Sometimes eating in college isn’t all that exciting. Dining hall food can get old, and eating out on a budget can be impractical. If you’re someone who never learned how to cook, it can get especially hard to add some variety to the endless cycle of Sodexo sandwiches and cold Chinese food. What most college students don’t know, however, is that their microwave can be used for more than just heating up Ramen and that takeout that might be just one day too old.
In 1945 Percy Spenser, an engineer, accidentally melted a chocolate bar in his pocket with microwaves coming from the radar that he was working with. By 1947, the first commercial microwave was released by Raytheon. It wasn’t until the 1960s and ’70s, though, that the market for home microwave ovens grew exponentially. The microwave revolutionized the way people were able to prepare food, and now it’s revolutionizing the ways college students can eat.
Today, creative and delicious microwavable recipes are popping up everywhere. Preparing these meals in mugs, especially, is growing in popularity. This makes it simple to make one serving of food, and provides foolproof clean up. Many forget that the main function of microwaves is to cook food, not just reheat it, and these recipes will make you reconsider ever using a stove again.
2-Minute French Toast
Ingredients:
1-2 Slices of Bread (Any Type)
1 tsp. of Butter
1 Egg
3 tbsp. of Milk
Cinnamon
First, cut the slices of bread into cubes. If you like your French toast a little crunchier, try using a French baguette instead of softer sandwich bread. Next, put the butter in the mug and melt it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Use the butter to coat the entirety of the mug. Place the bread into the mug and push it down as far as possible. In a separate bowl or mug, combine the egg, milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Mix until the ingredients are combined and pour the mixture over the bread. Let the mixture soak for a minute, and then place your mug in the microwave for one minute. Continue to microwave for 10 seconds at a time until the eggs are no longer runny. Cover with syrup if desired, and enjoy not having to clean a disgustingly burnt pan.
(Source: Prudent Baby)
Coffee Cup Quiche
Ingredients:
1 Egg
1 1/2 tbsp. of Milk
Salt & Black Pepper
1/4 of a Bagel
2 tsp. of Cream Cheese
Vegetables or Cooked Meat of Your Choice
Crack the egg into your mug and add milk. Whisk the egg and milk together with a fork and add salt and pepper to taste. Tear the bagel into small pieces and stir into the mixture. Cut up any vegetables or meat into small pieces, and add them and the cream cheese to the mixture. Stir well. Microwave on high for about one minute and 10 seconds, adding 10 seconds until the eggs are no longer runny. Add hot sauce for a spicy kick or just dig right in. Make sure to walk around telling everyone you’re eating quiche so you can pretend you’re fancier than all your friends.
(Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
Meatloaf in a Mug
Ingredients:
2 tbsp. of Milk
1 tbsp. of Ketchup
2 tbsp. of Quick-Cooking Oats
1 tsp. of Onion Soup Mix
1/4 lb. of Lean Ground Beef
Cooking Spray or Butter
In a separate bowl, combine the milk, ketchup, oats and onion soup mix. Mix well. Crumble the beef over the combined ingredients and continue to stir the ingredients together. Coat your mug with cooking spray or butter in order to avoid the meatloaf sticking. Place the mixture into your mug, and pat down so it forms a loaf shape. Microwave for three minutes, making sure that the meat is no longer pink. Let stand for three minutes and feel as though you’re home eating something your mom made. If you want to pretend you’re 5 years old again, draw a smiley face on your meatloaf with ketchup.
(Source: Taste of Home)
Cookie Dough Mug Cake
Ingredients:
1 Egg
3 tbsp. of Brown Sugar
4 tbsp. of Self-Rising Flour
1 tbsp. of Butter
4 tbsp. of Chocolate Chips
Combine the ingredients in a mug and mix until all the ingredients are blended well. Microwave the mixture for two minutes and enjoy a warm chocolate chip cookie without the hassle of an oven. Plus, once you finish what’s in the mug, there won’t be 20 more cookies that you just have to eat and will regret later. Although, it’s hard to regret something that tastes this good.
(Source: studentbeans.com)