This month my mind is on “Microwave Madness” instead of March Madness as I continue to sample different microwavable frozen entrees.
This week I tried Lean Cuisine’s Angel Hair Pomodoro, which is angel hair pasta in a chunky marinara sauce with Parmesan cheese. I enjoyed it so much that I will definitely add it to the list of last minute dinner options.
Tastes almost like heaven! Photo by Gabriela Rodiles.
The one step preparation is ideal: just pop the frozen dish in the microwave for about six minutes, read a couple Other than Ramen blog posts, and your meal is ready in no time!
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By Gabriela Rodiles
March 27, 2011 at 12:01 am
Spring break is over, but don’t worry, you can still relax by the pool with this great snack to munch on.
Try this “Cowboy Caviar” salsa recipe for a pool party or an afternoon picnic with friends. It’s simple enough for anyone to make, just dice the ingredients and toss with the dressing mixture. This snack is so good that once people taste it, they’ll be thinking this isn’t your first rodeo in the kitchen!
Ingredients:
1 can of Shoepeg Corn, drained
1 can of Black Eyed Peas, drained
1 avocado, diced
1 tomato, diced
2/3 cup green onion, chopped
2/3 cup cilantro, chopped
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By Gabriela Rodiles
March 23, 2011 at 12:01 am
Don’t be the college student who is scared to open your refrigerator door because you’ve left your Chinese food in there for way too long. Read these tips about how to keep leftovers fresh and when to pitch everyday food items in the trash.
Leftover dinners like Chinese takeout or delivery pizza will stay edible for around three to four days when kept in the refrigerator, says Brian Dakss in “How Long Foods Stay Fresh In Fridge.”
Ditch the box and store leftover pizza in a plastic bag. Photo courtesy of advwellness.wordpress.com.
The tasty flavors of your food will be retained if you remove the pizza slices or let’s say, teriyaki chicken, from their original box and place the food in a plastic bag or food storage container.
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By Gabriela Rodiles
March 9, 2011 at 12:01 am
I don’t know about you, but lately I’ve started to realize how much amazing food can be made in a microwave. Thanks to this wonderful invention, we can now enjoy a classic meal like the tuna melt anywhere, even in a dorm room. Here is my re-vamped quesadilla version of the beloved warm, gooey Tuna Melt.
Tuna Melt Quesadilla. Photo courtesy of Starkist.com.
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By Gabriela Rodiles
March 6, 2011 at 12:01 am
Ever heard of a candy gram? You might recall a scene from the movie “Mean Girls” as holiday candy cane grams are handed out in class. “Four for you, Glen Coco. You go, Glen Coco.”
Candy grams can also tell a story or say a message on poster board with the incorporation of a variety of candy bars and other sweets. Using a little creativity and cleverness, the titles add a hilarious flair to sentences.
Is your BFF’s birthday approaching? Why not surprise him or her by making a candy gram that will not only be a hit at the party, but will also satisfy a sweet tooth!
Candy gram for the “Today Show” hosts. Photo by Gabriela Rodiles.
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By Gabriela Rodiles
March 2, 2011 at 12:01 am
If you’ve driven along University Drive, chances are you’ve driven past the hidden gem known as Essence Bakery Café. Right off of Priest Drive and down the road from Buffalo Exchange and Oregano’s, this dining spot features French-inspired cuisine and award-winnings pastries.
Walk through the doors of Essence around breakfast time and your senses will be transported to a Parisian café. The smell of eggs and bacon wafts through the air and the sight of the pastry case lined with croissants and desert delicacies will leave you in awe.
The oh-so-delicious Signature Brioche French Toast. Photo by Gabriela Rodiles.
Start your day like the French do: indulge in a freshly baked Double Chocolate-Bar Croissant ($2.75) and a cappuccino or iced coffee. The flaky, perfectly sweet pasteries melt in your mouth and are guaranteed truly authentic. Eugenia Theodosopoulos, Essence’s chef and co-founder, studied culinary arts in Paris for five years and brought her perfected recipes home.
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By Gabriela Rodiles
February 27, 2011 at 10:00 am
Who says “Toy Story”-themed Macaroni and Cheese has to be reserved for second graders? I say college students can savor this all-American favorite, too. Take your Woody and Buzz to gourmet infinity and beyond by trying these three toppings with your Easy Mac.
Cheesy goodness. Photo by Gabriela Rodiles.
For a salty surprise, sprinkle in some Bacon Bits. To add a crunch, toss in my personal favorite, Goldfish (Pizza or Extra Cheddar flavored are the bomb). Spice up the cheddar with a spoonful of salsa and a dollop of sour cream–like Kraft suggests.
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By Gabriela Rodiles
February 23, 2011 at 12:01 am
Microwave dishes have come a long way. Nowadays, you can produce a rather gourmet meal in minutes that does not have to taste like airplane food. Grocery store (and on-campus convenience store) aisles are lined with a variety of options, some of which are even health conscious. You can find dishes made with whole-wheat pasta and frozen entrees that are calorie conscious.
Fresh Mix or Fresh Mess? Photo by Gabriela Rodiles.
After seeing the television commercials for Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who played Elaine on “Seinfeld,” I was curious to try them. When I went to the store, the Creamy Tomato Basil Penne sounded appetizing to me. Made with whole grain pasta, it sounded like a pretty promising option. The Fresh Mixers are almost like a sophisticated version of Easy Mac for about $5. Add water to the noodles, cook in the microwave for three and a half minutes, strain the water using the fancy top, and add the sauce.
The noodles cooked to a nice al-dente (Italian for “slightly chewy”) texture. I was surprised, though, with the small portion size–probably because it’s hard to sell a typical serving size that racks up 500+ calories.
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By Gabriela Rodiles
February 20, 2011 at 12:01 am
Eggs are an intimidating food to purchase if you live in a dorm. Even if you live in an apartment or house, I am guessing you probably don’t take the time to make eggs Benedict or omelets in the morning. Actually, eggs are one of the best purchases a college student can make because they are packed with health benefits, will keep you full for hours, and last for about 5 weeks in your fridge! Also, they are ridiculously inexpensive (for about $1, you can buy a half dozen crate of eggs). Follow the recipe below to create an amazing microwavable breakfast (or lunch/dinner) burrito in just three minutes!
Ingredients:
Tortilla, 2 eggs, salsa, shredded cheese, salt and pepper
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By Gabriela Rodiles
February 16, 2011 at 12:01 am
Celebrate Valentine’s Day this year by treating your friends, secret love, or significant other to a sweet gift that will tempt their taste buds. Chocolate-covered strawberries are a classic, but here are some unique and college-friendly baking ideas that even Cupid would be wowed by!
Chocolate Dipped Krispie Valentine Pops. Photo courtesy of Loralee Lewis from NoFussFabulous.com.
Give Rice Krispie bars a royal revamp by making Chocolate Dipped Krispie Valentine Pops (pictured to the left) or Giant Rice Krispie Kisses with a personalized message.
Cross your fingers for a love-filled fortune. These Chocolate Covered Fortune Cookies are super easy, delicious, and adorable. Instead of decorating with Christmas sprinkles like shown, use pink, red or heart shaped sprinkles. Also, for packaging, tie off the bags with Valentine’s Day ribbon.
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By Gabriela Rodiles
February 13, 2011 at 12:01 am
