A Dollar In My Wallet: Orange Oatmeal Pancakes

Living as a college student who may not be paying room and board, but living off-campus to reduce costs, can be challenging unless you are independently wealthy without loans or other financial concerns. In some ways, you are experiencing what it feels like to live at low-income or on a very tight budget--food may even be sparse or you can't pay the utility bill.

Being creative and smart during this independent living is critical for some. Planning. Learning new skills, like cooking for yourself, can literally be a life saver! I attended a conference workshop lead by www.cookingmatters.org and No Kid Hungry focusing on teaching clients--in this case families living under the poverty line, i.e.  on a "very tight budget"--how to spend and use their grocery dollars to the maximum benefit while maintaining healthy, nutritious eating. Sounds like something college student living could learn from as well!

With some basic skills in cooking, the meals and recipes come to $1.86 / serving (this is the maximum cost of the recipes). What a great approach to ending hunger in the USA and treating poverty from the foundation on up--it makes all of us aware of how we can contribute, improve our spending, reduce our waste! 

Aside from learning how some of these recipes and basic skills can help you financially live better…think about getting involved in this organization as a college student for your community service; or, volunteering if you know how to cook; or, teach someone how to read or how to use fractions--all needed to read and understand a recipe!! 

Get involved! Make a difference! 

Here's an example of solving poverty and hunger one great recipe at a time below. I did not have whole wheat flour so I simply used all white flour. I had some left-over jam which I thinned with 1-2 tsp water (or juice) and heated up as my "syrup".

Very tasty! Simple! Filling! Cheap! 

Check out their phone app and website for great ideas on better cooking / eating!!

Orange Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Equipment: 

Mixing bowls

Non-stick skillet

Non-stick spray

Ingredients:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup whole wheat flour (use white flour if you don't have it)

1/2 cup quick oats

1 Tbls baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 egg, slightly beaten

3/4 cup orange juice

1/3-1/2 cup low-fat milk (or regular)

2 Tbls vegetable / canola oil

Optionals / Add-Ins:

1/4 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup blueberries or other fruit

Toppings:

Maple syrup

Fruit-Berry Compote

Thinned jam, heated up

Instructions:

1. Wash your hands.

2. Combine flour, oats, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl.

3. Combine egg, juice, milk, oil in another mixing bowl.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just combined--should be slightly runny batter.

Add 1-2 tsp milk if too thick.

5. Add your 'add-ins' if you have any, i.e. chocolate chips or fruits

6. Heat your skillet and spray with non-stick spray.

7. Add 1/4 cup of batter to the skillet. Make sure pancakes have enough room.

8. When small bubbles form on edges, use spatula to check bottom for golden brown and turn over until the other side is golden brown.

9. Heat your toppings (or eat them with fresh cut-up fruit)

10. Assemble a great breakfast and dig in for $1.86 / serving with enough to share!

Make A Difference!

Check out their phone app and website for great ideas on better cooking / eating!!