How To Survive College With A Waffle Maker, A Rice Cooker, And A Microwave

College is a great time to learn how to cook. It’s also a great time to learn how to cut corners while trying to learn to cook. Living in a dorm isn't always easy when it comes to eating. Between early morning classes and late-night studying, it can be hard to make it to the dining hall while it's still open. There’s a great solution to this problem: Dorm cooking! 

Three of the most essential things to survive college dining are a microwave, a rice cooker, and a waffle maker. It may seem odd, but between the three, the options are seemingly endless. Even better, you can find a mini version of both a waffle maker and a rice cooker, perfect for single-serve meals.

Here are three of the most essential things to survive college dining:

1. A Mini Rice Cooker

Dash makes a great mini rice cooker that's perfect for college living. It’s just big enough to make a meal for one. Although the name would make you think it's only for rice, there’s actually plenty of other uses.  Here are some of the quickest recipes to make.

a. Pasta                                                                                        

Similar to how you would cook rice, you can also make pasta. Because it’s so easy, you can even expand on that and make mac n cheese, add marinara sauce, or other toppings. Basically, you add your desired pasta following similar proportions as you would making rice and then add water. Cook until desired tenderness.

b. Cake

This is great for a night when you want a little something sweet. As with any cake, you can make any type of cake. All you have to do is grease the rice cooker bowl and add a dash of flour to it spinning it and covering it. Then, combine 1 cup of flour, 1/3 cup of chocolate powder, 1 cup of sugar, 1/3 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of milk, 2 beaten eggs, and a handful of chocolate chips. Let the rice cooker run for about 3 or 4 cook rounds or until it's cooked through. You can add some caramel or chocolate syrup on top. 

c. Oatmeal

This is as simple as it sounds. Instead of adding rice and water to the bowl, add oats and milk (or water, depending on your preference) and cook accordingly. 

d. Pancakes

Now, these aren't your typical pancake. This will be one, big, thick pancake. It’s awesome. You mix up pancake mix as usual and put it in the bowl. Cook until the top gets bubbly and then empty onto a plate and enjoy.

2. Microwave

Now this may seem an obvious thing to have in your freshman dorm, but there are way more things you can make in a microwave. You can almost make anything in a mug. You just have to think outside the box!

a. Mug Cakes                                                                               

These make for a great dessert. You can buy premade packs or make from scratch if you have access to all the ingredients. One of the easiest ones you can make (from scratch) is a Nutella mug cake. Add a little over a 1/4 tablespoon of Nutella, 1 egg, and 2 tablespoons of flour to a mug and mix them up. If you're in the mood for a little extra chocolate, throw in some chocolate chips or push a Lindor truffle in the batter. Pop it in the microwave for about 45 seconds.

b. Ramen

Ramen is a quick meal for any college kid, but the packages are typically loaded with sodium. There are healthier options but are still cost-effective. You can throw out the flavor pack and still use the noodles. Try adding stir fry sauce with some chicken cooked in garlic. Swap the chicken flavor packet with some beef broth. Have leftover sauces from a random recipe? Add sriracha, soy sauce, or even duck sauce. Throw in some veggies. Add a hard-boiled egg.

c. French Toast

Another great thing to be made in a mug. Simply tear up some bread and add it to a mug. Mix vanilla, cinnamon, and some nutmeg. Then add an egg and drizzle it over the bread. Cook in the microwave until satisfied with the gooeyness. Add some syrup and enjoy! It’s far less time consuming and less messy than traditional french toast. 

d. Cinnamon Apples

Did you buy apples you said you were going to eat but didn't? Here’s a fun way to use them. Slice them up and add to a microwave-safe bowl. Mix some cinnamon and melted butter. Add a dollop of brown sugar. Pour the cinnamon butter mixture over the apples and cook in the microwave. They’ll get a little soft and more flavorful. They’re a great quick snack and are awesome over vanilla ice cream.

3. Mini Waffle Maker

Both Dash and Nostalgia make adorable mini waffle makers. They’re the perfect size for dinner for one. They actually fit into a backpack so it's perfect for a waffle night in the dorm next door.

a. Waffles                                                                                      

This one is kind of obvious but the possibilities with waffles are seemingly endless. Try adding Nutella and making chocolate waffles. Add cinnamon sugar to the mix for cinnamon waffles. With the mini waffle maker, it makes the perfect tiny, to-go meal for quick breakfasts. There are also mixes out there that require only water and they're pour and go.

b. Grilled Cheese                                                                        

Once you make waffle maker grilled cheese sandwiches you'll never want to go back. You have to prepare the sandwich before putting it in the waffle iron. Once it’s in the warmed up press. You have to press it down as much as you can and let it toast up. It’s quick and crisps up really well.

c. Brownies                                                                                

Everyone loves brownies. You can easily make up brownie batter and put it in the waffle maker. It cooks a lot quicker and tends to come out a little softer. And because you have the waffle maker shape, you can easily add ice cream or caramel syrup (or even both) on top with less mess than usual.

d. Cinnamon Rolls                                                                      

Now this, this is the best. You can get premade cinnamon rolls (like the ones that come in tubes from the freezer section) and put them right in the warm waffle iron, You press down as much as it’ll allow and let it bake. It takes half the time as normal cinnamon rolls and they're less messy. With all the waffle nooks and crannies, you can add the icing and it sits like little puddles in the waffle shape. It’s less messy as well. 

College is a great time to learn how to become more independent. Today's college kids have easy access to learning how to cook, and how to do it easier than ever. With the help of a couple of fun kitchen gadgets, there are so many fun meals you can make. Happy snacking!