The stereotypical college diet is characterized by ramen noodles, mac ‘n’ cheese and dining hall takeout. As students, we forget how much we miss home until we no longer have our mommies to cook for us and are forced to consume, day-in and day-out, the dining hall dishes that often lack variety and are sometimes unidentifiable. A home-cooked meal sounds like the greatest gift in the world, and with a little creativity, might not be too far out of reach for dorm-based culinary adventurers.
Cooking in a dorm room is a lot less difficult than it sounds as most rooms on the University of Idaho campus are equipped with a microwave and mini-fridge. When cooking in a dorm, it is important to have an open mind, look for microwave-compatible recipes and avoid thinking about the possible radiation poisoning one might sustain from microwavable corned beef. Yes, it is possible to microwave something for 80 minutes, and no, you probably won’t die.
Here are a few recipes for a delectable evening of dorm cooking.
MAKE YOUR OWN MONGOLIAN
You'll need 1 package of ramen noodles (any flavor)
Frozen vegetables
Then what? Place vegetables in covered microwave-safe container with water and microwave according to the directions on the package. Drain excess water and allow to cool.
Cook ramen noodles according to microwave instructions on package. Drain excess water from noodles.
Add vegetables and ramen flavor packet.
Be a sauce boss To really spice up your noodles skip the soy and mix up an easy peanut sauce.
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
2 drops hot sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup water
Stir first five ingredients together. Add water until smooth.
FIVE-MINUTE MICROWAVE MUG CAKE
You'll need 4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (Microwave Safe) Then what?
Add dry ingredients to mug and
mix well.
Add the egg and mix.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract. Mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 4 minutes at 1000 watts.
The cake will rise over the top of
the mug.
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
