Reporters: Timothy Parsons & Modeline Longjohn
Eating on campus can be a bit difficult at times. Despite all the cafes, fast food eateries, and cafeteria, it can get bland and repetitive after a while. It’s great to break up the monotony with a lovely home cooked meal, but many MUN residents don’t have the luxury of a stove or oven. However, microwaves are still an option, and we at the MUSE wish to give you easy recipes you can make with a few simple ingredients and a push of a button.
This may go without saying, but make sure the dishes you use are microwave safe. You might also want some oven mitts or a cloth, the dishes can get quite hot.
A staple of many get togethers is the Chilli Cheese Dip.
1 (8 ounces) package of cream cheese 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1 (15 ounce) can of chilli
In a microwave safe container, spread the cream cheese, followed by an even layer of chilli. After that, sprinkle the cheddar on top, and put it in the microwave on high for five minutes.
Get a bag of your favorite chips, and VOILA!!
If you need a quick breakfast before class, Microwave Scrambled Eggs is definitely an option.
2 eggs 1/2 teaspoon of oil
Seasoning and vegetables of your choice
Crack eggs into a microwaveable soup bowl. Add your favorite seasoning and vegetables. Add half a teaspoon of oil, or less, depending on the number of eggs. Stick bowl with eggs in the microwave for two minutes. An additional minute may be required.
Of all the world’s vegetables, we find the cauliflower to be highly underrated. Discover the wonders of this cousin of broccoli with Cauliflower with Dijon Sauce
1 head of cauliflower (cut into florets) 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese
In a large glass bowl or casserole dish, place in the cauliflower and cover in plastic wrap. Make sure the plastic isn’t touching the cauliflower, and poke a few holes in it. Microwave for 5-7 minutes, or until tender.
In a cup or small bowl, mix the mustard, mayo, and spread over the cauliflower. Sprinkle the cheese and microwave for another 2 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
Another staple vegetable, the humble potato. Possibly the easiest meal on this list, Microwave Potatoes are highly customizable, you can add almost any of your favorite toppings and dips to make a wonderful meal.
Wash, peel and cut potatoes into bite sizes.
Transfer potatoes into microwaveable bowl and set the microwave to 7 minutes. It may take additional 2 minutes, depending on the volume of potatoes.
For super creamy mashed potatoes, add 1/2 cup of milk and 3 tablespoons of butter.
But we hear you say, “I want something sweet, chocolatey that can fit inside my mug”. Luckily, there are Deep Dish Cookies that’ll satisfy your sweet tooth.
2 tablespoons of melted butter 1/4 cup flour
1 tablespoon white sugar 3 pinches of salt
1 tablespoon brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 tablespoon vanilla 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips
Mix the melted butter, sugars, and vanilla in a mug. Add the flour, salt, and baking powder and mix well. Stir in the chocolate chips until they combine.
Now, microwave for one minute.
Another mug meal is Meatloaf in a Mug
1 slice of bread, torn into pieces 1 green onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons of milk 1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce 1/8 teaspoon of ground pepper
1/4 pound of ground beef
Place the torn bread into a small bowl, and pour in the milk and Worcestershire sauce; set aside for a few minutes for the bread to absorb the liquid. Add the ground beef, green onion, seasoned salt, and pepper to the bread; mix well and place into a 10 ounce, microwave-safe mug.
Cook in the microwave at 70 percent power until the meatloaf is firm and no longer pink in the center, 4 to 5 1/2 minutes depending on the microwave. Remove the meatloaf from the microwave, and allow to stand 2 minutes before serving.
Finally, we’ll give a mention of the Dev’s Dorm Room Casserole
4 cups of water 1 package of frozen broccoli
4 ounces of spaghetti 1/2 cup french fried onions
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
Place 4 cups water in a 2 quart microwave-safe dish. Heat on high until bubbling, about 15 minutes. Break pasta in half, and drop into heated water. Microwave on high for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside (keep warm).
Cook broccoli according to microwave directions. Add cooked broccoli to noodles, reserving liquid. Stir in 1/4 cup fried onions and mushroom soup. Add reserved broccoli liquid. Toss thoroughly, and top with remaining onions. Cover, and microwave on high about 15 minutes, or until top is crunchy. Let stand for a few minutes.
We hope you found some new recipe inspirations to try out next time you’re feeling hungry. Let us know in the comments of any microwave recipes you enjoy.