Simple, fast recipes help make life easier for students
Grocery shopping takes on a whole new meaning when it’s not an errand that you run with your mom or dad. Suddenly, you’re an upperclassman in college. You have a kitchen in your apartment and a grocery store close to campus, but you have no list prepared. You’re on your own. You have to buy, prepare and cook your own food. Put down that takeout menu — you can do this. Below are three recipes for three delicious and somewhat nutritious meals that will cost so little that you’ll still be able to go to that concert you’ve been saving up for. Maybe you’re cooking to impress a date, or maybe you just want to grow up. Either way, use these recipes to give your body a break from the constant barrage of EVK and Chipotle.
Fancy-Pants Peanut Butter and Jelly
This first recipe is for the very lazy and/or child in you. With only four ingredients and no cooking necessary, the results are scrumptious. It’s a twist on the ever-so classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich that all, except for those with allergies, have enjoyed.
Ingredients:
-1 jar of peanut butter
-1 jar of jelly (preferrably strawberry)
-1 jar of honey
-2 slices of whole wheat bread
There are no definite measurements for this recipe. Place a couple of spoonfuls of peanut butter in a bowl. Pour about a spoonful and a half of honey in with the peanut butter and mix until the two are completely combined. Then add equal spoonfuls of jelly and mix once more. Leave the bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes. Spread the mixture on the bread. Fold each piece of bread in half or put one on top of the other (there are two different types of people in the world) and enjoy.
Deceivingly Simple Grilled Garlic Chicken
This recipe is for when you want to try and be a grown-up without actually having to take on too much responsibility.
Ingredients:
-1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
-Minced garlic
-Chopped onion
-Frozen pre-cooked brown rice
-Olive oil
Set a pan on the stove at about 70 percent heat and pour a tablespoon of olive oil into the pan. Cut the chicken breast into bite-size portions. Next, cover each portion in about 1/4 teaspoon of minced garlic. Place the pieces of chicken in the pan and wash off your cutting board. Chop 1/4 cup worth of onion and sprinkle it over the chicken. Grill the chicken in the pan for about eight minutes, flipping once. The chicken should be juicy, golden brown on the outside and white on the inside. There should be no red or pink areas on the inside.
While the chicken cooks, place the brown rice in the microwave and follow the instructions on the packaging. Prepare your choice of vegetables for extra nutrients.
Almond Fudge
This recipe is a very easy and surprisingly healthy dessert. And don’t worry — “healthy” is not code for disgusting. This dessert is the best of both worlds.
Ingredients:
-Parchment paper
-Almond butter
-Coconut oil
-Maple syrup
-Cocoa powder
-Salt
-Shredded coconut
Take out a sheet of parchment paper. Place a small pot over low heat. Then place 1/2 cup of almond butter and 1/3 cup of coconut oil into the pot. Stir until completely melted. Turn off the stove and stir in 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1/3 cup of cocoa powder, 1/3 cup of shredded coconut and a pinch of rock salt. Place a piece of the parchment paper on a tray and pour the fudge onto the paper. Place the tray into the freezer for about 15 minutes. Remove from freezer, and take to savor your creation.