News Taffy

This week, I got to thinking of how much I’m missing real food. In college, it’s very easy to get caught up eating things that are quick between classes, but really ever once in a while you should try to sit and enjoy something other than a sandwich from the food court in the union.

These are a few of my dorm dining recipes that can be made in a microwave or crockpot (which is great… a small one is perfect for your dorm).

For the sake of frugality, in this recipe I will use things that can be saved from the caf in a tupperware. I don’t care if it’s against the rules, meal plans are a lot of money so, take food with you if you know you won’t use your 3 meals a day.

Microwave Tortellini in Pink Sauce

INGREDIENTS:
*1 cup tortellini/ravioli from the pasta station (see if they’ll leave some water with the pasta when they serve it to you)
*½ cup marinara/tomato sauce from the pasta or pizza station
*3 containers of cream cheese located near the bagels (the containers are kinda small)
*3 Tsp of parmesean from the shaker at the pizza station (bring a ziplock to put it in)

DIRECTIONS:
Now that you’ve smuggled all of this out of the caf, here’s how to fix it in your dorm. If your pasta needs it, microwave it for just a minute or two and set aside. Now, take the tomato/marinara sauce and add your cream cheese to it. Microwave it until the cream cheese is all melted, stirring and blending occasionally. Then start slowly adding parmesean. Add a teaspoon or two at a time and microwave for about 30 seconds. Stir, add and repeat until the sauce is thick and pink! Once, you get this mix in your pasta and enjoy!

The next recipe will require a crockpot, but is great for study parties!

Southwest Spinach Dip

INGREDIENTS:
*1 jar of Tostitos spinach dip
*1 can Rotel (I use original, but you can use whichever you like)
*1 cup shredded cheese (can be found in the caf near the baked potatoes, but those are only served every once in a while)

DIRECTIONS:
Mix all three ingredients directly into the crockpot and set it on high. Cook for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. After that, turn it down to the low setting for another 10 minutes and then turn it off. Enjoy with tortilla chips or possibly even pita if you enjoy being fancy!

So, if anyone ever told you there wouldn’t be time to make something yummy in college, they were very wrong. With a little creativity (you probably hate me for using that word) you can make some of your favorite dishes with very limited tools. Now, get out there and enjoy!

See ya around campus!
- Beth