From Ramen to Riches

Cooking in college can be a challenge. Between homework, classes, jobs and sleep it can be difficult to find time to cook a meal, let alone find time and money to go grocery shopping. As a college student, i understand the struggle, however I cooking at home doesn’t have to be hard or expensive.

Colorado State University senior Alyssa Scheller states, “between work and school it’s hard to go grocery shopping, cook and clean”. Scheller shared that she eats out most days or sticks to quick, easy options that can be prepared in her microwave or oven. Scheller is not the only college student who feels this way. There’s a reason that people associate ramen with “broke college kids”.

Some college students share a common misconception that fast food is not only more convenient than cooking, but that is is also cheaper. Kristy Lindbom, a Junior at the University of Denver said she only cooks once a week because life is busy and she just wants something fast and cheap. Fast food certainly is fast, but it is not cheaper. The New York Times compares feeding a family of four at McDonalds with feeding the same family with a home-cooked meal. The family could eat at McDonalds for roughly 23 dollars while the same four or even six people  could eat a roasted chicken, vegetables, salad and milk for about 14 dollars.

Colorado State University senior Jaqui Maes is the only one that I interviewed who says she enjoys cooking meals at home. Maes stated ” I cook dinner a few times a week, if not more. I cook because it’s cheaper and I hate wasting my fresh produce if I go to the store”. Maes has found that cooking at home not only is cheaper for her, but also really helps her feel better and less stressed.

Cooking doesn’t have to be stressful, time consuming or expensive. There are plenty of recipes out there that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less. Another great option if you’re low on time is a slow cooker, just throw the ingredients in before class or work and dinner is ready by the time you come home.

There are plenty of resources out there to help with grocery shopping on a budget as well as quick recipes. So, with no more excuses left about time or money, why not try it out? I guarantee that you and your wallet will appreciate it.

Versatile Crustless Quiche

Eggs are the best source of protein for breakfast, but who has the time. For me, my mornings are always rushed as a result of repeatedly pressing the snooze button. The extra 15 minutes of sleep leads to an extra 15 minutes I don’t have to spend on breakfast, so i need something quick. Just because you’re short for time, doesn’t mean you have to be short on getting the all-important protein and nutrients you need to start your day off right. This Crustless Quiche is an easy, healthy, and very versatile recipe that can be made on Sunday and eaten all throughout the week. The bets thing is that it tastes just as good reheated as it does straight out of the oven. You can add some turkey sausage to this recipe for a little more substance or really modify this to accommodate anything else that sounds good! really just follow the baking directions and five egg base and then make this recipe your own! The possibilities are endless and you will be glad to have this simple recipe on hand. This recipe is so simple and yet I still get requests for this quiche often.

Six Sisters and Sally

Over the years I have pinned thousands upon thousands of recipes, both healthy and incredibly unhealthy. I love finding and trying new recipes and over the years, I’ve found some that have really stuck with me; that I will make again and share with friends. It has recently come to my attention that a lot of the recipes i have really enjoyed, have been originating from two sites in particular. Those two sites are Six Sister’s Stuff and Sally’s Baking Addiction. Of all my pins, these two sites are most-commonly the original source. I have found great recipes time and time again, that have come from these ladies and so I figured I should share. If you enjoy my page and the recipes that I have been sharing, I’m  sure you will also enjoy these two sites as well. They have some really great stuff, like the Guiltless Alfredo Recipe that I shared months ago, which is still one of my favorite recipes today!

Best Ever Jalapeño Poppers

The first time I tried these, I was very apprehensive because I’m not usually the biggest fan of jalapeños or too much heat. Much to my surprise and pleasure these were AMAZING and addicting, no way can you just eat one. But let’s be honest, with two kinds of cheese and bacon how can you not enjoy these jalapeño poppers. They are perfect for nearly any occasion, but especially great for football season! With only 4 ingredients these poppers are really simple and they go incredibly fast! These are among one of my favorite half-time snacks.

Goodbye Shake and Bake

For years I had no idea how to cook pork chops except for good old shake and bake. Now shake and bake can be delicious, don’t get me wrong, but there is an equally as simple way that is incredibly delicious and bit more sophisticated. When I decided to venture out  I had no idea where to start, my mom always used shake and bake and I loved it just like that, but as I grew older and began cooking more and more, it was time to break free and tackle pork chops all on my own. Luckily the first recipe that I stumbled upon was a winner. This recipe for pork chops is equally as simple as shake and cooks even quicker! They turn out super moist and flavorful, so good in fact that my boyfriend requested them two weeks in a row. Give them a try! My favorite thing to pair these with is some nice green peas and some yukon gold potatoes sliced, seasoned and thrown in the oven on broil or on the grill. It really doesn’t get too much better than that for a simple and deliciously comforting meal! I hope you enjoy this simple pork chop recipe as much as I did.

A New Holiday Favorite

I know it’s no where near the holidays, however this is certainly a recipe you’ll want to save! It can be prepared anytime  even on non-holidays because it is that good. I stumbled upon this recipe a little before Thanksgiving, when I was looking for the perfect dish to bring to my boyfriends’ parents’ house for Thanksgiving dinner . Since we have been dating, I have impressed them with my cooking and didn’t want to let them down, so of course I had to find something that was sure to please. I was pleasantly surprised by this sweet potato soufflé from one of my favorite cooks, Trisha Yearwood. This recipe is SOOOOO good; everyone at dinner kept going back for more and the praises were never-ending. I can promise you that once you make this, you will have several requests for it in the future. The plain-old yams and marshmallows don’t stand a chance against this sweet and savory dish with plenty of brown sugar and a nice crunchy pecan topping, it makes for a star side-dish at any table!

Perfect for a Picnic Snickers Apple Salad

As summer approaches our thoughts drift to picnics and barbques. What better dish to bring to these events than a Snickers apple salad. This fresh, light and fun salad makes it the perfect dish for the hot summertime weather. This salad is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to throw together. Try this salad just once and it will remain on your go-to list for many more picnics and gatherings to come. This is a crowd pleaser every time and always reminds me of summer every time I have it.

Cinnamon Rolls in under 5 minutes!

I absolutely LOVE cinnamon rolls, however  sometimes I just can’t up to 20  minutes until the rolls finish baking and I can finally eat. If you’re anything like me, then you often times wake up with your stomach already asking for food. So when you are too hungry to wait but wanting to treat yourself to something besides the usual quick fix; then all you need is five minutes, a can of cinnamon rolls, a waffle maker and some cooking spray. Cooking cinnamon rolls in your waffle maker takes three minutes or less and is an awesome twist on an old favorite! This method is incredibly simple,  with only 3 steps: just pop the can, place in waffle maker, and finish by drizzling the frosting over your waffles when they’re finished!

Salted Carmelitas

One of my favorite treats ever since I was little, is Carmelitas. I love everything about them, the carmel, the chocolate and of course the  thick, chewy oatmeal  texture. Until recently (although I am slightly embarrassed to admit it) the only way I knew how to make carmelitas, was from the mix in a box at Costco. I am glad to say that I have finally found a recipe to make them myself from scratch and they are SO much better! This recipe is super simple and incredibly delicious. Beware because they don’t last long! When I made this recipe I took a short cut and used carmel sauce from a jar, which turned out just as tasty with a little less effort. I recommend it if you’re low on time or just like to keep things simple. These carmelita bars are an easy go-to treat everyone will love, they are without a doubt one of mine! ❤

Food Truck Favorites Done Right at Home

There’s really nothing like a good street taco from a nearby food truck while you’re out enjoying the sun and a good time. Generally no food truck serves the same thing, food trucks are great for inventive, delicious food that often times can’t be found anywhere else. I recently watched the episode  L.A. Food Trucks from  Giada at Home on the Food Network where she made her own versions of some of her favorite food truck recipes and every single one looked like a must try. The first that I am going to try is her pulled pork tacos with citrus salsa recipe. These tacos are nice and light but packed with flavor, I can’t wait to try them for myself. Next on my list is most definitely the chocolate-strawberry  crepes. Crepes, strawberries and chocolate, what’s not to love?!