Sept. 28, 2015
DeKeveion Glaspie
[email protected]
For some, fall symbolizes pumpkin lattes, changing leaves and home-cooked meals. College students have many expenses, which might make cooking seem like a luxury, but there are ways to make a good meal at a low cost. Below are budget-friendly recipes to start the fall season.
Stuffed Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients:
4 sweet potatoes
4 strips of bacon
3/4 cup of sour cream
6 ounces of shredded cheddar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 scallions (chopped)
Directions:
Pierce the potatoes all over, then place in a microwave-safe dish before putting it in the microwave for 10 minutes. Turn the potatoes every two minutes until potatoes are tender. Set aside for 10 minutes to cool.
While the potatoes are cooling, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat (to your liking). Break the bacon into pieces.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, then cut the potatoes in halves lengthwise to scoop out the potato insides into a bowl. Place the shells of the potato cut-side up on the baking sheet for about five minutes, or until crispy.
Pour the bacon, sour cream, scallions, salt and half of the cheese into a mixing bowl and stir with the inside of the potatoes. Fill the potato shells and top it off with cheese. Bake until cheese is melted.
Taco Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
1 package of elbow macaroni
1 packet of taco seasoning
3/4 cup of water
1 pound of ground beef
2 tablespoons of flour
2 cups of milk
1 block of cheese (shredded)
Optional toppings: chopped tomato, green onions, bacon
Directions:
Prepare the pasta. Drain and keep warm.
In a skillet, cook the ground beef and add desired seasonings. Drain the grease.
Stir in taco seasoning with the beef and water. Bring to a boil and cook while stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat and whisk in flour until all clumps have disappeared. Gradually whisk in the milk until thickened. Remove from heat.
Stir in 1.5 cups of cheese until melted. In a pot, stir in cooked pasta with ground beef mixture. Pour the remaining cheese. Serve with toppings (optional).
Peach Cobbler
Ingredients:
4 cups of peeled, sliced peaches
2 cups of sugar
1/2 cup of water
8 tablespoons of butter
1.5 cups of self-rising flour
1.5 cups of milk
Ground Cinnamon
Directions:
First take the can peaches, one cup of sugar and water and pour into a skillet over medium heat for 10 minutes. Sprinkle cinnamon over the peaches.
Melt the butter and place it in a baking dish.
Mix the remaining cup of sugar, flour and milk together in a bowl. Pour mixture over the butter, but DO NOT STIR.
Pour fruit on top. Top with cinnamon.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and cook for 30-45 minutes.
Serve with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream (optional).
Shopping centers such as King Soopers and Albertsons offer a variety of coupons from dairy to poultry. Having a King Soopers card can save you serious dough. Students can apply for a card with the store and load coupons onto the card online.
Freshmen who cannot access a full kitchen can easily make the taco macaroni and cheese and other recipes found online on a griddle, rice cooker or crockpot. Don’t get discouraged by expensive recipes. If you search for the deals, you can create miracles on a budget.