Weekly Recipe: Tomato, Peach, & Burrata Salad

Tomato, Peach, & Burrata Salad

Beach season is fast approaching, and with it comes the inevitable bathing suit diet. Watching what you eat and controlling portions is normal, but you shouldn't have to sacrifice taste to do it! Get rid of the celery sticks and rice cakes because this week, we found an easy and nutritious summer salad recipe that will leave you feeling both healthy and satisfied.

If you make this week's recipe, be sure to share it with us through Instagram and Facebook!

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 large tomatoes, cut into pieces
• 2 large peaches, cut into pieces
• 6 ounces burrata cheese, cut into pieces
• 3 tablespoons freshly chopped basil

Directions
To make the balsamic reduction, pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer, swirling the pan occasionally, until reduced to about half of the original amount, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Meanwhile, place the tomatoes and peaches on a platter or plate. Top with burrata cheese chunks and basil.

Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the salad and serve.

Note: you can find burrata cheese in most grocery stores in the cheese section. If you can't find it you can substitute fresh mozzarella. Burrata cheese is very soft and will not slice well. Just add the creamy chunks to the salad!

If you're looking for more recipes like this one, check out Two Peas & Their Pod.

Pool Safety and Reminders at The Commons!

“Safety first” is a phrase we've all been hearing for as long as we can remember. Pool safety, more specifically, is always a hot topic during the summer months. With summer fast approaching, it’s easy to be excited for our pool to re-open this Memorial Day weekend-especially after this year’s brutal winter! In the midst of all this excitement, however, it’s always important to remember our pool rules and safety tips before you dive in.

Between the operating hours of 10am and 8pm, all freshly showered residents may enter (with pool pass in hand of course!) and enjoy what our facility has to offer. No one should swim alone, and persons sixteen years of age and younger are required to have a guardian present while swimming.

Those age sixteen and younger must also take a swim test. Upon passing, they will be permitted to utilize the entire pool area. Those who don’t pass will be required to have a guardian in the pool, within an arm’s length while swimming. Guardians should use their discretion while supervising and ensure a safe water depth. Likewise, non-proficient swimmers should use their discretion, and remain within a shallow area of the pool.

                

Proper swimwear is another necessity. We ask that swimmers dress appropriately, and that they don’t dress in the recreation room or in the clubhouse. To ensure the safety of all pool guests, the top things to avoid in the pool area include: horseplay, running, and any games that may put any person in danger. Along the same lines, alcohol, smoking, and glass containers are prohibited in the pool area. Should you be ill, we ask that you refrain from using the pool, to avoid contamination. The pool will be closed upon sight of thunder, lightning, rainfall, or some other unforeseen malfunction. Who wants to swim in a thunderstorm anyway?

                

While many of these rules and tips may seem obvious or implied, we believe it’s important to keep all residents informed in order to ensure a safe and welcoming environment. It’s our job to make you as comfortable and pleased as possible with our facility. Enjoy!

               

Weekly Recipe: Chicken Garlic Pizza!

Chicken Garlic Pizza

Some nights it’s really easy to skip the kitchen and order a yummy, greasy pizza from your favorite neighborhood spot. Whether you keep it simple with extra cheese or your family piles on the topics, we can all agree that pizza just hits the spot. For this week’s recipe, we’re sharing a more gourmet ‘za recipe, so stop by the grocery store, grab some fresh ingredients, and save some for us!

If you make this week’s recipe, be sure to share it with us on Instagram and Facebook!

Ingredients

• 1 skinless, boneless chicken breast half 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 (10 ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
• 2 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Place the chicken breast in a saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until no longer pink, about 20 minutes. Drain and cool slightly, then cut into strips.

Meanwhile, in a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with garlic, onion and basil. Pour into a chilled dish to cool, and refrigerate until set.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Roll out the pizza dough, place onto a pizza pan or other baking sheet, and spread the herb butter over the surface using the back of a spoon. Arrange chicken on top, then dot with ricotta cheese. Top with tomato slices, cilantro and Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until crust is browned and center is cooked through.

Enjoy :)

Meet the Staff: Kelli Ahearn-Lucas!

Rounding out our "Meet the Staff" series is Kelli Ahearn-Lucas! You've likely seen her handing out a delicious breakfast at one of our Resident Appreciation events or handling just about anything else in our leasing office.

Kelli is a friend to many, daughter, wife, and mother of two beautiful children and an amazing and talented bonus son! She loves laughing, dancing, music, art, fashion, and food. Our self-proclaimed left-brain. Kelli was born in Orlando, Florida but is totally in love with Boston. She also mixes a good drink, lemonade of course! 

How long have you been working at The Commons?

I have worked for CMC since January '09. Have worked at Weymouth Commons back and forth during that time as a Leasing Consultant and returned as an Assistant Manager in October 2012.

What's your favorite part of working at a Corcoran property?

Work is never boring; every day brings something new. I love working with people and contributing to making someplace where people call home a pleasant place to live. And of course, my co-workers are the best people pretty much.

Best thing a resident or coworker has ever brought into the office?

Their smiles =)

Favorite Movie

The Notebook

Favorite Band / Musician

Too many to mention, I love all genres!

Favorite thing to do when not at work?

Spending time with my husband and kids

Favorite Resident Story?

One of our residents mistook a yoga class in our club house with people snoozing after hours. ;)

What three words best describe you?

caring. silly. bizzzzzzzzy.

Weekly Recipe: Meatless Monday, Grilled Portobello Burger with Onion Jam

Since we’re super trendy and the weather is absolutely gorgeous, this week’s recipe celebrates “Meatless Monday” and features grilled items. So, after you head to the grocery store for some fresh ingredients, fire up the grill and enjoy this delicious meal. (We won’t tell if you do pair it with a big steak or some chicken!) If you make this recipe, please snap a photo and share it with us on Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #MakeItMonday

Grilled Portobello Burger with Onion Jam

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt
• 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 medium-large red onions, thinly sliced (about 2 pounds)
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup red wine
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 4 large portobello mushrooms, (about 1 pound) stemmed
• Lettuce leaves
• 4 whole grain buns, or whole wheat English muffins, split and toasted

Directions

Put the yogurt in a paper towel-lined strainer set over a bowl, set aside to drain and thickened, about 60 minutes. Discard the watery liquid. Whisk the horseradish into the thickened yogurt.

Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a medium skillet, over medium heat. Add the onions, 1 thyme sprig, and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook, covered, until the onions have wilted, about 10 to 15 minutes, (give them a stir every now and then with a wooden spoon to prevent them from sticking). 

Add the red wine, and simmer over high heat until most of the wine gets absorbed into the onions. Add the honey and red wine vinegar and simmer gently until the onions get jam-like, about, about 15 minutes.

Preheat a stove top grill pan over medium-high heat. Whisk the remaining 2 tablespoons oil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar in a bowl. Strip and add the leaves from the remaining sprig of thyme. 

Coat the mushroom caps all over with the flavored olive oil. Grill the mushrooms, turning as needed, until tender but not mushy about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Season with the salt and pepper.

Sandwich the mushroom between the buns, top with some of the onion jam, some lettuce, and a dollop of the horseradish cream. Serve warm.

Love this recipe? Check out others from our friends at the Food Network!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/grilled-portobello-burger-with-onion-jam-recipe.html

Weekend Workout with The Commons

Whether you are dozing off at work or taking a break in between TV shows, a workout is a great way to liven up your day. A few exercises in the middle of the normal activities, or added to a special day in the middle of the week, provide a valuable break from your regular routine. The easiest way to keep your mind charged up for the rest of the day or week is by stimulating it, however briefly, through a quick and easy workout routine.  It’s also perfect for anyone looking to get in shape for bathing suit season.  So get off the couch and on your feet for this tone- up which targets your abs, obliques and hips!

Standing, lift left leg out to side, toes pointing forward, and place left hand on hip; 

extend right arm diagonally up.

Balancing on right leg, slowly bring left knee and right elbow together in front of chest.

Reverse motion without touching left foot on floor and repeat.

 Do 10 reps, switch sides and repeat. Do 3 sets.

MAKE IT EASIER: Tap foot on floor between reps.

Weekly Recipe - Chicken Tostados

Keeping in theme with Cinco de Mayo, our weekly recipe is a little spicy but definitely delicious! Thank you to our friends at the FoodNetwork for this delicious, Mexican recipe for Chicken Tostados – if you make this week’s recipe, be sure to share it with us on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #MakeitMexican and #LifeattheCommons

Ingredients 

• Vegetable oil for frying
• 6 white corn tortillas
• Kosher salt for sprinkling
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander ( cilantro)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, cored and shredded
• 1 Hass avocado, thinly sliced or guacamole, recipe follows
• 2 cups salsa cruda, recipe follows
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced
• 12 fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves

Refried Beans

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 medium Spanish onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• One 15-1/2 ounce can pinto beans (with liquid), mashed
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Salsa Cruda

• 2 ripe tomatoes or 4 plum tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped
• 1/4 medium onion, finely chopped (about 3 tablespoons)
• 1/4 jalapeno, seeded and minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

To make the tortillas: Pour the oil for frying into a large heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Place over medium heat and heat to 375 degrees F. 

Add the tortillas, one at a time, and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 1 1/2 minutes. Using tongs, transfer to a paper towel-lined pan and sprinkle with salt. Set aside.

To make the chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the chicken, lime juice, oil, coriander, and salt and season with pepper to taste. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside.

To assemble the tostadas: Preheat the broiler. Spread the beans evenly over one side of each tortilla and sprinkle with some of the cheese. Transfer to a baking sheet and broil until the cheese is lightly browned and melted, about 30 seconds. Divide the tortillas among 6 plates.

Evenly mound the chicken on each tortilla and top with the lettuce. Top each tostada with avocado, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream. Sprinkle with the scallion and garnish the tostada with the coriander leaves. Serve immediately.

Cook's Note: The tortillas must be fried until very crispy, otherwise they may become rubbery, making them difficult to cut with a knife and fork.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, coriander, and cumin and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, until lightly browned, about 1 minute more. Add the beans and cook, stirring frequently, until thick and amber brown in color, about 4 minutes. Stir in the salt and season with pepper to taste.

SALSA CRUDA

In a small bowl, mix together the tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, coriander, salt, and season with pepper to taste. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside.

Parking Schedule for Seal Coating

Due to the weather last week unfortunately our seal coating was rescheduled= and is taking place this week!

PLEASE pay attention to the dates and times, and please move your car by 7am.  We will have a tow truck on standby that morning, and if cars are not moved they will be towed at the owner’s expense.  Please note it is your responsibility to inform your guests as well.  If you have any questions, please contact the office and we will be happy to clear up any confusions!

Construction will begin each morning at 7:00am and vehicles must be moved to another location by 6:45am. 

The work will end each afternoon by 6:00pm and you may return to your parking lots at this time. We are asking that all residents use caution when driving through the property and while in the general vicinity of the buildings where the work is taking place. 

Monday is the area marked off in PINK on the map.  Sealcoating will begin on the right hand side of Donald Street on MONDAY, May 5, 2014, all parking lots of 75 and 79 Donald Street the right hand side of Donald Street, and the smaller lot behind 78 and 74 Donald Street.  We will need to tow any cars at the vehicle owner’s expense that do not follow these guidelines in order to keep the project moving.

Tuesday is the area marked off in GREEN on the map. TUESDAY, May 6, 2014, the right hand side of Rockway Avenue including the parking lots of 81 Rockway Avenue, a small portion of 139 Rockway Avenue and, the left hand side along 66 Rockway Avenue will be sealcoated.   We will need to tow any cars at the vehicle owner’s expense that do not follow these guidelines in order to keep the project moving.

Wednesday is the area marked off in YELLOW on the map.  The left hand side of Donald road will be sealcoated along with the parking lots in the front of 74 Donald Street and 78 Donald Street as well as the parking lot to the left of the rental office. 

The left hand side of Rockway Avenue, along with the remainder of the 139 Rockway Avenue parking lot will be paved.  We will need to tow any cars at the vehicle owner’s expense that do not follow these guidelines in order to keep the project moving.

Thursday is the area marked off in BLUE on the map.  The parking lots of 66 Rockway Avenue will be sealcoated.  This includes the right hand side of the road leading to 66 Rockway Avenue, and all parking lots in front of behind and on the side of 66.  We will need to tow any cars at the vehicle owner’s expense that do not follow these guidelines in order to keep the project moving. 

It is possible that there could be a change in the above dates, so please pay attention to building memos over the next few weeks.Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please contact the Leasing Office at 781-335-4773.  

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation in this matter and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.

Summer Concerts in Boston

Warm weather is coming…it’s time to open your windows and get out!  Boston’s music scene comes alive in the summer – offering top artists, indie artists, old favorites and more.  Whether you want to see a small, intimate show, enjoy the outdoors and listen to live music or bring your niece to her first concert.  Here is a list of some of the shows coming to Boston this summer!

·         Ray Lamontagne – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion (formerly Bank of America Pavilion) May 30^th and 31^st 7:30 p.m.  Lamontagne performs his fifth album, SUPERNOVA along with his popular hits including ‘Trouble.’  Order tickets here.

·         Luscious Jackson – Paradise Rock Club June 7^th 7:00 p.m.  This event is 18 and over.  Fans continue to follow this alternative rock band, popular in the 90’s.  Check them out if you like to dance!   Order tickets here.

·         Dave Matthews Band – Xfinity Center (formerly Comcast Center, formerly Great Woods) June 7^th 7:00 p.m.  DMB will perform a jam session of both acoustic and electric versions of their fans’ favorite hits.  Order tickets here.

·         Daryl Hall & John Oates – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion June 12^th 8:00 p.m.  Best known as Hall & Oates, the American duo is back on the road playing their hits popular in the late 70’s to mid-80’s including “Rich Girl,” “Private Eyes” and “Maneater.”  Order tickets here.

·         Willie Nelson & Alison Krauss – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion June 17^th 7:00 p.m.  These country favorites are co-headlining for the first time for their summer tour.  Both will bring their full band, Willie Nelson & Family, and Alison Krauss & Union Station.  Order tickets here.

·         Styx & Foreigner – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion June 19^th 6:30 p.m.  Foreigner, Styx: The Soundtrack of Summer Tour with guest Don Felder.  Order tickets here.

·         Buffalo Tom – Paradise Rock Club June 21^st 8:00 p.m.  This event is ages 18 and over.  Hometown favorites, Buffalo Tom is an alternative rock band formed in the late 80’s.  Check out fan favorites such as “Sodajerk” and “I’m Allowed.”   Order tickets here. 

·         Rascal Flatts, Sheryl Crow & Gloriana – Xfinity Center June 21^st 7:30 p.m.  Rascal Flatts are teaming up with Sheryl Crow for their 2014 Rewind Tour.  Country music fans will also get to hear Gloriana open up for the show.  Order tickets here. 

·         One Republic & The Script – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion June 24th and 25^th 7:00 p.m.  One Republic is bringing The Script along for their Native Summer Tour.  Enjoy the American pop rock music in the city’s outdoor music pavilion.  Order tickets here.

·         Andy Grammer – House of Blues June 25^th 7:00 p.m.  Andy Grammer, a singer/songwriter came onto the scene in 2011, best known for “Gotta Keep Your Head Up.”  Order tickets here.

·         Billy Joel –Fenway Park June 26^th A chance to see the Piano Man legend like you’ve never seen him before.  These tickets will go fast!  Order here.

·         Lady Gaga – TD Garden June 30^th at 7:30 p.m.  One of the top global touring acts of our time, Lady Gaga is hitting the road in support of her new album ARTPOP.  Order tickets here. 

·         Jay Z & Beyonce – Gillette Stadium July 1^st time is TBD.  For the first time, superstars Jay Z and Beyonce will tour together.  Their “On the Run” tour will be the show of the summer.  Order tickets here.

·         Phish – Xfinity Center July 1^st 7:00 p.m.  Be there as Phish kicks off their 2014 Summer Tour in Mansfield!  Pack your coolers and lawn chairs and make a day out of your Phish experience!  Order tickets here.

·         Bruno Mars – TD Garden July 2^nd at 8:00 p.m.  Renowned singer/songwriter/producer/musician Bruno Mars will perform his blockbuster ‘Moonshine Jungle World Tour.’  Order tickets here.

·         Boston Pops Orchestra Independence Day Concert - Hatch Shell July 3^rd and 4^th.  Wrist bands available on the 3^rd at 4 pm, 1812 Overture played at 9:30 p.m.  Wrist bands available on the 4^th at 9:00 a.m., show begins at 8:00 p.m.

·         O.A.R. & Phillip Phillips – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion July 10^th 7:00 p.m.  Rockers O.A.R. and American Idol winner Phillip Phillips are co-headlining their summer tour.  Tickets are available here. 

·         Aerosmith & Slash – Xfinity Center July 16^th 7:30 p.m.  These timeless rockers join forces for the “Let Rock Rule” tour.  These longtime friends have performed together over the years, but are taking over a select list of cities this summer.  Order tickets here. 

·         Jimmy Buffet & the Coral Reefer Band – Xfinity Center July 19^th 8:00 p.m.  A man that needs no introductions – dust off your Hawaiian shirts and be ready to party!  Order tickets here. 

·         Justin Timberlake –TD Garden July 19^th at 8:00 p.m. The Justin Timberlake 20/20 Experience World Tour – this is a make-up date, so tickets will be limited.  Order tickets here.

·         Sarah McLachlan – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion July 19^th at 8:00 p.m.  Sarah McLachlan will perform her new music as well as her classics …this is sure to be a tranquil evening.  Perfect date night!  Order tickets here. 

·         Queen + Adam Lambert – July 22^nd at 7:30 p.m.  Brian May, Roger Taylor & Adam Lambert will play at the TD Garden.  Order tickets here.

·         Keith Urban, Jerrod Niemann & Brett Eldredge – Xfinity Center July 26^th.  Come listen to these male country stars.  Urban’s “Raise ‘Em Up Tour” sells out fast – so order your tickets soon! 

·         Katy Perry –TD Garden August 1st and 2^nd 7:30 p.m. Watch Perry perform her highly anticipated Prismatic World Tour.  Order tickets here.

·         One Direction – Gillette Stadium August 7^th – 9^th at 7:00 p.m.  Make your daughter, son, niece, or granddaughter’s summer complete with a ticket to a One Direction show!  Earplugs may be needed to hide noise from screaming fans!  Order tickets here.

·         Luke Bryan, Lee Brice & Cole Swindell – Gillette Stadium August 10^th 6:00 p.m. American Country Music ‘Entertainer of the Year” brings his “That’s My Kind of Night” tour to Foxboro along with country stars Lee Brice & Cole Swindell.  Order tickets here. 

·         Chicago & REO Speedwagon – Blue Hills Pavilion August 20^th time is TBD. Listen to the sounds of two of the best classic rock bands.  REO Speedwagon and Chicago have joined forces to co-headline their August tour.  Sing along to “Can’t Fight this Feeling Anymore” and “If You Leave Me Now.”  Order tickets here. 

·         Darius Rucker & Cassadee Pope – Blue Hills Pavilion on September 12^th at 7:00 p.m.  Check out the CMA and ACA nominated singer of “Wagon Wheel,” and The Voice winner Cassadee Pope in one of the last outdoor concerts of the season! Order tickets here. 

And this is just SOME of the shows coming to our fine city!  Get your tickets before they sell out!