Powerball

I didn't win the the Powerball, but I certainly found a great way to make one!

I have become intrigued with the idea of finding recipes that require little more than a bowl or minimal equipment and few skills...yet, also, provide great flavor and nutrition, are cheap, and easy to make! I suspect you must think I am crazy!

Unfortunately, being a college student has substantial limits, not only money-wise, but also, in terms of space, cooking and baking equipment, and/or ingredients--for some they might only have one hot plate or a microwave--for others, you never learned to cook! 

How do you make quality food, snacks in those situations, even if you have the means to purchase regular groceries or quality ingredients? What if your kitchen-access is defined as a shelf in a fridge, or only a hot-plate or microwave on the floor? Cooking skills or not, you don't have much to go on!

So, when I find recipes that fit this profile of simplicity without sacrificing flavor or nutrition or busting the bank--imperative for anyone on a low-income budget--I have to get them noticed as this one from www.gimmesomeoven.com!! 

Fantastic little protein bites easily made in 10 minutes, packed full of healthy goodness, and which can be stored in your fridge for up to one week for on-the-go moments or snacking.

Powerball Snacking

I also toyed with the idea of simply using sweetened coconut or dunking these things into dark chocolate ganache, i.e. a mock-truffle--probably would defeat the purpose--but still a good idea!

Equipment:
Mixing Bowl 
Fork
Measuring Cups & Spoons

Ingredients:
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup ground flax seed
2/3 cup coconut, toasted or not
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup honey or agave
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 Tbls chia seeds (optional)
1 tsp vanilla

Instructions:
1. Wash your hands.
2. Combine all ingredients into mixing bowl.
3. Stir until well-mixed and chill in the refrigerator x 30 minutes.

4. Form into 1" balls and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

5. I sprinkled with a touch of powdered sugar just for cosmetic purposes.

Reminiscent of No-Bake Cookies! Check them out!

Cracker Snacks 4 College Cooking

Simple makes the Holidays better--food, gifts, parties, gatherings--keep it simple, please! 

If your family throws a shin-dig for the neighborhood lend a helping hand by prepping these flavorbombs for the celebrations. Don't worry about the clean-up...because there won't be any! 

As a side, your parents will think you are "all grown up"; or, that "the aliens abducted you"--take your pick! Either way, your contribution will make whatever event tastier!

For the Triscuit Caprese, you can certainly use fresh tomatoes if you are pressed for time, but making these little appetizers with the Roasted Tomatoes from Ina Garten makes these bites exceptional!!

Cracker Snacks 4 College Cooking

Equipment:

Large Platter or Plate

Chopping Knives

Smaller Knives

Ingredients:

Part 1: Roasted Tomato Caprese

Triscuits crackers

Fresh mozzarrella, sliced to size; or, Ricotta Salata cheese for tangy version

Roasted Tomatoes

Basil, thinly chopped

Maldon Salt (optional)

Part 2: Fig Crisps

Rainforest Specialty Crackers

(Have seeds, nuts, berries in them)

Goat Cheese or Cream Cheese

Fig Preserve or Honey

Instructions: (for both crackers)

1. Wash your hands.

2. Assemble in order outlined above.

Super Simple Snacking

Crackers are awesome because you can can use them like mini sandwiches! Sure...add cheese, but think bigger, cheese and cucumber or ricotta with fruits & honey or make a cracker caprese with mozarrella, basil and tomato!! 

The goal is fueling your body with goodness and flavor! For this to be incredible and stand out from mindless chips and salsa, you need to have good ingredients...as with anything in cooking!

This a great way to snack during movies, visiting with friends or sitting on the balcony and watching the sunset--let everyone make a personal combo--or, make these bites ahead and take all the work out of it for them!

(Recipe credit & idea Be You Nutrition. Adapted from Instagram posts)

Super Simple Snacking

Equipment:

Sharp Knife

Cutting Board

Serving Platter

Ingredients:

Crispy, flavorful crackers, ie Ritz, Triscuits

Hard Cheeses, ie cheddar, feta, pepper jack

Soft Cheeses, ie ricotta, cream or goat cheese, fresh mozzarella 

Veggies, ie cucumber, tomatoes, avocados, sprouts

Deli meats, ie salami, proscuitto, pepperoni

Bacon

Condiments, ie aioli, pesto

Fruit preserves

Instructions:

1. Wash your hands.

2. Prep your options, ie slice veggies, cheeses

Crispy Cheese Cracker with Pepper Jack & Avocado

3. Continue assembling you bite-size masterpieces.

Cracked Pepper Triscuit with Manchego, Proscuitto & Dijon

4. Other combinations to try:

• Roasted Red Peppers with Feta (Broiled)
• Lettuce, Tomato and Bacon
• Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil or Pesto
• Cucumber and Cheddar
• Goat Cheese with Fruit Preserves
• Plain Triscuit with Cheddar, Granny Smith Apples
• Brie & Honey