I scanned the menu of the dimly lit Thai restaurant where we had chosen to have lunch. It was really breakfast, being our first meal of the day. It was still only 11:30 in the morning.

My tongue ruminated on memories of peanut sauce and bean sprouts, quickly tasting each dish with which it was presented and re-shelving the phantom platter for a later craving. When my eyes came to rest on the Spicy Green Curry, I knew my mouth had found what it wanted.

Something in me was telling me that this was the dish I should order, despite the warning label under the menu description advertising this as a “very spicy dish.” Or maybe precisely because of that label.

As I barreled my way through that burning sensation that was my breakfast, I wondered why on Earth I was doing this to myself. There was so much spice that I could barely taste anything else. There were hints of coconut milk here, and eggplant there, but mostly my mouth was a wasteland of curry on fire.

That got me thinking about my whole relationship with spicy food. I can’t say that I really like how it tastes. So why do I love eating it? Read More »

While you may be tempted to fill that dormroom mini fridge with beer and only beer, there are going to be times in college (like breakfast) when Miller Lite just won’t suffice. So, you may want to stock that fridge with other necessities to get you through the day. You don’t have much room in that shoebox they call a fridge so you must choose your items wisely.

Below is my list of the five MUST HAVES that got me through those hungry, fun and crazy college days. And don’t worry; there is still plenty of room for the beer.

1. Ramen noodles. While not the best food for your figure (sodium overload and absolutely no nutritional value), it’s great on a budget (you can get something like 10 boxes for $1.99). Throw in some veggies and you can have a quick and cheap stir-fry.

2. Salsa. This condiment spices up casseroles, nachos (which are a PERFECT drunk time/late night snack) and even omelets and eggs.

3. Velveeta. Great for sandwiches, mac & cheese (an essential college meal) and melting into a bowl for dipping animal crackers (You think I’m nuts, but just TRY it!).

4. Brita. I never thought this was necessary until I got to college and realized that natural tap water is filled with some seriously nasty gunk. Nothin’ that’ll kill ya or anything, but still, not the best stuff to put into your body (as I’m currently slugging back a vodka/seltzer – ha!). You can get an easy maintenance one at Target, Walmart and other similar stores.

5. Red Bull. Everyone has those nights where they need to pump up and rally. Red Bull, otherwise known as speed in a can, will do the trick. Chug one of these guys for a night at the library, or a night on the town; it will get you through and leave you feeling fantastic.

Those are my five little must-haves. What are yours?

I’ve detailed my love for potatoes before, and here’s a recipe that never fails for a filling lunch.

You’ll need:
One large baking potato
Half cup mixed vegetables of your choice (Zucchini and yellow squash are great, bell peppers and onion are a good topping, or some people love broccoli)
¼ cup salsa
¼ cup light sour cream
2 tablespoons 2% milk shredded cheese of your choice (Monterey jack is a personal fave)
Spray butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Bake your potato for about an hour at 350, or until you can stab it with a fork and remove it easily.

While your potato is nearing completion, heat vegetables in a small frying pan coated in non-stick cooking spray. Season as desired. Read More »

I personally don’t like to prepare meat, and so I don’t really eat it much at home. Feel free to add grilled chicken or beef to your peppers and onions as you see fit. I apologize in advance, because I don’t measure spices. I shake them until I like my flavor.

For two servings, you’ll need:

Sides:
6 small tortillas, corn/wheat/flour (whichever you prefer)
Salsa of your choice
1 cup shredded Mexican-flavored or Monterey Jack cheese
Low-fat sour cream
Chopped iceberg lettuce (or romaine if you prefer)
Guacamole (optional, and again… there’s no shame in store-bought)

**If you don’t want to make guacamole, you can also just buy, peel, and slice avocados to add to the fajitas. If you mash them with salsa, you’ve essentially got guac. Read More »

Now that baseball season has started (Go Red Sox! Ahem, sorry), you’ll probably be finding yourself sitting around your friend’s apartment watching the game on his or her big screen TV. You know it’s rude to show up empty-handed, but what can you bring to a 1 p.m. game on a Sunday when you woke up at noon with a raging hangover? I have the perfect solution.

This taco dip is one of the simplest and cheapest things to make…and will guarantee you invites to any gathering. Not only do I make it for all sports-watching events I attend, but my friend has already asked that I make a huge one for her wedding. It’s that good. Read More »

I’ve been told that I make the sweetest burritos ever. And of course my taste buds are biased…but I have to admit…my burritos are my favorite…and I think they’re pretty sweet, too.

My type of Mexican feast definitely has a taste that is a bit different from your normal greasy burrito. So here’s the secret:

You’ll need:

1 box of Mexican Rice (with seasoning)
1 red pepper
1 green pepper
1 jalapano pepper
1 jar of hot salsa
1 bag of cheddar cheese
1 tomato
1 can of black beans
Whatever meat you prefer, if you want.
Tortillas

Start to boil the water for the rice while you chop the peppers and the tomato. Begin to stir fry the peppers and tomatoes and put the rice in the boiled water. If you’ve got meat; throw it in with the stir fry. Read More »