These hearty meals will leave you wanting more.
As the weather cools down in Binghamton and the semester’s classes begin in earnest, it can be hard to muster up the courage to head outside whenever the munchies strike. To continue your studies and keep your poorly insulated hands warm, here are some easy recipes you can make in your dorm using just a microwave and a few simple kitchen items.
breakfast
The first breakfast option is perfect for fall. 10 Minute Pumpkin Cream of Wheat. This oatmeal-adjacent meal from Taste of Home calls for 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup half-and-half, 1/4 cup canned pumpkin, 3 tablespoons cream of wheat, 2 teaspoons sugar, and 1/4 cinnamon . Simply combine milk, half-and-half flour, and cream in a microwave-safe bowl and stir for 1 minute. Cover and microwave for another minute so the mixture thickens. Stir every 30 seconds to get the perfect consistency. Mix remaining ingredients and enjoy.
Another microwaveable breakfast item is Taste of Home’s egg replacer sandwich. All you need is your favorite type of bacon, 1/4 cup egg replacer, 1 tablespoon salsa, 1 tablespoon shredded cheese, an English muffin or other type of bread, and spinach leaves. Place the bacon in the bottom of a small, oiled microwave-safe dish, place the egg replacer on top, and microwave uncovered for 30 seconds, then stir. Microwave for an additional 15-30 seconds or until egg replacer is to your desired consistency, then top with cheese and salsa. Cook for an additional 10 seconds or until cheese is slightly melted. Place the spinach on the bottom pan, then top with the egg, bacon, and second slice of bread and serve.
lunch
Now that it’s lunchtime, you might be craving something more hearty, like Taste of Home’s Greek Brown and Wild Rice Bowl. This recipe uses one package of ready-to-eat whole grain brown rice and wild rice, but you can substitute any package of cooked rice. You’ll also need 1/4 cup Greek vinaigrette, 1/2 ripe avocado, 3/4 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup pitted olives. Combine rice and dressing in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave for about 2 minutes or until rice is cooked through. Mix remaining ingredients and enjoy.
As another option, Taste of Home’s bacon turkey subs are a great source of protein. Prepare 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, a few slices of deli turkey, your favorite cheese, 2-3 slices of bacon, 2 teaspoons of dried basil, an apple, and your favorite bread. Cook the bacon in the microwave according to package directions. Mix mayonnaise and basil and spread on sliced bread. Layer turkey, cheese, bacon, and apple slices on the bottom slice. Enjoy with chips.
dinner
After a long and productive day, it’s time for dinner. If you’re craving macaroni and cheese, the boxed variety may taste too processed and you’ll want a similar but fresher alternative. Look no further than The Better Martha’s Better Than Instant Mac & Cheese in a Mug. Get started with 1/2 cup of elbow pasta, 1/2 cup of your favorite cheese, 1 cup of water, and a mug. Pour plain pasta into a microwave-safe mug and add 1 cup of water. The water should completely cover the pasta, but be at least 1/4 inch deep from the top of the mug. Microwave uncovered for 8 minutes, pausing to stir the pasta and add more water if needed. Immediately after cooking, add the cheese and stir until thickened. If the cheese doesn’t melt, heat it in the microwave for an additional 30-60 seconds. Let cool for 1 minute and serve.
dessert
Finally, to reward yourself for your hard work, treat yourself to this delicious apple crisp recipe. You will need 1 peeled and thinly sliced apple, 1/2 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon flour, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. For a crispy crust, you’ll need 2 tablespoons softened butter, 1 tablespoon flour, 3 tablespoons old fashioned oats, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Add the apple filling ingredients to a bowl and mix. Mix the above ingredients in a separate bowl and add the butter with a fork. Layer half of the filling in the bottom of a microwave-safe container, then half of the crispy topping, then the rest of the filling, then the rest of the topping. Heat in the microwave for 3 minutes. Serve with vanilla ice cream if desired.