Everyone knows that Sundays are lazy, lounging around days. At UA most students spend their Sundays relaxing and studying after their Saturday parties and other collegiate festivities. Sometimes, I get breakfast at the memorabilia-filled Waysider or the always crowded Another Broken Egg in the morning or go for a walk on the beautiful Riverwalk in the afternoon. Other times, I don’t leave my dorm once. Though I choose to stay in all day, I tend to get frustrated about the lack of food options available. While Crimson 2 Go and Waitr can deliver food to the dorms, the options are limited, not the healthiest, and the price tag of a meal adds up quickly with delivery fees and tips. Whenever possible, I like to cook for myself––not only because I enjoy it, but it allows me to be creative, try new things, and feel better about what I’m consuming.

Most people assume that because of dorm kitchens (if you can even call them that) food preparation is limited to the microwave. Though that may seem daunting, you don’t have to resort to Lean Cuisines, Stouffers microwavable lasagna, or Marie Calendar’s microwavable pot pies. With a little research and planning, and some grocery shopping, there are a world of delicious food options that can be prepared using just a microwave. While I was browsing, I decided I was going to try an experiment. I wanted to create a full day of meals using only a microwave, so that I could stay inside all day and still enjoy what I ate.

The Menu:

• Breakfast: Microwavable Omelette
• Lunch: Loaded Baked Potato
• Snack: Apples in a Bag
• Dinner: Grilled Chicken Penne al Fresco
• Dessert: Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake

One thing I love about omelettes is that they can be easily adjusted to include anyone’s favorite add-ins: I made mine with shredded cheese and diced bell peppers, but you can add any veggie or meat! Using a glass pie plate creates an actual fluffy yellow omelette, and not the typical “scrambled egg in a mug.

I love baked potatoes for a similar reason. They are so easily personalized, and a single baked potato is cooked in just about five minutes. I eat my baked potatoes with sour cream, shredded cheese, scallions, and steamed broccoli.

If you want to opt for a healthier option, baked sweet potatoes are a good option as well. Ready in seven minutes, this hearty treat can be topped with almond butter, avocado, or cinnamon for an even better
taste.

Apples in a Bag is one of my new favorite snacks, as well as a healthy dessert when I regretfully opt out of ice cream. Just slice the apple, place it in a plastic bag with sweetener, cinnamon, cornstarch, and water. Then, seal and shake the bag, place it in the microwave, and two minutes later, the room will smell delicious and the snack will be ready. The apples can be used as a topping for oatmeal or ice cream, and pears can even be used as a substitute.

I love this dinner because it feels like a gourmet, home-cooked meal. It just requires a casserole dish! The pasta is boiled in chicken broth with minced garlic and tomatoes, then chicken, mozzarella cheese, and basil are added as finishing touches. Plus, the chicken is pre-cooked, so there is nothing to worry about regarding food-borne illnesses. This dish reminds me of my Italian roots, but it is such a simple one-pot meal.

Last but definitely not least, and my favorite meal of the day: dessert. I know very few people who don’t salivate at the words “chocolate and peanut butter.” This recipe was one of the easiest things I have ever made, and it was ready in five minutes. Topped with hot fudge and a peanut butter mousse, they might as well start serving this delicious treat at restaurants.

I have never been a fan of science, but this experiment was a blast. I loved expanding my horizons and eating tasty meals and I didn’t even leave my dorm once all day. I’d say it was a success. I was surprised at just how much a microwave could do and I would highly recommend any of these recipes. If you have your own favorite microwavable meals, feel free to share them below!