Bon Appetit: Microwave Cooking

One of my favorite things is food. While LSU Dining has FANTASTIC food selection, sometimes there are just times when you don’t want to leave your room. Girl in the Purple Polo to the rescue! These easy recipes only need a microwave, so you can stay in your bunny pajamas and cook in your room.        

Before we get started, let me go over some basic cooking safety:

•  Pay attention while cooking. Don’t leave cooking food unattended.
• Clean up immediately after. Put unused food in sealed containers.
• Make sure to refrigerate perishable foods and dispose of expired or spoiled goods.
• Microwaves and coffee pots with auto shut offs are the only cooking appliances allowed in the res halls. Check your Handbook for more details on all the rules.

Okay, now the ground rules are covered, let’s get on to the fun stuff.  Let's get cooking!

 

BREAKFAST IN A MUG:    I always seem to be running late in the morning and don’t have time to enjoy a full breakfast at the dining hall. This recipe is easy to make, and will give you a breakfast full of protein. Enjoy with a glass of OJ.

Total Time: 10 minutes      Yield: One Mug full of great energy

Ingredients:

·         1 tbsp butter                                     

·         1 tbsp milk or water

·         1-2 eggs

·         1 dash of salt and pepper

·         Shredded cheese

·         Bacon Bits (optional)

Preparation & Cooking Instructions:

1.      Place butter in 12-oz. microwave-safe mug or small bowl and microwave on high until melted (30-45 seconds)

2.      Add egg(s), milk, salt and pepper. Stir or whip with a fork.

3.      Microwave on high for about 35 to 45 seconds (if using two eggs microwave for 1 min. 15 to 1 min. 45) until eggs begin to set. Stir half way through with a fork to break apart. Remove when eggs are still soft and moist.

4.      Add shredded cheese and bacon bits as desired and let stand for two minutes. Eggs should firm up, and Viola! Breakfast in a Mug!     

 

QUESIDILLAS:   These have been a favorite of mine since I was little. They are great for a quick snack, or wrap them in aluminum foil and pack them in your bag for a hot lunch later.

Total Time: 4 minutes Yield: 1 Quesadilla per tortilla     Ingredients:        Pack of Tortillas (whole grain will keep you full longer)      Shredded Cheese                  Precooked chicken,  bacon, or steak (optional)                  Salsa

Preparation and Cooking Instruction

1.      Thoroughly cover tortilla with shredded cheese

2.      Microwave for 30 seconds on High or until cheese is melted

3.      Remove from microwave and fold in half

4.      After tortilla cools slice into triangles and spoon some salsa on each piece

 

EASY PIZZA:  Okay, sometimes you just can’t beat pizza. This recipe might bring you back to 1^st grade cooking days, but hey—it’s tried and true.  Plus it’s an excellent source of calcium and whole grains.

Total Time: 7 Minutes Yield: As much as you like! Each English muffin makes 2 mini pizzas    Ingredients:

·         Pack of English Muffins

·          1 Tbsp. Marinara Sauce

·         Shredded Cheese

·         Any toppings desired (pepperoni, ham, pine apple, bacon)      Preparation and Cooking Instructions:

1. Split English muffins

2. Top each English muffin half with 1 Tbsp. sauce and handful of shredded cheese (plus any desired toppings)

3. Place on microwave-safe plate; microwave each muffin half on HIGH 10 to 15 seconds or until cheese is melted

4. Remove Pizza with care—can be hot—let set for 1 minute.

 

CHILI MACARONI:   If you want to be a little adventurous and try your hand at a little more in depth cooking, this recipe is for you. Enjoy!

Total Time: 15 Minutes Yield:  Enough for you and some friends, or leftovers  Ingredients:

·         1 box Mac and Cheese

·         1 can Chili

·         2 tbsp milk, water

Yield: Enough for you and some friends or leftovers

Preparation and Cooking Instructions:

1.      Pour Macaroni into a microwave safe bowl and add water on top until noodles are covered

2.      Microwave noodles on High for 6 minutes stirring every 2 minutes with fork

3.      When done, drain excess water, add chili and stir

4.      Microwave on high 1 minute and remove

5.      Add packet of cheese to noodle/chili combo and stir. Add milt to noodles until creamy

 

 

 MIRACLE FUDGE 

This is one of the easiest recipes—and it’s simply delicious. It’s a great treat for yourself and you can give it as gifts to friends—they’ll be amazed at your cooking skills.

Total Time: 7 minutes Yield: About 2 lbs of deliciousness 

Ingredients:

·         1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips

·         1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk –Use condensed, NOT evaporated (Trust me!)

·         1/2 cup milk chocolate chips, if desired

·         8” square pan (or something similar)

·         Microwavable Bowl

Preparation and Cooking:

1.      Place chips and milk in microwave safe bowl. (You can use just the one package of semisweet chocolate chips, or add the milk chocolate chips for fudge that is slightly sweeter and creamier.)

2.      Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring after every minute until chips are melted and mixture is smooth.

3.      Pour into greased 8" square pan and cool. (Put it in minifridge for faster cooling)

The great thing about this recipe is you can add almost anything. Try adding some nuts, or a cup of marshmallows. Have fun with it!

All of this talk of food has made me hungry. I am going to go try cooking some of these. In the meantime, post your favorite microwave recipes for me to try!

XOXO—Girl in the Purple Polo