College dining hall food can be like a mystery Dum Dums lollipop. You never know what you’re going to get. Some colleges have it better than others, but no matter where you go, you’re school has its good days and it’s bad days.
When you first come to college and are treated to the freshman dorm experience, it’s easy to feel trapped by the only available food options: soggy dining hall eggs and mystery meat loaf or microwave mac and cheese and pop tarts. You don’t have to suffer any longer! If you're tired of the dining hall grind or you’re feeling adventurous and want to try new things, here are some ways to put your dorm microwave and mini fridge to good use. (Disclaimer- these recipes may require a grocery run unless you store flour, sugar, and baking powder in your room.)
French Toast in a Cup (recipe from prettyprudent.com)
First, for you doubters out there, yes French toast in a cup is a thing. (A very delicious thing I might add). This recipe is great for if you slept past the breakfast cut off in the dinning hall or if you want some breakfast for dinner. It’s really easy too!
The recipe calls for some sandwich bread (one or two pieces per cup), enough butter to smooth around the inside of the cup, an egg, three tablespoons of milk, dash of cinnamon, and (optional) vanilla. Cube the bread and put it in the buttered cup, then in a separate container beat the egg, milk, and cinnamon with a fork. Pour mixture over the bread and let sit for a minute or two. Microwave for one minute, then keep adding ten seconds until cooked to your liking. Enjoy!
Blueberry Muffin (recipe from heathersfrenchpress.com)
I don’t know about you but I am obsessed with muffins. I love finding new muffins recipes to try but sometimes I don’t want to make a batch of 24 muffins. If you’re on the market for a single serving muffin recipe, then this is it.
All you’ll need is ¼ cup flour, 1-tablespoon sugar, ½ teaspoon baking powder, 3 tablespoons milk, 1-tablespoon vegetable oil, ¼ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen). For the topping use another tablespoon of oil, flour, and sugar.
In the microwave safe mug, combine flour, sugar, and baking powder then stir in the milk and oil. Place the berries on top. Mix the topping in separate container before sprinkling over the berries. Microwave for 90 seconds and let cool before removing. (mug will be HOT!).
Pepperoni Pizza in a Mug (recipe from biggerbolderbaking.com)
I know what you’re thinking. Pizza in a mug? I thought the same thing when I first saw it but trust me this takes make-your-own-pizza night to the next level.
For this you’ll need 4 tablespoons of flour, a ½ teaspoon of baking powder and salt, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, 3 tablespoons milk, one tablespoon olive oil, one tablespoon marinara sauce, one tablespoon shredded mozzarella, a handful of pepperoni slices and some Italian herbs.
First, combine your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in the mug, and then add in the milk and olive oil and mix. Gently spoon your sauce onto the pizza base and smooth it around. Add your toppings. (They can be whatever you like but this recipe is for pepperoni) Microwave for 1 minute and 10-20 seconds, or until it rises to top and toppings are bubbling. Then enjoy!
Chocolate Chip Cookie (recipe from thecomfortofcooking.com)
Now, what comes to mind for most people when they think about baking things in a mug, is a chocolate chip cookie. What’s not to love about a cookie? Not much. Even better? This cookie can be ready for your mouth in less than 5 minutes.
What you will need for this recipe is one tablespoon of unsalted butter, one tablespoon of granulated sugar and another of firmly packed brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, an egg yolk, 3 tablespoons flour, and 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate chips.
Microwave butter in mug until melted. Mix in both the granulated and brown sugar, vanilla extract and salt until well combined. Next, mix in the egg yolk until no yolk can be seen and then mix in the flour and fold in the chocolate chips. Microwave on high for 40-50 seconds. Serve warm. (Add some ice cream if you fancy some)
Single Serve Gooey Brownie (recipe from southerninlaw.com)
This brownie is special because not only is it gluten free but it’s also vegan, low fat, grain free, and sugar free. (But it still magically tastes good!) There are times in life that just call for a brownie and whatever your reason may be, here’s a recipe for you. (Your welcome.)
To create this little mug of happiness you will need, 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce, ¼ teaspoon baking powder, and pinch of salt, teaspoon vanilla extract, and one teaspoon to a tablespoon of maple syrup. Mix together and microwave for 1 minute. (Continue cooking in 30-second intervals until brownie has cooked or edges are pulling away from the mug.) Serve warm or cool.
Now you almost have a week's worth of microwaveable recipes to satisfy you're craving for food adventure and to expand your colligate palette. If you have your own microwave recipes that you'd like to pass along, please share in the comments!
Happy cooking!
