I had my first apartment during an internship I did my sophomore year. After living in the dorms, we, as students, are slightly spoiled when it comes to the “meal” situation. Sure, it’s not the best food we’ve ever had, but it is definitely the most convenient. With a little swipe of the card, you have access to whatever it is you decide you want, and it’s right there when you need it. The only effort it required was walking to the dining hall and grabbing a tray. Oh, those were the days….

Fast forward to apartment life—all of a sudden you are responsible for all things food related. You buy it, you store it, you prepare it, and you eat it (assuming hungry roommates don’t get to it first!). The only experience I had with anything was helping my mom with dinner here and there, and making Funfetti cupcakes with my sister. So clearly I was prepared for this cooking thing. Easy. No problem. Right?

It all started with the grocery store. The first time I bought my own groceries I had no idea what I was doing. I never expected that aspect of it to be hard, or so expensive! All I did was wander around buying snacks that looked tasty, and probably bread and turkey for sandwiches. I had no idea how to plan for dinners, or meals in general. Frozen dinners and pasta made frequent appearances, obviously because of the convenience.

However, being a Nutrition major, there was only so much of this I could handle. So, after hours of watching the Food Network, wandering around on certain web sites, and reading those cooking magazines that I adore, I learned a thing or two. A food lab I had to take last Spring made it final; I Love to Cook!

I know a lot of you probably live in apartments and face these same challenges and dilemmas. So here I am giving you some Easy dinner options that are favorites with me and my roommates.

Taco Night!!

This is easily my favorite meal. I’m from a state in the southwest, so I love “Mexican” food and all things spicy! This dinner is on the “cheap” side and it feeds lots of mouths. Which basically means it’s perfect for us. Plus, it’s pretty healthy when you go with the lean ground beef option. (Look for 90/10 or 93/7 on the label. It indicates the percent fat that the meat is.)

1 lb. Lean Ground Beef
1 box Taco Shells
1 package Taco Seasoning

Choose toppings: Salsa, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream, and/or chopped tomatoes.

In a large skillet, use cooking spray (or heat 1 tsp. olive or canola oil) to grease the pan. On medium heat, cook the beef until it’s brown. Drain the fat (don’t put this down the drain in the sink!!! Do it in a trash can or an extra empty can. This stuff hardens, and it’s gross). Add the seasoning according to the directions on the package (differs by brand). The box of taco shells usually has directions for heating them in the oven, which just makes them a little crispier. This is optional.

That’s it! You’re done! Top the taco with whatever you want, and you have a delicious, quick, and easy dinner!

Salmon—Broiled

This one is for the fish lovers, and isn’t as cheap, but is just as easy and quick. Look for packages of frozen salmon, usually they are cut and packed/sealed individually and you purchase it by the bag. A serving is about 4-5 ounces. This recipe is for an individual serving, if you want to make more, it’s easy—they can all go in the oven at the same time.

1 Salmon Filet (4-5 oz.)
1 tsp Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper

Flavors to choose from: Barbeque, teriyaki, lemon, honey, maple

Set your oven on Broil. While it heats up, place a small sheet of aluminum foil onto a baking pan and place the salmon on the foil (you can omit this step and just use a cooking spray to grease the pan; either one makes it easier to remove the salmon once it is done). 

Sprinkle the filet with salt & pepper (to your liking) and drizzle with the 1 tsp. olive oil (you can also rub the olive oil in, to get more flavor).

Depending on your taste preference, you can just use salt, pepper and oil to flavor the fish. However, if you want to, you can also choose from the flavors listed above, and do the following for each:

•  Barbeque: Rub/brush the filet with 1 tbsp. of barbeque sauce.
•  Teriyaki: Using a teriyaki marinade, soak the salmon for 30 minutes. You may also use a teriyaki sauce and follow the same instructions as above (use 1 tbsp.).
•  Lemon: Using a fresh lemon, squeeze the juice onto the salmon before placing in the oven.
•  Honey/Maple: Same instructions as barbeque/teriyaki sauce (use 1 tbsp. and spread).
  

Once in the oven, the salmon only cooks for about 10-15 minutes. If you have a thermometer, the internal temperature should be about 140°F. If you don’t own a thermometer, a fish should “flake” easily when it is cooked thoroughly (use a fork to test this).

If you are looking for easy sides to prepare with the salmon, some choices include; steamed broccoli (or other seasonal vegetable), salad, baked potatoes, rice pilaf (or brown/white rice), etc.

Barbeque Chicken Sandwiches

This is another recipe that is easy, pretty inexpensive, and can easily be adjusted to feed a large group. The instructions here will feed about 4-6 people.

1 bag Hamburger Buns
1 lb. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
2 tsp. Olive Oil
1½ cups Barbeque Sauce
¾ cup Ketchup
2 tsp. Worcester Sauce
Salt & Pepper

Cut the uncooked chicken into small (1 inch) cubes and season with the salt & pepper. Heat the oil in a non-stick skillet, and cook the chicken (should take about 10-12 minutes). While it is cooking, combine the barbeque sauce, ketchup, Worcester sauce, and a dash of salt & pepper in a bowl. Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, toss it in the barbeque sauce mix.

That’s it! Serve on the hamburger buns, and enjoy!

Sides to choose from: baked potato, salad, potato salad, French fries (using store-bought brands will usually cut down on the amount of fat/sodium in the fries), etc.

All of these dinners are relatively easy for the learning-cook, and can be easily made for one person or modified to feed a crowd (watch out for the price of the salmon though; it can get expensive!). Plus, as long as you follow the measurements and opt for the lean beef and skinless chicken breast, they are also healthy!!

Any other easy recipes you enjoy and would like to share??

Posted by Claudia Allen at 05/28/2008 10:45:22 AM