When eating in the dining halls across campus, it’s easy to eat only what is available that day. However, as an alternative, students should consider using the few cooking appliances provided, accessible ingredients and their own imaginations to recreate delicious homemade recipes. Here are some ways for foodies to get creative in the DCs:

Sandwich

Far too often, students arrive at the DC only to discover the sandwich line is longer than they have time for. Well, luckily, the dining commons already have all the ingredients to make a quick homemade sandwich available to those dining – they just have to put it together themselves. Not only are there a variety of breads and bagels, but each day a fresh loaf is available giving food consumers plenty of choices. Meat-wise, grilled chicken or tuna salad (created by mixing tuna from the salad bar with a spoonful of mayonnaise) are good choices. As for vegetarians, there are two types of cheese offered daily at the salad bars as well as hummus spread to bulk up your sandwich. All the fruit and vegetable fixings offered at the sandwich bars are also available the salad bar the opportunity to stock up is there. For those who prefer their lunch snacks toasted, one can use the toaster to give their bread that crispy crunch. A simple sandwich quick to create in 60 seconds.

Eggs

The omelet station is mostly a weekend or early morning option. Breakfast eaters should try asking for their eggs sunny side up or scrambled for a change. Simply add some salt or pepper from the condiments section, a few slices of toast to complete this renovated breakfast.

Hot chocolate

There are a number of methods for making the best cup hot chocolate in the dining halls. The basic idea is to add anything available that would complement the chocolaty blend. Some may fancy a combination of chocolate and orange by adding a slice of orange to the mix, or alternatively a Mexican hot chocolate by adding a dash of chili powder to your cup of coco. Simple things like whipped cream, sprinkles and chocolate sauce can be taken advantage of at the ice cream counter, where the possibilities are endless. The same applies for coffee; being adventurous with a cup of the iced or hot beverage can turn into surprisingly flavorful results.

Root beer float

A root beer float is a tasty but simple drink to make which combines cream and fizz to create the perfect American diner favorite. Simply fill a glass with root beer or coke and then add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and bingo, a delectable dessert drink hybrid has been created.

Banana split

If there’s nothing but an unsatisfying selection of desserts available, or everything of worth has already been grabbed, this sugary treat can certainly satisfy anybody’s sweet tooth. Pick a banana from the fruit section and cut it in half, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a scoop of chocolate ice cream and one strawberry. Drizzle chocolate or toffee syrup over the top, whichever the DC has at the ice cream counter that day, then add as many or few toppings as you desire. Whether its sliced strawberries, crushed pineapple, walnuts, whipped cream, or cranberries, the more toppings there are the tastier it will be.

Ice cream sundae

A chocolate ice cream sundae may seem rather unimaginative seeing as there is always ice cream and frozen yogurt on tap at each dining hall. However, instead of just one scoop, students should try creating full-blown sundaes. First take a glass from the drinks area – it’s surprisingly larger than a bowl and makes it easier to create layers for the sundae. Begin by drizzling sauce around the inside of the glass, coating a layer on the base, then add the ice cream, chocolate and vanilla is a classic combo. If there are cookies or brownies available, simply crush them up and add them. Whipped cream and sprinkles make a sufficient topping to your epic dessert.

Microwave melting

The microwave is a wonderful cooking creation, especially for students ill-equipped in the culinary arts. Not only does it reheat meals, but it also melts an array of tasty delights. For example, by taking a lukewarm cookie, one can re-melt the chocolate chips by placing it in the microwave for 60 seconds. This plus a glass of milk will make the dessert-hungry dining hall consumer thoroughly content.

Steph Cann can be reached at [email protected].