By Rebekah Devorak | Opinions Editor
For some students, one of the worst parts about coming back to college in the fall is missing out on home-cooked meals. Instead, daily culinary adventures are confined to either campus dining, take out or instant ramen noodles. That said, just because there might not be a full-blown kitchen waiting back in your dorm room does not mean that cooking your favorite meals is an impossible feat. Here are some breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert recipes to spice up your diet – and all of them are a cinch to make with just a mini fridge, microwave and waffle iron.
• Omelet in a Mug •
Who doesn’t love breakfast? Whether you are chowing down at 8 a.m. or having a casual Sunday brunch for one, the omelet in a mug is the perfect way to start your day. Eggs are filled with protein – which will keep you full throughout the day – and some added veggies will provide fiber, vitamins and minerals. Kale was used in this recipe, but feel free to add mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes or whatever else you might have in your mini fridge.
Time to prepare: 5 minutes
What you will need: A mug, a fork, 2 eggs (or 3 depending on intensity of hunger), 1 tbsp. shredded cheddar cheese, handful of kale
Directions: Add eggs to the mug and whisk together with a fork. Then, add kale and cheese and whisk until all ingredients are combined. Microwave for one minute, and then use the fork to break up any large egg chunks. Microwave again for 45 seconds or until eggs are firmly set. Add salt and pepper as preferred.
• Homemade Microwave Mac and Cheese •
You will never want to eat Easy Mac again once you try this recipe for easy homemade mac and cheese, no stove or oven required. Just be cautious – when cooking the macaroni in the microwave, the water will try to boil over about every five seconds. Either stop the microwave until the water settles down each time it rises or place a cereal bowl under your mug to catch any water that spills over. This would also be great with added grilled chicken or bacon bits if you are feeling fancy.
Time to prepare: less than 10 minutes
What you will need: A mug, a fork, 1/3 cup pasta, ½ cup water, ¼ cup milk, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions: Combine pasta noodles and water into a mug. Microwave for two minutes and then stir. Continue this two more times, stirring after each two minute interval. Once the pasta has completely absorbed the water and is cooked to preference, add the milk and cheese. Stir, and then microwave for one minute. Stir one last time, and enjoy!
• Waffle Iron Pizza Quesadillas •
Who said a waffle iron is just for waffles? Everyone loves pizza, but ordering out every weekend can be expensive (and unhealthy). Instead, try this variation which is quick, simple and delicious. There’s also less arguing over which toppings to get when you order, because now everyone can have their own.
Time to prepare: 5 minutes
What you will need: Waffle iron, 2 tortillas, pizza sauce, shredded cheese, vegetables and meat for toppings
Directions: First, heat up the waffle iron. Taking one tortilla, layer pizza sauce, shredded cheese and the chosen toppings. Once the waffle iron is heated, place the tortilla with the toppings onto the iron, and place the second tortilla on top. Close the waffle iron and cook it for about one minute or until the outside is slightly browned.
• Microwave Chocolate Chip Cookies •
If there was ever a cure for stress, it’s fresh baked cookies. Not only do they taste pretty great for being made in a microwave, but they will also make your dorm room smell amazing. The only problem is that now there’s no excuse for not having cookies with milk (or ice cream) every night.
Time to prepare: less than 10 minutes
What you will need: A cup, plate, 1 tbsp. melted butter, 2 tbsp. light brown sugar, 1/8 tsp. vanilla extract, 2 tsp. milk, 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp. chocolate chips, dash of salt
Directions: Add light brown sugar and melted butter to a cup and whisk until incorporated. Add vanilla extract, milk and salt then combine. Add all-purpose flour into the cup, and then stir until everything is combined. Mix in chocolate chips, then transfer it out of the cup onto a plate. Form that into a cookie shape, making the center thicker than the edges. Microwave first for 30 seconds, next for 20 seconds and lastly again for 10 seconds, or until the middle is set and the edges still look uncooked. The cookie will continue to cook once it is removed from the microwave.
• Nutella Mug Cake •
It’s a well-known fact that Nutella makes anything taste more delicious. Nutella and cake? It’s a match made in heaven. To make it even better, this recipe only has three ingredients. The downside is that you have to let it sit for fifteen minutes after cooking before you can eat it, but there’s a reason why they say good things come to those who wait.
Time to prepare: 20 minutes
What you will need: A mug, a fork, one egg, ¼ cup Nutella, ½ tbsp. cocoa powder
Directions: Add all ingredients into a mug and whisk with fork until everything is combined. Microwave for one minute and 10 seconds. The cake should be set but appear to be slightly wet on top. Let it sit for 15 minutes, tip it out of the mug and enjoy!
Photos by Rebekah Devorak/Opinions Editor
