As college students, we all have problems balancing our love for carbs and our need for something green. This 20-minute dinner could keep you in delicious pasta all week long, and you can say you made it yourself.
Spinach Mac and Cheese
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cups finely-minced sweet onion
1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups 2 percent milk
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 cups spinach leaves (4.5 ounces), chopped into strips
2 1/3 cups of whatever shredded or crumbled cheeses you like
1 box of cooked elbow macaroni , cooked according to package instructions
1. In a large saucepan or pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until the onion is softened. This takes about about five minutes. Whisk in the flour until the mixture is golden. Add whole milk, whisking constantly. Add 2 percent milk; raise heat to medium-high, bring to a boil and continue to whisk until sauce is smooth and thickened, in about 10 to 12 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Crushed red pepper is also a good option and adds a little spice.
2. Add the spinach to the sauce; give it a few stirs until spinach is wilted. Stir in cheeses until melted and well combined. Add cooked pasta and stir. Season to taste and serve immediately.
It's essential to learn how to make the basics, and what's more basic than some classic spaghetti and meatballs? Get this recipe right and you can invite someone over for a "Lady and the Tramp" moment, or something less awkward, like a pasta party with friends.
Ingredients:
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large egg
1 pound ground beef
1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 can crushed tomatoes puree
1 pound spaghetti
1. Put a pot of water on to boil before you start cooking. In a bowl, mix the Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, salt and pepper. Add the beef and breadcrumbs and mix gently. Using your hands for this is easiest but if that grosses you out you can use a spoon. Use a folding motion until everything is incorporated and then form into balls.
2. Put the oil in a pan and heat it on medium. Make sure the pan is big enough to mix the sauce in too. Cook the meatballs in the oil until they are browned. This takes eight to 10 minutes. Add the tomato puree to the pan and bring it to a boil. Then turn down the heat to a simmer. Cover the pan and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through.
3. Cook the pasta in the water that should be boiling by now. Drain the pasta and serve.
Finally, we all need something sweet without pouring all our money into Insomnia Cookies and Marble Slab. These Monster Cookies may have a lot of ingredients but they'll get you a lot of compliments from your fellow hungry friends.
2 sticks (1/2 lb) butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 whole large eggs
1 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 cup oats (either quick or regular)
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
3/4 cups chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
1/2 cup peanut butter chips
1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. Cream butter with sugars until fluffy. You don't need a mixer for this, just a bowl, a spoon and some will power. Basically just mix it like crazy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla, and mix until it's all combined.
3. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and kosher salt. Add to the mixing bowl, and mix till combined. After that, add in remaining ingredients in whatever quantity you prefer. Add more nuts if you'd like, or more M&M's, peanut butter chips or chocolate chips.
4. Add Rice Krispies at the very end, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix!
5. Use a cookie scoop to scoop balls of dough onto a cookie sheet. You could also use regular spoons or your hands, if you live life on the wild side. Bake for about 12 minutes, adjusting if you like them well done or a little bit softer, then allow to cool on a rack.