FollowBerkeley’s dining halls, while superior to those at other universities in many instances, can get old after a while. When I lived in Unit 1 last year, there were many times when I just did not feel like eating mushy, over-cooked pasta, powdered eggs, and that oily bread-and-maybe-cheese crap that somehow passed as pizza (I’m from Jersey, where real pizza is made, so don’t mess with me on this). Other times I didn’t want to have to trek all the way to Crossroads or Cafe 3 when I had piles of homework to do and I was too cheap to buy a to-go box. And then there was the time at the end of my second semester when I ran out of meal points after going a little crazy at Bear Market. Needless to say, I would have loved to have known about some of these incredibly easy, fast, and cheap recipes that require four ingredients or less, plus a mug or bowl, spoon or fork, and of course, a microwave.
Breakfast
1. French Toast
This recipe from Spoon University requires bread (which you can totally swipe from the dining hall), one egg, milk, and a little bit of cinnamon. You probably already have milk in your fridge, and you will definitely want to buy eggs as they are used in several of the following recipes. The cinnamon is the only ingredient that you may not use as often, but it takes up very little space and will stay good for when you finally move out of the dorms and into an apartment.
2. Pancakes
YouTube user Bethzy Espiritu shows us how to make a pancake in a mug, using only pancake mix, water, and a microwave. You may want to add maple syrup and/or butter as well, all of which you can find at Walgreens.
3. Scrambled Eggs
Now here is a recipe that is actually healthy. It requires eggs, cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. You could probably forgo the cheese and milk, but if you have them, use them. Either way, these eggs are way better than the hard, cold ones at the dining hall.
Lunch/Dinner
1. Mac n’ Cheese
Yes, you can make mac n’ cheese in the microwave! All it takes is pasta (which costs about $1 for a pound and will yield many mac n’ cheese mugs), water, milk, and cheese to create your perfect meal.
2. Baked Potato
While this recipe does mean you have to buy potatoes, which can go bad fast, as well as any toppings you may want, if you and your roommates are feeling potato-crazy this baked potato is worth it. No more waiting for the baked potato bar at Crossroads!
3. Burrito/Nachos
No formal recipe for this one: Just get a can of refried beans, cheese, and either tortillas or tortilla chips to make nachos or burritos. Mix the beans and cheese together in a bowl or on a plate, then heat them up, spoon them onto the tortillas or chips, and enjoy. Add in any vegetables you want, or don’t add in anything else at all.
Dessert
1. Any Kind of Cake
Cake mix + soda = happiness.
2. Rice Krispie Treat
Relive your childhood with this classic treat. Marshmallows, butter, and your favorite kind of cereal are all you need.
Image sources: Home is Where the Cookies Are, Spoon University, From Calculus to Cupcakes, Babble, Peta, Hungry Little Girl, Spoon University, Spoon University
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