Home is where the food is. Let’s be honest, the worst part about college is being away from your mom’s, dad’s, grandmother’s, or whoever else’s, cooking! Going on my second year as a dorm-room resident my microwave has become my best friend and I’m always searching for quick fixes. Skip the dining hall this semester and immediately feel at home with the help of any one of these quick and easy dorm-room friendly recipes!
Nachos.
Why do we always seem to forget about this delicious, high-calorie snack? They can literally be whatever you want them to be. Pile as many chips as your hungry hearts desire, and then load up the cheese however much your heart can handle. Throw it in a microwave for a minute or two and finally add your favorite toppings. Choosing toppings for nachos is just like choosing toppings for pizza. You just can’t go wrong because anything and everything will only enhance this snack. Don’t forget the guac!!!
Mac and Cheese.
No, not easy mac. No powdered cheese required. This is a recipe for actual mac and cheese. No pan, no stove, no problem. All you need is pasta, water, milk, and cheese. **CAUTION** make sure you add enough water for the amount of pasta you choose so you can avoid looking like the ultimate freshman by setting off the fire alarm. By no means am I suggesting girls should know how to cook, (in fact this is mostly for the girls who don’t cook) but burning pasta is quite shameful. Anyways, mix the pasta and water in a bowl and put it in the microwave for 30-second intervals. In order to avoid making a mess you’re going to want to keep an eye on the water bubbling over the bowl. After the pasta is cooked to your liking add the milk and cheese, stir it, and put it back in the microwave until the cheese is completely melted. Then, of course, load up the toppings (**I suggest bacon or bread crumbs.)
Smoothies.
My roommate bringing a blender to school was one of the best things that happened to me last semester. To make the most basic smoothie all you need is frozen fruit, yogurt, and either water or fruit juice. Ice always helps with the coldness, although not everyone in a dorm has the luxury of ice so usually the frozen fruit will suffice. Smoothies are perfect for on-the-go, breakfast, a light lunch, and also a healthier alternative to ice cream (if you’re into that kind of stuff.) It might take a couple tries to perfect the art of smoothie-making but it’s definitely worth it!
S’mores.
Classic. You know the ingredients already. however if you’re feeling extra adventurous, switch out the hershey bar for a Reese’s or another one of your favorite candies! For your personal disclosure: marshmallows will explode in the microwave, so keep your eyes on the prize people. Don’t be scraping marshmallow off the sides of your microwave when you should be enjoying it. So good you’ll want s’more!
Omelets.
For those mornings you just cannot bring yourself to leave your room. You know the mornings I’m talking about. You’ll need two eggs to begin with and then whatever you like in your omelets. Suggestions include cheese, peppers, meats (already cooked.) Put two eggs in a mug and beat them, you can add some milk if you’d like as well, then add your toppings and stick it in the microwave for approximately one minute. Just make sure the egg is fully cooked and enjoy!
Cookie-in-a-Mug.
This next recipe actually seems too good to be true. You’re going to need only three things: frozen cookie dough, a mug, and a microwave. Put the cookie dough in the mug and put the mug in the microwave, you will definitely not regret it. Cook it for around 1-2 minutes, and then you be the judge. Heat it up a little longer depending on how soft you want it. In addition, you can never go wrong with a scoop of Ben and Jerry’s to top it off.
Pizza.
The quickest pizza you’ll ever make in your life. Use pita bread, a bagel, or a tortilla for the “dough.” Then just add red sauce, cheese, and any topping of your choosing. Toss it in the microwave for two minutes or so and voila, the pizza’s ready in less time than it would have taken you to call Domino’s!
Dorm life is what you make it. Why not make it delicious?!