By Ruthanne Tarantino, News Correspondent
As a college student, you do not have much time, energy or the means to make complicated meals. Likewise, if you are on co-op you probably want to relax when you come home from work. The dining hall food can get old, and eating out frequently is expensive. Making your own food is less expensive and can be a healthier option. Cooking for yourself does not have to be hard ‘- usually the most difficult part is coming up with ideas.
Whether you are a freshman equipped with only a microfridge, or an upperclassman who is too lazy to look up what ‘braise’ actually means, these easy and healthy recipes will satisfy the biggest problem of most college students: ‘ hunger.
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Recipes adapted from The Healthy College Cookbook
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Peanut Butter Oatmeal’
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The combination of these two simple ingredients will officially make you the microfridge master of your freshman dorm. It is also good to make when you return from your 8 a.m. class and you are starving because you ran to class without eating any breakfast.’
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What you need:
1/2 cup water’
1/4 cup (or one package) instant oatmeal’
1/4 cup peanut butter’
1 teaspoon packed brown sugar (optional)’
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1. Stir the water and oats together in a microwave-safe container.’
2. Heat the cereal in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, until the oats are soft. Stir in the sugar and peanut butter.’
Makes one serving.’
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Beans ‘n’ franks’
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When Boston begins to freeze over into the quick descent of winter, this simple, hearty meal will have you dreaming of summertime picnics and food your babysitter used to make.’
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What you need:
1 (16-ounce) can baked beans’
3 hot dogs (beef, turkey, chicken, or soy), sliced into rounds’
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar or maple syrup’
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Combine all ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and microwave for about 3 minutes or until heated through. Serve immediately.’
Makes 2 servings.’
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Hummus Sandwich’
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If the previous recipe grossed you out, perhaps this healthy sandwich will better match your taste buds. This is also good to make if you feel the same way about dining hall food.’
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What you need:
2 heaping tablespoons hummus’
1/2 pita pocket’
4 slices cucumber’
handful of bean sprouts’
chopped vegetables of your choice – try green or red bell pepper, carrots, or red onion’
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Spread the hummus in the pita pocket. Slide in the cucumber slices, sprouts, and any other vegetables that appeal to you.’
Makes 1 serving.’
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Granny’s Apple Pie Fruit Salad’
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Everyone loves the cookies and soft-serve at the dining hall, but eating them every day will help you quickly gain the ‘freshman 15′. This dessert alternative is both filling and healthy, and can also be eaten for a sweet breakfast.’
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What you need:
1/3 cup water’
1/3 cup lemon juice’
2 apples, cored and chopped’
1 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt’
1/4 cup dried cranberries’
1/4 cup raisins’
1/4 cup chopped pecans’
1 teaspoon cinnamon’
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves’
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg’
1 cup cinnamon granola’
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1. Combine the water and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Add the apples, toss to coat and let sit for 10 minutes. (This will prevent the apples from turning brown.)’
2. In a separate bowl, combine the yogurt, cranberries, raisins, pecans and spices. Drain the apples, pat dry and stir them into the yogurt mixture. Divide the mixture into 2 serving bowls, and top each with half of the granola. Enjoy immediately or cover, refrigerate and savor later.
