Orchard Park Winter Events!

We are officially two weeks into winter and Mother Nature has reared her beautifully hideous head. Are you getting cabin fever yet? Are you looking for something to do to pass the winter time? Orchard Park and the surrounding areas have a lot of fun events coming up on the community calendar. Check out Visit Buffalo Niagara for their calendar of events for some great winter-time activities! Between the festivals, the classes, the exhibits, and even the free ice skating, you’re sure to find something the whole family can enjoy!

Homemade Christmas Cards

Temperatures are falling and so is the snow. Are you trying to find a fun craft project for you and your children to do while warming up from the cold? Grab a cup of hot cocoa because we have found a fun and easy way to make your own Christmas cards. Check out this video and you’ll be having fun in no time!!

We hope that everyone has a safe and happy holiday!!

Thanksgiving Oranged Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Is anyone looking for a great cranberry sauce recipe for Thanksgiving? I have scoured my favorite website for the tastiest sounding cranberry sauce…and this one won by a landslide. It’s simple and sounds delicious! If you cook it for Thanksgiving, let us know what your thoughts are about it!

Oranged Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients: (Original recipe makes 24 servings)

·     2 (12 ounce) packages fresh cranberries

·     1 orange, zested

·     3 cinnamon sticks

·     2 cups orange juice

·     2 cups packed brown sugar

Directions

1.    In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange zest, cinnamon, orange juice, and brown sugar. Add enough water to cover, and bring to a boil over high heat. Immediately reduce heat, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the sauce has thickened. Taste for sweetness, and adjust with additional sugar if necessary. You can not overcook, so continue cooking until you have a good thick consistency. Let mixture cool, then refrigerate in a covered container.

It's Time For Our Annual Halloween Party!

It’s time for our annual Halloween Party!! This year our party will be held on Saturday, October 27^th from 2pm-4pm. We will have trick or treating on the property from 2pm-3pm and then everyone will meet back at the clubhouse for pizza and ghostly goodies from 3pm-4pm. If you plan on attending in the fun of the trick or treating, please leave your outside light on.

Invitations will be going out next week!! Make sure you RSVP by October 19^th so we can have enough ghostly goodies for everyone!! 

We are looking forward to seeing all of the ghosts, goblins and other fun costumes this year. Everyone is welcome!!!

Preparing Parents for Back to School

 It’s almost time to send your children back to school! It’s not only time for your children to prepare for school but parents, it’s time for you to prepare as well.

I have been browsing the Orchard Park school’s website. Parents, did you know that they have a bullying prevention link on their website? It’s sad that bullying has become so common in schools these days but at least schools are helping to prevent it and are helping to give feedback on how to cope and bring it to light.

I recommend any parent and student alike to take time and look at all of the information on their website. Parents, they have a lot of very helpful information to help you help your children in any bullying situation.

-Darla Watson, Leasing Consultant at The Hammocks at Orchard Park

Don't Miss the Erie County Fair

 It’s August already…where did the time go this year?!  Even though it seems as though summer is winding down, there are still plenty of fun things to do this time of year. One of the area's favorites is the Erie County Fair.  If you live at The Hammocks at Orchard Park, we highly recommend making the 10 minute drive!

This year, the fair has a ton of fun things do to, but then again, they do every year! Their line up of performing artists this year is unreal. They have everybody from Ronnie Milsap to Blake Shelton. Not only do they have an amazing array of performers, they have their annual truck and tractor pull and demolition derby. The Erie County Fair never disappoints.

If you want to check out more about the fair this year, please visit their website.

Share with us on our Facebook page what your favorite part of the fair is - don't be shy!

The Perfect Summer Cookout Recipe

Summertime equals family party time. I used to struggle finding the perfect dish to take to family cookouts in the summer. I want to share one of my favorite recipes that everyone seems to enjoy over and over again!

- Darla Watson, The Hammocks at Orchard Park Leasing Consultant

Fruit Salsa:

5 Large Strawberries diced

1 Cup Watermelon diced

3 Kiwis peeled and diced

1 Red Delicious Apple diced

1 Cup Cantaloupe diced

Cinnamon Tortilla Chips:

10 (8 inch) flour tortillas

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/3 cup sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine fruit diced small. Cover and refrigerate for several hours.
2. For chips, brush tortillas with butter; cut into eight wedges. Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over the tortillas. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-14 minutes or just until crisp.
3. Just before serving, drain salsa if desired.
4. Serve fruit salsa with cinnamon chips. 

 Enjoy!