For students whose pantries are filled with almost-empty Nutella jars, the last bits of flour, a handful of ketchup packets and a few spoonfuls of sugar, here are some economical ways to use up your food before the big move-out — just in time for finals week study breaks. These recipes are for simple and quick snacks, using ingredients that you or your generous neighbor likely have already, with a few additions found in Sama Dining Hall.
Study snacks in a snap
For students whose pantries are filled with almost-empty Nutella jars, the last bits of flour, a handful of ketchup packets and a few spoonfuls of ...
Joey Bui
,- and
Clare Hennig
May 12, 2013
For students whose pantries are filled with almost-empty Nutella jars, the last bits of flour, a handful of ketchup packets and a few spoonfuls of sugar, here are some economical ways to use up your food before the big move-out — just in time for finals week study breaks. These recipes are for simple and quick snacks, using ingredients that you or your generous neighbor likely have already, with a few additions found in Sama Dining Hall.
Frozen Fruit
Photo by Clare Hennig/The Gazelle
For an icy treat to combat the heat, freeze bite-size pieces of fruit. Frozen banana chips — make sure you slice it into pieces before freezing — are creamy and sweet, a healthy alternative to ice cream. You can also try freezing grapes as mini popsicles to can eat by the handful.
Apples and Peanut Butter
Photo by Mary Thompson via flickr.com
The peanut butter will quell an upset stomach and the apple will add a crisp bite of sweetness. This snack can be easily prepared; simply cut up an apple and spread peanut butter on each slice. If you are feeling particularly apt in the kitchen, or if you just want to spend a few more minutes away from studying, try making the peanut butter yourself. To make the peanut butter, blend one cup of salted peanuts in a food processor for roughly five minutes, or until reaching the desired consistency. A couple of extra minutes will turn chunky peanut butter into a silky smooth texture. You can also try making almond butter or cashew butter by using your choice of nut. Depending on the natural oiliness of the nut, you might need to add a small amount of vegetable oil as you blend it.
Ingredients:
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1 cup peanuts, or any nuts of your choosing
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Vegetable oil
Tip:
Blend the nuts for three to four minutes before adding any oil. It might look chalky at first but, give it a couple minutes and it will turn into butter.
Guacamole
Photo by Clare Hennig/The Gazelle
Warning: You will be hooked. The good news is avocados are considered a super food because of its abundance of omega-3 fatty acids. The fresh ingredients of this satisfying dip conjure the taste of summer days at the beach. Mash up the avocados with a fork, leaving some chunks, and then gently mix in the rest of the ingredients. As a versatile dip, it can be served with chips, cheesy nachos, slices of bread or simply by itself.
Ingredients:
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2 ripe avocados
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½ small tomato, chopped
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¼ small onion, finely diced
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Squeeze of lime juice
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Salt and pepper
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Finely chopped clove of garlic, to taste
Nutella Mug Cake
Photo by Clare Hennig/The Gazelle
For those of you who have demonstrated admirable self-control and still have Nutella left in the jar, this is the recipe for you. Combine these simple ingredients in a mug, zap it in the microwave for two-and-a-half minutes, and you’ve got cake.
Ingredients:
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1 whisked egg
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4 tablespoons of self-raising flour (although all-purpose flour also works)
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3 tablespoons of sugar
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3 tablespoons of cocoa powder
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3 tablespoons of oil or butter
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3 tablespoons of milk
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2-3 tablespoons of Nutella
Espresso Coffee Cake in a Mug
Photo by Clare Hennig/The Gazelle
For those moments when you cannot decide whether you want coffee or cake. Or perhaps you have run out of clean dishes, and you have to put everything you want into that one heroic mug.
Ingredients:
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3 tablespoons of self-raising flour
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2 tablespoons of sugar
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2 tablespoons of melted butter
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1 whisked egg
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A spoon of maple syrup (or any syrup)
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Half-tablespoon of cinnamon
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A pinch of salt
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A pinch of vanilla (optional)
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An espresso shot (available from the Common Lounge, Dining Hall, or make it using Nespresso instant coffee)
Combine all the ingredients together in a mug, except for the espresso shot. Once the batter is smooth, pour in ⅓ of the espresso shot and whisk it around quickly. Zap it in the microwave for about two minutes or until the cake rises, then pour the rest of the espresso shot over the cake.
Margherita Toast
Photo by Joey Bui/The Gazelle
Too broke to order pizza? Got leftover ketchup packets from months of shameless fast-food deliveries? Here is the shortcut for you. To make, toast these three ingredients — which are available in the Dining Hall — in the oven.
Ingredients:
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1 slice of bread
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Ketchup
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Cheese
Mochaccino
Need another coffee fix? This indulgent drink will satisfy any chocolate cravings and supply a steady stream of caffeine, perfect for a late study session. Combine the ingredients in the bottom of a mug with a splash of hot water so it mixes properly. Fill the mug with milk and microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Ingredients:
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1 cup of milk
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1 tablespoon instant coffee
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1 tablespoon hot chocolate mix
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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2 teaspoons sugar
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Marshmallows
Tip:
For the last 20 seconds, add a couple of marshmallows so they melt into a gooey, delicious topping.
Clare Hennig is features editor. Joey Bui is a copy editor. Email them at thegazelle.org@gmail.com.
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