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Permanent link for Easy Winter Meals To Make In Your Dorm on November 10, 2023

With the cold weather months approaching us, it is normal to begin craving more warm and comforting food. As the days become shorter it can sometimes feel hard to find motivation to cook a meal during the busy holiday months. There’s so much going on during this time of year but it is really important to still prioritize good nutrition practices for yourself in order to get through the hustle and bustle of the season. I know for myself that during the winter months my nutrition/food choices look different than the spring and summer months. I’ll often make a lot more warm and nourishing meals that comfort both my soul and my body! A lot of meals I make also have a nostalgic feel which brings a sense of gratitude and pleasure for this time of year. You may feel overwhelmed when it comes to cooking and being a college student, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Many recipes that I make only take a few ingredients and a few minutes to make. They are also relatively cheap, and won’t hurt your budget! Below are some winter-inspired recipes to spruce up your holiday season! 

 

Winter Toast 

Ingredients: 

  • 2 slices of whole grain bread (or bread of choice) 
  • 1-2 tbsp peanut butter or any nut or seed butter  
  • 1 banana 
  • 1 tbsp honey 
  • A sprinkle of chia seeds 
  • Cinnamon to taste 

Directions: Toast 2 slices of bread in a toaster or toaster oven. Spread peanut butter or any nut butter of your choosing on top of the bread. Slice a banana and put on top of the toast. Drizzle on the honey, then sprinkle on some chia seeds as well as cinnamon to taste! Enjoy! 

 

Hearty Overnight Oats

Ingredients: 

  • S cup to ½ cup milk (dairy, almond, coconut, soy) 
  • ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats 
  • S cup to ½ cup yogurt (optional) 
  • 1 tsp chia seeds (optional) 
  • ½ banana mashed 

Serving suggestions: Fruit, nut butters, granola, coconut, nuts, spices, vanilla extract

Directions: Add the desired amounts of milk, oats, yogurt, chia seeds and banana to a jar or container and give them a good stir. Refrigerate overnight or for at least 5 hours. 

In the morning, add additional liquid if you'd like. Once you achieve the desired consistency, top with fruit, nuts, nut butter, seeds, granola, coconut, spices, or vanilla extract.

 

5 Ingredient Pesto Chicken Soup

Ingredients: 

  • 4 cups chicken stock 
  • 3 cups fresh spinach 
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken 
  • 2 cans of great northern or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 
  • S cup pesto 
  • Optional toppings: Grated parmesan cheese 

Directions: Stir together chicken stock, spinach, chicken, beans in a medium saucepan. Cook over high heat until the soup reaches a simmer. Then reduce heat to medium, stir in the pesto, and let the soup continue to simmer for 2 minutes. Serve warm topped with parmesan cheese if desired. 

*If you would like to make this vegetarian, take out the chicken and substitute with an extra can of beans of your choosing! 

 

BBQ Meatloaf Minis 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 package(6oz) stuffing mix 
  • 1 cup water 
  • 2 tbsp favorite bbq sauce 
  • 1 lb ground beef, ground turkey, or meat ground substitute
  • (beyond burger or impossible burger work well!)  
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 

Directions: Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, combine stuffing mix, water and 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce. Add meat/meat substitute; mix lightly but thoroughly. Press 1/3 cup mixture into each of 12 ungreased muffin cups. Bake, uncovered, until a thermometer reads 160°, 18-22 minutes. Sprinkle tops with cheese; bake until cheese is melted, 2-4 minutes longer. If desired, serve with additional barbecue sauce.


2 Minute Microwave Pizza Bowl 

Ingredients: 

  • ½ cup flour 
  • ¼ tsp baking powder 
  • [ tsp baking soda 
  • ¼ tsp salt 
  • S cup milk 
  • 2 tbsp olive oil 
  • 2 tbsp pizza sauce 
  • 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella cheese 
  • Optional: any toppings you would like! 

Directions: Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a microwavable bowl. Add in the milk and oil then mix together. There might be some lumps but that is ok. Spoon on the pizza sauce and spread it around the surface of the batter. Sprinkle on the cheese, and any additional toppings. Microwave for roughly 2 minutes or so, until it rises up and the toppings are bubbling. Enjoy straight away!

 

Easy dorm room winter-inspired meals can be a fun way to indulge your senses into the holiday season as well as nourish your body to get through all those end of semester exams! There’s something for everyone to enjoy! 

By: WIT Volunteer, Amber Gunneson

Categories: General Wellness Nutrition Winter
Posted on Permanent link for Easy Winter Meals To Make In Your Dorm on November 10, 2023.

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Page last modified November 10, 2023