REAL Magazine, December/January, 2015/2016

DECEMBER/JANUARY, 2015/2016

Our Favorite Recipes Revisited!

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cake Best Ever Sugar Cookies An Apple a Day Warm Up! Easy Three Bean Chili November Market Report Get Out & Have Fun! With 4 offices to serve you, Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Group is YOUR SOURCE for real estate in the Treasure Valley!

D O W N T O W N B O I S E 3 4 3 .3 3 9 3 | M E R I D I A N 336.3393 | E A G L E 939.3363 | N A M PA 467.5272

Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year to you all!

Winter is such a great time to try new recipes, and since we began publishing REAL, we've shared some fantastic ones. This issue, we decided to compile our favorites, so heat up the stove, and get cookin'!

Ideas or comments? Email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com

“

If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.� ~ J.R.R. Tolkien

contents Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cake Being gluten free doesn't mean doing without.

Best Ever Sugar Cookies Wanna knock their socks off?

Give this cookie recipe a try!

An Apple a Day Yummy recipes from our agents and staff.

Easy Three Bean Chili Need a fast and easy meal?

Try our three-bean chili!

November Market Stats Keep up with what's happening in the Treasure Valley real estate market.

Ada County Homes Ada County has some spectacular homes perfect for you and yours.

Canyon County Homes How about a new home for Christmas?

Canyon County has some beautiful offerings.

Get Out and Have Fun! There's lots to do across the valley.

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DECEMBER/JANUARY, 2015/2016

The holidays — and their accompanying sweets — can be disappointing for those with gluten intolerances. Fortunately, there are some delicious options nowadays.

Flickr: Elvert Barnes

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

Delicious AND Gluten Free

Don't let a gluten allergy keep you from enjoying all the treats of the season!

Ingredients 3 large eggs 2 c. light brown sugar, not packed 1/2 c. light olive oil 1 15-oz. can pumpkin pie mix 2 tsp. real vanilla extract 2 c. gluten-free flour/baking mix 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt

Directions Preheat oven to 350ยบF Grease (or use cooking spray) either 13x9 cake pan or bundt pan Beat eggs in large mixing bowl until light and frothy. Add the brown sugar and beat until smooth. Add the oil, pumpkin pie mix, and vanilla; beat to combine.

Mix together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl, and then add it a little at a time to the wet mixture and beat until smooth, about 2 minutes. cbboise.com

Pour the batter into the baking pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cake is firm and a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool. (If baking in a bundt pan, cool for a couple of minutes and turn out onto platter.)

Maple Frosting Ingredients 8 oz. softened cream cheese 3-4 Tbsp. softened butter 3-4 Tbsp. maple syrup 1-1/2 tsp. real vanilla extract 3 c. gluten-free powdered sugar Food coloring (optional)

Directions Combine cream cheese and butter, and beat until fluffy. Add vanilla and 3 Tbsp. of the syrup, beat. Add in the powdered sugar a Tbsp. at a time, and beat until smooth.

Add more syrup and powdered sugar as needed. Add food coloring if desired.

When cake is cool, frost and sprinkle with chopped pecans.

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Pumpkin Spice Cake

DECEMBER/JANUARY, 2015/2016

The perfect gift for someone who has everything? Yummy, hand-decorated sugar cookies!

A great project for everyone in the family.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

A 5-Star Recipe

Courtesy of Gail Gand, The Food Network

Sugar cookies are a holiday staple. Why not make some today?

Ingredients 1/2 cup butter 1 cup sugar 1 egg 1/4 cup milk 1/4 teaspoon vanilla Approximately 3 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder Icing, recipe follows Silver balls Gold balls Icing: 2 tablespoons egg whites* 2 cups powdered sugar Food coloring

plastic and chill in the refrigerator at least 2 hours. Roll out on a lightly floured surface about 1/4-inch thick. Cut out with various cookie cutters and place on a greased sheet pan. Bake at 375 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes until very light golden brown.

Let cool on the pan.

Icing Whisk together the egg whites and powdered sugar to form a slightly loose icing. It should flow a little bit but not too much. Transfer small amounts to separate bowls and add food coloring to make colored icing. Embellish with silver or gold balls if desired. Let dry and package up in cello bags tied with a ribbon.

Directions Cream the butter. Add the sugar and mix well. Add the egg, milk and vanilla and combine. Sift together 1 cup of the flour with the baking powder and mix it into the batter. Add some or all of the additional flour depending on how much the dough can handle. Form into a disk, cover in cbboise.com

Gail Gand is a Chicago-based pastry chef, cookbook author, television personality & past host of “Sweet Dreams� on the Food Network. www.foodnetwork.com

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Best Sugar Cookies Ever

DECEMBER/JANUARY, 2015/2016

An Apple a Day

Our Agents’ Favorite Recipes

From dinner to dessert, apples add the perfect flavor to a great fall meal.

E

ven though winter is fast approaching, it's still easy to find some great apples in the grocery stores and local farmers' markets.

We asked our agents and staff to share their favorite apple recipes and are pleased to share a few of them with you here.

APPLE NIBBLES Core and slice a variety of apples into 1/3-inch slices.

Spread slices with peanut butter and sprinkle with cocoa Rice Krispies Cover and refrigerate. Serve chilled.

APPLE FRUIT SALAD 1 red apple 1 green apple 1 cup strawberries 1 banana 1 cup grapes 1 pkg. strawberry glaze 1 pkg Dream Whip or Cool Whip Peel, core, and cut apples into chunks. Slice strawberries. Mix all fruit into the glaze and slowly fold in the Dream Whip. Refrigerate one hour. Serve.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

1-1/2 tsp. rubbed sage 1 tsp. minced garlic 1 tsp. thyme leaves 1/2 tsp. ground allspice 1/2 tsp. paprika 1 tbsp. flour 1 tsp. salt 4 boneless pork chops, 1-inch thick (about 1-1/4 lbs.)

2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 2 red apples, thinly sliced 1/2 cup apple juice 1 Tbsp. brown sugar

Mix flour, all of the spices and salt in a small bowl.

Sprinkle both sides of the pork chops with 1 Tbsp. of this mix.

Cook pork chops in hot olive oil in large skillet on medium-high heat until browned on both sides.

Remove from skillet. Add onion; cook and stir for 3 minutes or until tender. Add apples; cook and stir 2 minutes.

Stir in juice, sugar and remaining seasoning mix until well blended. Return pork chops to skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 5 minutes or until desired doneness.

DUTCH APPLE PIE Pastry 1 - 9” pie crust. Gently place the pie crust into a 9” pie pan without stretching. Turn the overhanging edges under and flute with fingers or imprint with a fork.

Apple Filling 6 cups tart apples, peeled, cored, sliced 1 cup sugar or Splenda 2 Tbsp. flour ½ tsp. cinnamon ¼ tsp. nutmeg 1 Tbsp. lemon juice

Streusel Topping 1 cup flour ½ cup brown sugar or Splenda brown sugar ½ tsp. cinnamon ½ cup butter ¼ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) Combine dry streusel ingredients. Cut in butter with two knives or pastry blender until crumbly.

Stir in nuts. Sprinkle over apple mixture and bake at 425 degrees for 40-45 minutes, until bubbly.

Toss all together in large bowl; spoon into crust.

Cool slightly. Slice and serve with vanilla ice cream or a no-sugar-added ice cream.

APPLE CRISP 4 cups tart apples (about 4 medium) 2/3-3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup flour 1/2 cup oatmeal 3/4 tsp. cinnamon 3/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/3 cup butter, softened cbboise.com

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Arrange apples in greased, 8x8x2 baking dish.

Mix remaining ingredients and sprinkle over the apples. Bake until topping is golden brown and apples are tender, about 30 minutes. Serve warm with cream or ice cream, if desired.

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APPLE & SAGE PORK CHOPS

DECEMBER/JANUARY, 2015/2016

Easy Three-Bean Chili

Quick and Hearty!

CBTG Staff Favorite

There's nothing quite like a bowl of great chili on a cold day!

Ingredients

A little chili trivia...

2 lbs. lean ground beef 1 med. onion, diced 2 15-oz. cans dark red kidney beans 3 15-oz. cans chili beans 2 15-oz. cans pinto beans 1 large can tomato juice 1 pkg. chili seasoning

National Chili Day is the fourth Thursday of February, so practice your knowlege ahead of time with a bit of trivia to go with your chili.

Directions Brown the ground beef with the onion and drain. In large pot combine all ingredients (including juice from the beans) and mix well. Bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat, and simmer for an hour, stirring occasionally. Serve topped with cheese and with your favorite corn bread, rolls, or crackers.

• A green chili pod has as much vitamin C as six oranges.

• Some cultures put chili powder in their shoes to keep their feet warm.

• Hot chili peppers burn calories by triggering a thermodynamic burn in the body, which speeds up metablolism.

• The first documented recipe for chili con carne is dated September 2, 1519, according to Wikipedia.

For more trivia, info, & recipes, visit the National Chili Day website.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 11

In 1977, chili manufacturers in the state of Texas successfully lobbied the state legislature to have chili proclaimed the official "state food" of Texas “in recognition of the fact that the only real 'bowl of red' is that prepared by Texans.�

cbboise.com

DECEMBER/JANUARY, 2015/2016

Monthly Market Stats A

What’s Happening in Treasure Valley Real Estate

s 2015 comes to an end and we look to the new year ahead, we can’t help but rave about the exceptionally strong year in real estate sales that we’ve seen.

The number of pending home sales is up 42% in Ada — 35% in Canyon. The inventory of homes on the market is down 16% from last year in Ada — down 22% in Canyon. All of these point to a healthy seller’s market continuing into the near future with optimistic expectations for prices in 2016.

It is normal in the month of December to see declines in both transaction closings and in the inventory Beat the usual spring rush and get the of homes for sale. information you need to make your However, when you plans NOW if you are considering a look at our market change of scenery in 2016. as it compares to last year at this same time, the We’re always conscious of real trends in the market are more economic and market factors that can change things. For instance, obvious. interest rates, which continue to For instance, sales units are up 18% remain low, are likely to move in Ada County — 26% in Canyon upward in the next 12 months.

— over last year at this same time. Also, Millennials, who are predicted

to outnumber Boomers in the workforce within the next few years, still struggle to earn a seat at the table of homeownership due to staggering average student loan debt and lack of credit.

Every year, like clockwork, the holiday decorations get put away and almost immediately many homeowners start to think about making a move. Don’t delay!

Beat the usual spring rush and get the information you need to make your plans NOW if you’re considering a change of scenery in 2016. Call, text, or email and take a look at just how good the market might be for your situation.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

$232,000

HOMES SOLD NOVEMBER 2015*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

23

Ada County

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET

2,083 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

* Numbers reflect year-over-year comparisons.

287

$145,000

HOMES SOLD NOVEMBER 2015*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

26 AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET cbboise.com

Canyon County

976 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

PAGE 13

687

DECEMBER/JANUARY, 2015/2016

Ada County

Featured Homes

1012 N. 28th N Boise Beautifully updated home located close to the new Whitewater park. New carpet and paint on main-level. Open kitchen features granite counter tops and custom cabinets. Master bedroom with balcony and master bathroom. This 3 bed, 2 bath, 1411 sq.ft. home with a full 2-car garage is close to downtown. Great place to come home to.

4527 N. Torridon Way N Boise Gorgeous valley & foothill views from this Highlands Hackberry home with a gated courtyard. Superior finishes, beautiful Brazilian cherry floors, imported vanities, main floor study, and mud room with access to the back yard. Features a lovely master retreat with viewing deck, gas fireplace, sitting area and a huge walk-in closet.

Lush landscaping and 3-car garage with dog wash.

4450 N. Trail Blazer Pl. NE Meridian This elegant, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home features a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, double oven, hardwood floors, granite countertops and built-in range. Huge master suite includes jetted tub, separate shower and large walk-in closet. Bonus room has plenty of space with wet bar, perfect for entertaining! This home is a must-see!

4285 S. Tindaris Ave. SE Meridian Wonderful home features main floor master, upstairs second master, good sized rooms, loft and new flooring all on a .25 corner lot in a fantastic location! Large kitchen boasts granite, stainless steel appliances, plenty of counter space and a view to the cozy fireplace in great room.

You won't want to miss this 5 bed, 3.5 bath, 3,062 sq.ft. beauty, just minutes from the Village.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 15

Ada County

Featured Homes

8139 N. Dodgin Ave. NW Boise Great floor plan makes this home feel super roomy. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1581 sq.ft. with a split bedroom plan, nice sized living area and vaulted ceilings. Large kitchen features lots of counter space and storage. Bonus room has fabulous mountain views. Located in a cul-de-sac, just short walking distance to athletic fields on Hill Rd.

971 E. Tuweep NE Meridian This amazing home with ample space for the whole family, complete with all the upgrades of a high end home. Interior paint is fresh, brand new carpet with upgraded pad. This 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath, 2-story home features a main-level master plus an inlaw suite! You will not find another home with the space, luxury, amenities and location.

672 E. Forest Ridge SE Meridian Premier lot in a great subdivision with amazing views and privacy. Features 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 4,300 sq.ft. and a private back yard with mountain views. Modern kitchen is chef's dream with Brazilian cherry floors, granite counters, dual ovens, gas stove top and custom cabinets. Perfect for entertaining in the family room with incredible windows and double-sided fireplace.

3470 Donnington Place Eagle This charming, craftsman home has it all! 3 bedrooms, a den, bonus room and a formal dining room. Great room features vaulted ceilings, a wall of windows overlooking the yard and garden areas, and a beautiful fireplace. The spacious kitchen includes granite countertops, beautiful cabinets, island and large walk-in pantry.

cbboise.com

DECEMBER/JANUARY, 2015/2016

Canyon County

Featured Homes

2143 W. Rosten Ave. S Nampa Open and spacious floor plan! Features an huge kitchen with endless countertops, stainless steel appliances and lots of storage.

4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2,317 sq.ft. with a large great room, perfect for entertaining. The master suite includes separate soaker tub, shower and walk-in closet. Just minutes from shopping, parks and school.

732 Cedar Point Way S Nampa Beautiful home in desirable Dallan Woods Subdivision. The open floor plan provides great space for entertaining family and friends.

Spacious kitchen overlooks the great room with cozy fireplace and lots of windows. 4 bedroom, 3 bath with master-suite on the main floor. Master bath features dual sinks, soaker tub and separate walk-in shower.

3004 Bianco St. NW Caldwell Custom home on a quiet cul-de-sac. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home features beautiful landscaping, fire pit, waterfall, grape vines, fruit trees, gazebo and area terraced for flowers and garden. Kitchen includes tile backsplash, breakfast bar, stainless steel sink and nice pantry.

Spacious master-suite with coffered ceiling and large walk-in closet.

4516 Equinox Ave. SW Caldwell You won't find better quality construction at this affordable price. Great room and entryway feature 10' step-up ceilings. The kitchen has full tile backsplash, gas range, soft-close cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a large pantry.

Beautiful master suite with 10' coffered ceilings and dual vanities.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

Featured Homes

2813 S. Bayhill Ct. S Nampa Beautiful home in gated Bayhill Subdivision with great open floor plan. Kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, island/ breakfast bar, custom cabinets and lots of storage.

Immense, main-level master suite with jetted tub, separate walk-in shower and dual sinks. Bonus room, hardwood floors, fireplace, drive-thru 3rd bay garage and so much more!

7500 Lewis S Nampa Private setting on 3+ acres with extensive views of the valley and Boise front. Separate studio apartment above the garage with kitchen and bathroom. Main home has a spacious kitchen with baker's pantry, island and breakfast bar.

Master suite and 2nd bedroom on main level, other bedrooms and bonus are upstairs. Wraparound porch to enjoy the views.

1060 N. Buffalo Way Middleton New carpet, security system, fresh paint, new AC in July 2015. If you appreciate a great floor plan, nice quiet neighborhood with good-sized yards and private space, this home is right for you.

Relax & enjoy the large front porch. Full threecar garage, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, hardwood floors, large kitchen & pantry. Complete vinyl fencing in the back.

8161 Goldstream Ct. Middleton Elegant waterfront home! A gorgeous, sweeping staircase greets you as you enter this immaculately-maintained home. The chef's kitchen is full of upgrades, including beautiful granite counters, custom cabinets, pull-out shelves, built-in storage and a huge pantry.

Master suite on main level with views of the private lake.

cbboise.com

PAGE 17

Canyon County

DECEMBER/JANUARY, 2015/2016

idahobotanicalgarden.org

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 19

Things to Do Get Out and Have Some Fun! Holiday Lights Trolley Tours Through December 24, times vary

Nampa Chamber Drop & Shop Saturday, December 19, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Drop kids at Nampa Rec Center

131 Constitution Way, Nampa Details HERE

Tours leave from Cole/Ustick Info

Winter Garden Aglow Nightly through January 3rd

Gates open at 6:00 p.m.

Idaho Botanical Garden 2355 Old Penitiary Rd., Boise www.idahobotanicalgarden.org

Egyptian Theatre, 700 W. Main, Boise boiseclassicmovies.com

"Christmas Vacation" Thursday, December 17, 6:45 & 9:15 p.m.

Ballet Idaho - "The Nutcracker" December 18-20, times vary

The Morrison Center 2201 W. Cesar Chavez Ln., Boise Tickets & Info

Thunder Mtn. Line Santa Express Through December 23, various times

1.5 hour roundtrip Horseshoe Bend Depot thundermountainline.com

Capital City Public Market Holiday Annex Daily through December 20

10:30a.m.-2:00p.m.

1036 Vista Ave., Boise

www.capitalcitypublicmarket.com cbboise.com

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Saturday, December 22, 1:30 p.m.

Albertsons Stadium Teams TBD Tickets & Info

New Year's Eve Lock In for Kids Thursday, December 31, 7:00 p.m.

Nampa Rec Center

131 Constitution Way, Nampa Info HERE

New Year's Idaho Potato Drop Thursday, December 31

Music, Food Vendors Downtown Boise idahopotatodrop.com

The Great Polar Bear Challenge To benefit Make-A-Wish

Friday, January 1, 10:00 a.m.

Spring Shores Marina, Lucky Peak Info

Idaho Laugh Fest January 7-9, times vary

Various locations downtown Boise Info

D O W N T O W N B O I S E 343.3393 | M E R I D I A N 336.3393 | E A G L E 939.3363 | N A M PA 467.5 2 7 2