2008 Woodie Awards
College cookbook serves up recipes in a pinch
By: Amy Swanson
Issue date: 10/27/05 Section: LifeStyle
- Page 1 of 2 next >
One of the hardest transitions to college life was fending for myself when it came time for a meal. While I know what I like to eat, I don't always know how to make it. The only examples I am able to emulate are my mother's recipes, which feed more than a family of five. And the last thing I need is to be eating dinner for an army.
"The Cheap, Fast & Easy Cookbook: 99 Recipes For The Dorm-Room Gourmet," compiled by Roadside Amusements, is a handy guide for someone searching for exactly that - a cheap, fast and easy meal. Priced at $14.95, the book is full of simple recipes for any time of day or occasion.
Chapters range from breakfast meals to holiday entrées. Although not everything sounds appetizing, sometimes it's fun to experiment with something new.
I decided to attempt the Morning-After Mexican Eggs, which was a stretch for me since I am not a big fan of eggs. It turned out like a science experiment. I mixed together two eggs and two tablespoons of water and poured them into a buttered microwavable bowl then covered it tightly with plastic wrap. I nuked the eggs for a minute and a half and watched the egg mixture rise and fall beneath the plastic shield. It was awesome.
While the eggs cooked in the microwave, I arranged a plate of tortilla chips then poured the eggs on top. The eggs were complete after spreading a few spoonfuls of mild salsa over the top. It would be easy to embellish this concoction by adding cheese or vegetables as well. The best part about the recipe was that it made a single serving just for me and no food went to waste. Repeating the recipe to make multiple servings was just as simple.
Not all of the recipes are creative, new endeavors, but merely simple suggestions to improve the old. For example, the crafty cookbook features a chart of suggestions to improve various staple foods like adding various fruits and nuts to oatmeal or trying a new twist on the traditional peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I never thought of adding apple slices or chocolate chips to my PB and J sandwich or grilling it. However, combining these ingredients really spiced up my sandwich and it tasted great. I am sure my mom would be proud to know I am mastering the art of making PB and J.
"The Cheap, Fast & Easy Cookbook: 99 Recipes For The Dorm-Room Gourmet," compiled by Roadside Amusements, is a handy guide for someone searching for exactly that - a cheap, fast and easy meal. Priced at $14.95, the book is full of simple recipes for any time of day or occasion.
Chapters range from breakfast meals to holiday entrées. Although not everything sounds appetizing, sometimes it's fun to experiment with something new.
I decided to attempt the Morning-After Mexican Eggs, which was a stretch for me since I am not a big fan of eggs. It turned out like a science experiment. I mixed together two eggs and two tablespoons of water and poured them into a buttered microwavable bowl then covered it tightly with plastic wrap. I nuked the eggs for a minute and a half and watched the egg mixture rise and fall beneath the plastic shield. It was awesome.
While the eggs cooked in the microwave, I arranged a plate of tortilla chips then poured the eggs on top. The eggs were complete after spreading a few spoonfuls of mild salsa over the top. It would be easy to embellish this concoction by adding cheese or vegetables as well. The best part about the recipe was that it made a single serving just for me and no food went to waste. Repeating the recipe to make multiple servings was just as simple.
Not all of the recipes are creative, new endeavors, but merely simple suggestions to improve the old. For example, the crafty cookbook features a chart of suggestions to improve various staple foods like adding various fruits and nuts to oatmeal or trying a new twist on the traditional peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I never thought of adding apple slices or chocolate chips to my PB and J sandwich or grilling it. However, combining these ingredients really spiced up my sandwich and it tasted great. I am sure my mom would be proud to know I am mastering the art of making PB and J.