We have all experienced the horrible downfall of college food. So many times, we finally get a gap in our days to eat, only to get something… ehhh… mysterious. Sometimes it’s better to not read the signs that say what the food is, or supposed to be. This all results in us wishing that Cookout took Camel Bucks and having some serious cravings for our mom’s homemade cooking.
Well, after one too many bad Marshbank’s meals and a rapid depletion of Camel Bucks, I decided to look at an alternative– the mighty microwave. The majority of us have them; however, their potential is often limited to popcorn and Ramen Noodles. No more! It is time to liberate the microwave’s potential in the college dorm room. Be prepared for some neat recipes that may just put Marshbanks to shame and won’t hurt your wallet.
Apple and Pumpkin Dessert:
Ingredients:
- 2 packets of sugar substitute (1gram)
- 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
- 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/4 cup of canned pumpkin
- 2 tablespoons of water
In the bottom of a microwave safe bowl, sprinkle some of the sugar and pumpkin pie spice and place 1/4 of the apples on top. Repeat this process one more time. Then, spread the pumpkin on top of the previous layer of apples. Finish it off by putting the last of the apples, and sugar and spice on top. Pour the water on top. Cook in the microwave for around 3 1/2 minutes, stirring every minute. Enjoy your delectable treat!
If you don’t like pumpkin, try using some butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon instead.
Quesadillas: A Blank Canvas
Ingredients:
- 2 Tortillas
- cheese (any kind will do)
- Anything you think goes great with the above two items.
This is probably the most simple thing ever. Put a tortilla on a microwave safe plate, sprinkle cheese on top, and top it with another tortilla. Microwave for 1 minute or until cheese is melted. Grab some salsa and chips, and you have yourself a quick meal before class. Get fancy and add things like ham, bacon bits, tomatoes, beans, or peppers to bring it to the next level. Be daring!
Fancified Ramen Noodles
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup of peanut butter
- 1/3 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- a dash of cayenne pepper and garlic powder
- 1-2 packs of unseasoned Ramen Noodles
Microwave all the ingredients together except the Ramen Noodles for 30 seconds. Toss it in with your cooked pack of noodles and enjoy a fancified version of a college student’s best friend.
Breakfast in a Mug
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 tablespoon of milk
- 2 eggs
- salt and pepper to taste
- shredded cheese
- 1 slice of ham/ bacon bits/ any kind of pre-cooked, cold meat
Melt the butter in a microwave safe mug or cup. Once the butter is melted, put eggs, milk, and salt and pepper in the cup and whip all together. Cook this in the microwave for 75 to 90 seconds or until the eggs are cooked. Next, put your chopped meat into the cup to be microwaved for a few additional seconds (no more than 30), and sprinkle with cheese. There you have it… breakfast in a mug.
3-2-1 Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 Box of Angel Food Cake Mix
- 1 Box of any other cake flavor (your choice)
- water
Mix the 2 boxes of cake mix together in a Ziploc bag… and your done… well, sort of. This is called a 3-2-1 cake because all you need to remember is 3 tablespoons mix, 2 tablespoons water, 1 minute in the microwave. That is it. Add the cake mix and water together, zap it, and indulge your sweet tooth. You can try any assortment of flavors, but remember you must have 1 box of angel food cake. You can also add icing and sprinkles for added pizzaz.
There you have it. Five quick, easy, inexpensive recipes, and they are all microwavable! Don’t be afraid to try them and look up other ones too. There are some great ones out there. Go for the alternative and say, “take that Marshbanks!”
Written by: Marisa Linton
PineBurr Blog 