Dorm Room Cooking 101

Posted by Gina Aristarco on Oct 29, 2015 6:22:19 PM

Dorm life can be a struggle at times, especially when you are hungry. Although the 1760 Residence Hall comes with a complete kitchen to make any meal that you could possibly fathom, sometimes the trip downstairs with your cooking supplies just isn’t worth it.
I discovered the true worth of my Keurig and microwave when I was tired, hungry, and honestly just too lazy to cook. Below, I have included the easiest, quickest, and most delicious meals that I made in my room at 1760!

1. 10-Minute Pasta

I had no idea that pasta could be cooked in the microwave until I moved into the residence hall last year. I was skeptical at first, but it makes perfect pasta every time! Just fill a bowl or Tupperware container with the desired amount of pasta, and then add water until all of the noodles are completely submerged. Be careful not to fill the water to the top, or it will overflow while the pasta is cooking. Pop it in the microwave for 10 minutes, drain the pasta in the sink, and add desired toppings! Whether you’re making mac and cheese, buttered noodles, or spaghetti with pesto sauce, this is the easiest shortcut to making a great dinner.

2. Magic Mug Cakes

Every Pinterest lover knows about these trendy mug cakes, but once you actually make this little treat, you’ll be hooked for life. These easy desserts take just minutes to prepare, have minimal cleanup, and instantly create a delicious cake for one! My favorite recipe is the Nutella mug cake because you only need Nutella, eggs, and cocoa powder. In a coffee mug, mix one heaping spoonful of Nutella, 1 egg, and 1/2 teaspoon of cocoa powder. Place the mug in the microwave for 1 minute 10 seconds, and remove it from the microwave with caution. It will be HOT! Add toppings like whipped cream, fruit, powdered sugar, or even a little more Nutella. You’re all set to enjoy a seriously insane dessert.

3. Baked Sweet Potato

I’m not sure if I have become a little too obsessed with fall, but sweet potatoes are my new favorite side dish of all time. Now you don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving to dive into the yams! Simply wrap a potato -- regular or sweet -- in plastic wrap and microwave it for 6 to 8 minutes depending on the size. Let it sit in the microwave for a few minutes to cool. Then, cut it open and add sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, or toppings of your choice.

4. Keurig Oatmeal

For a quick and easy breakfast, fill your Keurig with 10 oz. of water and place a bowl with dry oatmeal under the filter. Wait for the water to fill the bowl, and you are in business! Add apples and cinnamon, berries and sugar, or my favorite bananas and Nutella!

5. Steamed Veggies

This is my favorite microwaveable meal ever! I don't live in the dorms anymore -- I currently live in an apartment with a full kitchen -- and I still nuke my veggies religiously. Just wash and cut your preferred vegetables and place them in a Ziploc baggie with a sprinkle of water. Microwave for 2 minutes and enjoy!

Hopefully these quick tips from my experience at 1760 will help you out while you’re dorm living! And if all else fails… order in from Seamless.

Happy cooking!

 

Images courtesy of Google - labeled for noncommercial reuse.

Topics: lim-life, dorm room, cooking, easy