 "Photo: Dan Burns")
Are the new $1.29 options on the Wendy's value menu breaking your wallet?
Never fear, there are other choices than the unhealthy, inexpensive food available at the hamburger and hot dog joints and their fast-food accomplices.
Yes, college is a time for penny pinching, midnight snacks and bad habits of a person on the run to flourish. But students can save their pennies and still create a spectacular meal anytime of the day or night.
Whether you're in a college dorm or the world's smallest apartment, the cookbook Munchies will transform your cooking with confidence and creativity. At least according to chef Kevin Roberts, author of the cookbook Munchies. The book offers more than 100 recipes to cook "the food you love with minimal damage and maximum taste."
Roberts' recipes, such as "The Best Taco Salad Ever," "West Coast Wings" and "Crab Stuffed Deviled Eggs," can also be found on his Web site and definitely fulfill his promise.
His step-by-step instructions and clear ingredient lists are easy to follow and he even includes little captions with stories of his experiences with the recipe you are creating. Anyone can purchase Munchies from Amazon; a used copy for $3.75 and new for $10.36. If those prices are too much, check out Roberts' Web site at www.munchies.tv for selected recipes and other information about cooking up those meals you thought you never could.
An oasis in the desert of expensive and time-consuming cooking recipes is available to all.
Does angel hair pasta with oil and garlic sound appetizing? Ever wanted to try your hand at making quiche? Could you cap off a meal with mocha walnut pudding cake?
Loads of easy, fun recipes such as these can be found at www.cheapcooking.com/recipes.
This Web site includes options for everyone and is split into navigable options. The site includes vegetarian, fish, beef, pork and pasta dishes - there is even a separate section for sauces, breads, soup, sides and salads.
Not only does it have a multitude of options, it even has a Play-Doh-like recipe for those who may want to revisit their childhood on some late night or Saturday morning.
Next time a craving for a calzone hits and LaRosa's is whispering, check out this Web site for a scrumptious calzone recipe.
Or if a bowl of mac & cheese sounds too boring, spice it up with a homemade version available under vegetarian options.
Many surprising options are available at your local grocery store as well. Want to impress someone? Make them a stir-fry feast for less than $15. Pick up some Uncle Ben's Minute Rice, or basmati (cooking time is 50 minutes) if you want to go classier.
Also, grab a bottle of Kikkoman Stir-Fry sauce. One bottle will last for a while. Put a spoonful of vegetable oil in a pan, or use Pam for a lower-calorie option. Dump in some choice vegetables cut into large pieces, such as broccoli, peppers of all colors, snow peas and onions, and sauté. You can add meat, if desired.
Add the sauce when the vegetables and meat are tender and cooked through. Serve over rice and top with crunchy noodles (which can be found right under the stir-fry sauce at the store) and you have created a beautiful meal.
Finally, remember it is OK to take some risks. Try adding things to the typical meals that you normally would not add.
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