If you’re sick of the caf every day like the rest of us, take matters into your own hands right from your dorm. Some of these easy recipes need a kitchen, others just a microwave — and maybe some dorm room improvising. Just try not to set off the fire alarm (again).
Microwave Nutella Cake in a mug
It’s chocolate, it’s cake and it takes two minutes in the microwave. This is the essence of college life.
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- ¼ cup self-rising flour
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 (or more!) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 (or more) tablespoons Nutella spread
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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Needs a kitchen? No
Time: 5-10 minutes
Directions:
- Stir all ingredients into a large microwave-safe mug until batter is smooth.
- Microwave on high for 1½ – 2½ minutes, until cake has risen in the mug and set in the center.
Source: allrecipes.com
Mushroom Chicken
This is a simple dish I like to throw together in the middle of the night when I don’t feel like doing anything special. I like to use flavored rice, but any kind works. The best part: it leaves leftovers for cram night.
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- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- Preferred serving size of rice
- Salt
- Nonstick pan spray
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Needs a kitchen? Yes
Time: 20 minutes
Directions:
- Boil rice in water with salt. Set aside.
- Combine cream of mushroom soup and broth. Set aside.
- Apply nonstick spray to skillet or pan, sauté chicken on one side at medium heat for 4 minutes.
- Flip chicken, add soup/broth mix to pan. Simmer for 5 – 7 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Soup/broth mix should be reduced to a sauce.
- Serve chicken and mushroom sauce over rice.
Source: Inspired by recipe suggestion on box of Uncle Ben’s rice
Omelet in a mug
If you’re sick of having cereal every morning and have dishes piling up in that small sink, this microwave omelet is for you!
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- 1 egg
- 2 egg whites
- 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons of diced cooked ham (or sandwich meat)
- 1 tablespoon of diced green bell pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Nonstick cooking spray
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Needs a kitchen? No
Time: 15 minutes
Directions:
- Spray microwave-safe mug with nonstick spray. Combine all ingredients in mug.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir. Return to microwave for 1 – 1½ minutes until eggs are completely set.
Source: allrecipes.com
Microwave Broccoli and Cheese
This is the struggle casserole. All you need is a microwave and an electric kettle.
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- 10 ounce package frozen broccoli florets, thawed
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- Salt and pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Needs a kitchen? No
Time: 20 minutes
Directions:
- If you don’t have a kitchen, boil broccoli for 2-6 minutes in an electric kettle. If you do have a kitchen, just use a stove.
- Drain broccoli and place in a microwave-safe casserole dish. Add melted butter, salt, pepper, and cheese over broccoli.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute or until cheese is melted.
Source: allrecipes.com
Mediterranean-Creole Chicken
This one takes some simple preparation beforehand, but bakes in just half an hour once it’s ready. Do some homework in the meantime. No, seriously.
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- Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- ½ – 1 cup Kraft Zesty Italian salad dressing
- 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
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Needs a kitchen? Yes
Time: 10 minutes prep, 1 hour marinate, 30 minutes bake
Directions:
- Sprinkle chicken breasts with seasoning.
- Mix salad dressing, garlic, oregano, and lemon juice in a large plastic bag.
- Marinate chicken in bag in refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Place chicken on a tinfoil-covered baking pan and bake for 20-30 minutes.
Source: My mother
