As college students, it is so incredibly hard to actually cook a meal because at any point of the day we would much rather go through a drive through and pay for a ready-to-go meal and not have to know how to cook or do the dishes. But it is so much better for you to make your own food, it is much more cost effective for you and duh, it is impressive to anyone you cook for. Try these recipes and I bet you will even impress yourself the first time!
1. BREAKFAST
French Toast with Homemade Whipped Cream
Put a pan on the stove, medium heat, add some butter (let it melt). Use a couple-days-expired bread; it holds the liquid better and is not as delicate to hold. (This is also a great way to get rid of it and not just throw away your money, too.)
Mix:
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
Put the bread in the mixture, flip it, then put it in the pan.
Two minutes on both sides will do the trick!
This recipe will make approximately three pieces of toast.
Whipped Cream:
Mix 1/2 cup of whipping cream in a bowl. Once it starts to get thicker, slowly add in 1/4 of a cup of granulated sugar. Add more or less sugar to taste. You'll know it's done by taking the mixer out and there will be little mountain peaks of yumminess.
2. LUNCH
Homemade Mac 'n' Cheese
Put water in a pan, and add 1/4 cup of salt. Bring to a rolling boil, and add in 1.5 to 2 cups of elbow macaroni. It will take about 10-12 minutes to cook.
While it is cooking...
In another saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, and add a heaping tablespoon of flour. Keep them on the heat for 1 minute to cook out the flour flavor. Next, add 1 1/4 cup of warmed milk to the flour and butter, stirring it with a whisk until it is incorporated (it will thicken as you whisk). Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
Add any cheese you like. I use (and love) two handfuls of grated medium cheddar and a couple of slices of American cheese. The more cheese you add the cheesier it is, so this part is up to you!
The pasta should be done by now. Drain it and pour it in the cheese sauce! Mix together. Yummy! Enjoy.
Optional:
Put in baking dish and put some Parmesan cheese on top and bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes.
3. DINNER
Garlic, Thyme and Lemon Chicken Breast with Homemade Mashed Potatoes and Fresh Green Beans
Take a chicken breast and put in a Tupperware container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Add:
1 clove of chopped garlic
1/2 lemon that is chopped in slices
1/4 cup of oil
2 sprigs of thyme
Let it sit in the container or bag for as long as possible (flavors will intensify).
Peel two russet potatoes and cut them into small, 1/2-inch cubes. Add them to a pan with water and a lot of salt. Let them boil for 15 to 20 minutes or until soft.
Put a sauté pan on the stove with a little oil in it on medium heat. Add the chicken whenever you are ready for dinner! Cook for about 4 minutes per side depending on the thickness of the breast. While the chicken is cooking...
Take the potatoes off the stove and put them into a bowl. Add:
1/4 cup of milk (or more to get the wanted consistency)
A couple tablespoons of butter
Mix it with a hand mixer or fork if you like it chunkier.
Wash green beans and cut off the ends. Put them in a pan of water, and wait until they are tender (they'll turn bright green and you will be able to snap them and hear it). Season to taste!
