College can be challenging for a multitude of reasons. While most people typically associate this difficulty with perplexing classes, inflexible professors and ample amounts of homework, the nuisances of everyday life are often overlooked as one of the largest contributors to the pressures us collegiettes feel.
Specifically, I’m talking about eating. Becoming an independent, functioning adult means having to feed yourself. While feeding yourself doesn’t seem intrinsically arduous, when you factor in a tight budget, an insanely busy schedule, and a lack of knowledge in the kitchen… well, now you’re starting to incur some issues.
At this point, you’re most likely asking yourself the question that almost all college students have asked themselves at some point in time: How do I feed myself good tasting, nutritional, food with virtually no money, time, or experience? The answer: peanut butter.
Peanut butter is an age-old solution to this longstanding problem. Not only is this delicious spread affordable, it also is an excellent source of protein that requires virtually no prep time. Additionally, peanut butter is also perfect for the on-the-go gal!
Furthermore, in celebration of this miracle food, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite ways to survive off peanut butter in college.
Peanut Butter on Waffle, Topped with Banana
Courtesy: Real Simple
This rich breakfast can be prepared in under 10 minutes and is sure to hold any hard-working student over throughout the busy school day.
Ingredients
2 Frozen Whole-Grain Waffles
4 Tablespoons Peanut Butter
2 Bananas
Directions
– Toast waffles
– Spread Peanut butter evenly atop waffles
– Slice bananas over peanut butter-covered waffles
Original recipe seen here.
Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich
Courtesy: Neighbor Food
No compilation of peanut butter-filled favorites would be complete without an ode to the traditional peanut butter and jelly sandwich. This recipe provides the perfect funky twist to this cult classic.
Ingredients
2 Slices of Bread
2 Tablespoons Jelly
2 Tablespoons Peanut Butter
1 Tablespoon Butter
Directions
Spread peanut butter unto bread slice
Spread jelly unto another bread slice
Combine and slice into halves
Melt butter in a pan over medium-low heat
Grill sandwich in the pan until crisp and golden in color
Original recipe seen here.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Poppers
Courtesy: A Healthy Slice of Life
These tasty chocolate peanut butter poppers are an ideal, no-hassle snack to enjoy in the midst of any brain break.
Ingredients
3 Bananas
1/3 Cup Peanut Butter
1/2 Cup Dark Chocolate
Directions
Slice bananas into bite-sized chunks
Spread peanut butter onto one banana slice, and immediately attach it to another
Freeze peanut butter-banana bites for 1 hour
Melt dark chocolate until liquid
Dip peanut butter-banana bites into chocolate
Refreeze for 1 hour
Original recipe seen here.
Peanut Butter Smoothie
Courtesy: Bless This Mess
Pack a punch with this powerhouse breakfast smoothie.
Ingredients
1 Banana
2 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder
1 Tablespoon Peanut Butter
1/2 Yogurt
1 Tablespoon Honey
1/2 Cup Milk
Directions
Slice bananas into manageable chunks
Toss banana, cocoa powder, peanut butter, yogurt, honey, and milk into a blender
Blend until smooth and creamy
Original recipe seen here.
Peanut Butter Oatmeal
Courtesy: The Gracious Pantry
Finally, we recommend this oatmeal dish to anyone interested in a warm, gooey cup of peanut buttery-perfection.
Ingredients
1 ½ Cups Oats
2 Tablespoons Peanut Butter
1 Tablespoon Cinnamon
1 Tablespoon Honey
Directions
Prepare oats according to package directions
Add peanut butter, cinnamon, and honey
Stir until evenly distributed through oatmeal
Original recipe seen here.
With these meal ideas in mind, peanut butter is sure to be a staple in any collegiettes pantry!