glorious Treats
Keep Your Energy Up with A Healthy Lunch
Lunch can often be overlooked, but it is still an important meal of the day. Avoid the afternoon slump and sugar cravings with some high protein, easy to prepare lunches that can be enjoyed at home or packed for your lunch break at work.
Mediterranean Tuna Wrap
Ditch the heavy mayo tuna salads of the past for this lighter, healthier, and dare we say more flavorful version of a tuna salad wrap. Olives bring a bright briny flavor to the herb packed tuna dressed with lemon and olive oil.
Prep time: 13 minutes
Cook time: Zero
Source: Food Network
Rainbow Quinoa Salad Jars with Peanut Miso Dressing
There is nothing quite as simple as building a salad in a jar. Need a quick bite? Grab a jar out of the fridge, dress, shake, and enjoy. These quinoa salad jars are jam packed with healthy proteins that will keep you full until dinner and only require a little prep up front.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Source: Healthy(ish) Appetite
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Who doesn’t love a classic Caesar salad? Take this classic and kick it up a notch by adding a pasta of your choice and chicken. The beauty of this recipe is that it is very customizable to fit different dietary restrictions and lifestyles. Short on time? Use rotisserie chicken! Gluten free? Drop the croutons and add gluten free pasta. Vegetarians can eliminate the anchovy and chicken.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Source: Just A Taste
Apartment Dinners Fit for Kings and Queens
End your day with a meal fit for royalty. Dinner should be warm, comforting, and most importantly easy to make. These delicious recipes are proven to be apartment kitchen-friendly and crowd pleasers in case you are stuck on what to serve when hosting apartment dinner parties.
BBQ Chicken Sliders
These BBQ chicken sliders are an effortless way to feed a hungry family, prep meals for one for the week, or to have as a game-day snack when hosting friends in your beautiful Florida apartment!
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 4.5 hours
Source: Taste of Home
Baked Spaghetti
Baked spaghetti is an easy one-dish way to have a comforting and cheesy dinner ready for the family in a little over an hour.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Source: Taste of home
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Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Veggies
This delicious steak bites with veggies recipe is not only a 30-minute meal, but it is a clever way to have steak in an apartment kitchen without setting off the smoke alarms. Even better? It only requires one sheet pan to make.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Source: All Recipes
Experience All the Perks of Being a Garden Communities Florida Resident
Choosing to make a Garden Communities Florida apartment your home allows you to take full advantage of not only the convenience of nearby grocery stores and spacious kitchens. Being a Garden Communities Florida resident also brings amenities like:
- Pet-friendly apartments
- In apartment washer and dryer
- Swimming Pools
- State-of-the-art appliances
- And much more