When ramen noodles and instant macaroni and cheese are the easiest things to reach for in a dorm room, your diet can get plain and unhealthy very fast. During my freshman year, macaroni and cheese, Lunchables and veggie chips were my addiction. Even though it seems like you might not be able to run away from the same dining hall food day after day, these easy recipes will help you keep a variety of flavor in your diet (and they’re not so bad for you either).
1. Very Berry Parfait
Serves: 6 parfaits
This is a quick, healthy and tasty recipe that you can make for breakfast, a snack in between classes or a sweet treat late at night. You can even pre-make these and slide them in the mini refrigerator or freezer for the next day.
You Will Need:
- 1 (32 ounce) container Greek or regular Vanilla Yogurt
- 1½ cups frozen mixed berries, unsweetened
- 6 (8 ounce) jelly jars with lids or dessert bowls
- up to ½ cup granola or Grape Nuts for each parfait
Let’s Get Prepping!
Spoon about ¼ cup into the bottom of each of the 6 jelly jars or dessert bowls. Over each of those, spoon about 2 tablespoons of frozen mixed berries. Press the berries lightly into the yogurt. Top with another ¼ cup of yogurt, 2 tablespoons of berries and then divide the remaining yogurt between the jars over the berries. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to a week.
Time To Serve!
Remove the lid from the parfait and sprinkle a little granola or some Grape Nuts over the top of the parfait. While eating, sprinkle with granola or Grape Nuts as often as preferred.
2. Microwaved Poached Eggs
Prep Time 1-5 minutes
Serves: 1 egg
Eggs are a simple, easy food that can be paired with a variety of tasty things. Adding a poached egg to a piece of toast or english muffin and a side of avocado can make a tasty breakfast or snack. An easy morning, afternoon, or evening recipe!
You Will Need:
- 1 large egg
- a few tablespoons of water
- splash of vinegar
- cup or coffee mug
Let’s Get Prepping!
Put a few tablespoons of water into a small custard cup or coffee mug. Add a splash of vinegar.
Break an egg into the water and use a toothpick to pierce the yolk, this just keeps it from exploding-it won’t leak. Cover loosely with a square of plastic wrap. Put your toast in the toaster.
Microwave for 45 seconds for runny, 50 seconds for set but deep yellow, 1 min for well done.
While the egg is cooking, butter your toast. If the microwave beeps before your toast is ready you can leave the egg in the hot water for some additional time while you finish your toast prep, it will continue cooking slightly.
Time To Serve!
Peel off the plastic and scoop the egg out of the water, and place it on your toast. Add a side of avocado for some extra flavor in your meal! Salt and pepper it if desired.
3.Microwaved Cheesecake In A Cup (Mason Jars Could Be Cool Too!)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Serves: 1
After a long day of work or class, you deserve more than a plain chocolate chip cookie from the dining hall. You aced your quiz, finished your group project and worked out for an hour today. You deserve something way better. You can even pre-make a few of these in advance! Here’s a recipe that works for a sweet treat after dinner:
You Will Need:
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (or just one wedge lemon)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 2-4 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or yogurt
- Crumbled graham crackers
- serving dish, ramekin, or mug
Let’s Get Prepping!
In your serving dish, ramekin or mug, combine cream cheese, egg, lemon juice, sugar, vanilla and yogurt (or sour cream). Mix together really well. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir. Microwave another 30 seconds. Stir. Microwave for another 30 seconds.
Time To Serve!
Sprinkle crumbled graham crackers on top. Let cool for at least an hour. Eat.
Before you know it, you'll be the chef of your floor!
