It’s no secret. No matter how much we look forward to Eggs to Order and cheesy potato night, dining at Grinnell’s singular D-Hall for four years can get repetitive, to say the least. And try as we might to eat healthfully, plans to frequent the salad bar are often forgotten when bottomless curly fries and gooey butter cake beckon. What’s a college kid to do?
Enter Eric Mistry. When this swimmer and foodie graduated last spring, he not only took a selfie with President Kington that went viral on campus– he left behind a cookbook (check out the full version here) filled with easy-to-follow recipes and tips about how to make the most of the many offerings at Grinnell’s one and only D-Hall. Complied over Mistry’s four years on campus, these recipes are relatively quick and painless to replicate.
Great food keeps you happy, healthy and hungry for more. With a little creativity and (minimal) effort, you can take college dining to the next level. Below are a few highlights from Mistry’s compliated recipes, as well as anonymous tips found on Yik Yak, the new social media app that has been taking Grinnell by storm this semester. Whatever your dining preferences, we hope you will use these these recipes as a starting point to inspire your own D-Hall creations. Bon appetit!
Superb Spinach Dip
- Spinach
- Butter
- Cream cheese
- Italian seasonings
- Shredded cheese
- Balsamic vinegar
Start by ripping up a bowl of spinach (to help it wilt faster when heated). Add a dollop of cream cheese and butter on top as well as a splash of balsamic vinegar, a sprinkle of Italian seasonings and a small handful of shredded cheddar and mozzerella cheese. Microwave for thirty seconds, stir, then microwave for twenty seconds more. Enjoy with pitas, chips or pieces of bread for a savory appetizer.
Do-It-Yourself Baked Ziti
- Pasta of your choice
- Marinara sauce
- Cream cheese
- Mozzerella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Black pepper
- Balsamic vinegar
Get a bowl of pasta with sauce from the pasta station, then proceed to add a solid helping of parmesan cheese on top, as well as a few grinds of black pepper. Snag some cream cheese from the bagel station, and head to the salad bar. Add a small splash of balsamic vinegar and as much shredded mozzerella as you would like. Microwave for 30-45 seconds, mix well, and enjoy!
Spicy Smoky Ranch
- Ranch
- A1 Sauce
- BBQ Sauce
- Hot Sauce
(Editor’s note: Apparently people in the Midwest like ranch dressing. Love it or leave it, it might as well be a food group). Fill a condiment cup with ranch dressing, then add a small amount of BBQ and A1 sauce. Add a few drops of your favorite hot sauce and enjoy!
Grinnellicino
- Coffee
- Chocolate milk
- Ice cream
- Caramel and chocolate sauce
- Spices: Nutmeg, cinnamon and cocoa powder
Fill up a green glass about halfway with coffee, then fill an additional quarter of the glass with chocolate milk. Next, fill the remaining quarter of the glass with an ice cream of your choice. After adding the ice cream, swirl in caramel and chocolate sauce and top it off by adding spices to your liking.
Garlic Fries
- French fries
- Garlic
- Oregano/Thyme/Rosemary
- Parmesan cheese
This easy-to-make recipe was based off an anonymous post off Yik Yak. Start with a plate of fries, then head over to the Pasta station and ask them to sautee the fries with garlic. Add spices and parmesan cheese on top to your liking. Make sure to grab a big plate to share with your table– these go fast!