easy

Easy Meals to Make in a Dorm

Dorming in college has its perks as well as set backs. Some dorm buildings only supply students with a microwave and fridge. Late night meals are difficult to make when you don’t have the proper appliances. Have no fear, for this post is here! These easy meals can be made in a microwave in any dorm room as long as you have the ingredients. They may not be the most healthy option, but they will for sure satisfy your hunger!

Easy Meals to Make in a Dorm

1. Omelette

If you’re anything like me, eggs are an essential part to my diet. Living in a dorm for two years I was severely deprived of having eggs. With this recipe, you can have eggs at any time!

2. Chocolate Cake

For those who have late-night chocolate cravings, this recipe is for you! Who would’ve thought making chocolate cake in a mug was possible?!

3. Spinach Ricotta Lasagna

One of the worst parts of being in college, for me, is being away from my mom’s cooking. Although this recipe can’t compare to the real thing, it’s a good substitute.

4. “Baked” Sweet Potato

My housemate last year used to do this all the time to save time, but it works perfectly for those who dorm. Making a potato is satisfying, but using an oven can take longer than you’re willing to wait. Try this way out.

5. Classic Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is the staple college food. Companies like Kraft and Velveeta make mac and cheese in a cup that you can microwave. However, those can taste fake and processed. Follow this recipe that uses real pasta and cheese to get a better tasting mac and cheese using a microwave.

Enjoy these easy meals until you move to an apartment or graduate and have your own oven! Happy microwaving!

How to Make Your Own Infused Waters

Healthy Waterimage source 

It’s no surprise that my Pinterest feed these past few weeks have consisted of colorful bikinis, floral prints, pastel colors, and spring décor. But my favorite trend of the season? Infused water.

For the longest time I couldn’t bring myself to drink water, it was just so bland compared to my favorite fizzy soda pop flavors. However, last semester a friend of mine introduced me to infused water, and I was instantly hooked. Infused water helps make staying hydrated fun, offers a dose of essential vitamins, gently cleanses your body and works as a natural skin care. But, the best part about it all? It’s such a quick and easy process, it takes just under 5 minutes to prepare!

Making your own infused water is quick and simple! Here’s how to make your own infused water:

Step 1: Fill a pitcher with water,

Step 2: add thinly sliced fruits, herbs or spices and ice

Step 3: chill in the refrigerator.

For stronger flavored water, prepare it a day ahead and keep it in the fridge overnight before drinking, The fruit should stay fresh as long as you keep your water refrigerated, and should be consumed in 3-5 days. That’s it! No fancy gadgets or confusing recipe cards, it’s simple as 1,2,3.

Here are a some infused water recipes that make will make your taste buds sing…

 – Raspberry +  lemon  +  mint

 – Strawberry  +  Kiwi

Lemon  +  cucumber  +  mint

 – Blackberry  +  cherry  +  lime

 – Orange  +  lemon  +  lime

 – Strawberry + Lime + Mint

We’re always on the hunt for new flavor combinations, so snap a photo of your beautiful beverage on Instagram or tweet us your favorite recipe on twitter by using #tastebuddanceparty

 

Cheers!

Fruit Infused Waterimage source

Easy Summer Recipes

Summer is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a cookout? Here are some suggestions for great meals you can enjoy all summer long—without a lot of hard work.

Burger, King of the Grill

Burgers rule supreme in the summer time, and it’s no wonder why. Turkey, veggie, lamb, sliders, the possibilities go on and on. Whatever kind of mood you’re in, there’s a burger to suit your taste buds. Check out these ten burger ideas—though there’s plenty more where that came from.

Baked Beans with a Twist

What’s a cookout without baked beans? Turn your usual side dish into the main event—or at least a fancier companion—by adding sausage, vegetables like collard greens and other spices to make your meal that much better. Beans work in a variety of recipes, so you can incorporate this easy-to-make ingredient throughout your summer.

Two Meals in One

We’ve all had macaroni and potato salad. But have you ever had BLT pasta salad? It’s more than a sandwich, and much more than those simple macaroni salads with some chopped celery and carrots. If you’re looking for a light meal with a short prep time so you can enjoy the summer weather, give this recipe a try.

Easy Mexican Cuisine

If you can cook a grilled cheese, you can cook a cheese quesadilla! All you need is some tortillas, plenty of cheese of your choosing, maybe some salsa for the side, and a frying pan. Cook your quesadilla just like a grilled cheese, but be a little more cautious of burning your tortilla. Toss a salad or heat up some Spanish rice on the side, and you’ve got yourself a meal better than Taco Bell.

All-In-One BBQ

Kebabs are glorious. Little prep time—especially if you buy them pre-made—and not many additional ingredients needed. Choose your veggies, often peppers and onions, your meat, and a seasoning or BBQ sauce of choice and you’re ready to fire up that grill.

It’s not Delivery, It’s Fresh From the Oven

When you’re feeling lazy, you may be tempted to order some pizza. Save yourself the wait and money, and make fresh calzones at home with refrigerated pizza dough. Combine whatever ingredients you want on the dough, do a quick roll, and presto, dinner’s ready in 20.

Don’t waste half your summer slaving over the stove. Find the food staples, give them a twist, and you have a nice summer meal on your hands. Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated or make you break a sweat—that’s what the summer sun is for. Happy cooking!

-ToonyToon

I’m reading Keeping the Republic: Power and Citizenship in American Politics