As an unfortunate resident of a college dorm, one is subjected to the relentless buffets and redundant take-out of college culture. Going home for break is less about visiting family and friends as it is about rejoicing in the ability to consume real food once more. My grand kitchenette boasts some “amazing” amenities — a mini fridge and a microwave.
To avoid the tiresome top-ramen and overplayed PB & J, I have taken it upon myself to guinea pig my taste buds to those skeptical coffee mug microwave meals. I have set out to see if I can “nuke” myself a day’s worth of meals using only my dorm room appliances. I have tried three recipes composed of an extensive list of recipes on greatist.com and for your pleasure I am sharing my experiences.

One Minute Microwave Quiche

1 teaspoon melted butter
1 egg
1½ tablespoons milk
Salt & pepper
Bread
Grated cheese
Cherry tomatoes
Green onions

The steps for this breakfast were simple enough, combine butter, egg, milk and spices and whisk with a fork; top with torn bread chunks, cheese and the vegetables; then you put it the microwave for one minute. My first issue was the ingredients, some of which I snagged from the dining commons, for example, milk and butter chips. I was also lacking an essential tool that never crossed my mind, measuring cups. I was going to have to eyeball it. This would have probably worked if not for my horrible gauge of perception and my absentminded pouring of milk. Plus, my attempt to find a fellow resident with pepper was unsuccessful. Overall, the dish had to be cooked longer than anticipated (try two and a half minutes instead of one). The quiche was also a tiny bit runny, most likely due to my horrible guessing skills. However it had excellent flavor despite the missing pepper, so I cannot complain there.

Coffee Cup Chilaquiles

Coffee Cup Chilaquiles garnished with sour cream, salsa, cheddar cheese and tortilla chips. Photo Lorenzo Basilio. Food and staging by Allison Wright.

Crushed tortilla chips
1 egg
1 tablespoon sour cream
Salsa
Cheddar cheese
Salt & pepper

So I have come to the conclusion if you want to cook in a dorm room you need eggs, plain and simple. This recipe again had the same simple instructions, mix all of the ingredients then toss in the microwave and voila, you have a meal. I’m getting pretty good at this cooking thing! My breakfast quiche taught me that one minute would not be enough, so two minutes it would be. When I pulled the dish out I was honestly a little terrified to try it. It looked nothing like the chilaquiles I had come to know and salivate over. However, I had taken an oath — yes, an oath — to try whatever I created. I reluctantly put the food in my mouth. My thoughts, not bad. So that I would not have to try it alone I forced my roommates to try as well. The results? Two out of four would recommend.

Cheesecake in a Cup

Cheesecake in a Cup topped with coconut granola and dried cranberries.Photos by Lorenzo Basilio. Food and staging by Allison Wright.

1 egg
2 ounces cream cheese
2 tablespoons sour cream
2-4 tablespoons sugar
¼ teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon lemon juice

I’ve now mastered the art of culinary expertise in the microwave. Mix everything together and now you have your batter for the nuclear cooking. This recipe, as most desserts do, required more time. It “baked” for three minutes and then cooled for 15 in the fridge. The wait was worth it though. By far, it was the best dish of the day. The microwave may not be perfect for breakfast or dinner but it sure can make a mean dessert. I will definitely be using this recipe when I get a midnight craving for a sweet treat. It’s downright delicious.

So the microwave dishes may not have been that successful overall, but it was nice to mix things up a bit. Plus, there were so many different recipes for microwave meals online to try; there’s no way someone wouldn’t be able to find one they enjoyed. This important thing to remember is that there are creative ways to make food in college and it is essential to keep things fresh and spontaneous. Skip the dining commons every once in a while and try making something for yourself, even if its just a mug of cheesecake!