As the end of the semester approaches, you have most likely tried just about everything Commons and McEwen have to offer. But, here are some dining hall hacks to keep you energized during finals season!
1. Muddy Buddies
This hack only works in McEwen, so sorry lightsiders! To make these scrumptious treats, you need to mix together two scoops of peanut butter from the bagel station and two scoops of chocolate chips from the ice cream station. Then head over to the microwave, and melt them together for 30 seconds, stopping every 10 seconds to mix them. Once they are melted, add 1 cup of regular chex to the bowl. Stir them together until all the chex is fully coated in the mixture. Lastly, head to the coffee station and add two scoops of powdered sugar, and mix it all up again.
2. Stir Fry
Do you miss Asian food, but Mitsuba is too far? This hack combines the rice bowl bar and the salad bar to create a power bowl. You can create this with your choice of vegetables, meat, and sauces, but here is my personal favorite bowl: Start by filling a bowl halfway with fresh white rice and drizzling it with soy sauce. Then add one spoonful of hoisin sauce, 1⁄3 a spoonful of sweet and sour sauce, and sesame seeds. After this, head to the salad bar and add any vegetables you want! I recommend edamame and broccoli. Once you have chosen your vegetables, you can either add tofu or head to the grill for some chicken. Now just mix it up and enjoy!
3. Quesadillas
This one is perfect if you want something quick! Head over to the sandwich line and grab a tortilla. Then head to the salad bar if you want to add fresh peppers, or the taqueria if you want salsa or any taco fixings. Then you can either add the three cheese blend from the taqueria, shredded cheddar from the salad bar, or sliced cheddar from the sandwich bar. Next, fold over your tortilla and put it in the panini press until crispy.
4. Milkshakes
Too broke to buy a 5 dollar milkshake from Diner? Not to fear, Commons is here! Within two minutes you can have your very own blended drink, no blender needed. Just grab your favorite flavor of ice cream and throw a few scoops into a to-go cup. Then add your choice of milk (whole if you want it the creamiest), grab a spoon, and mix it up with all your might! Viola!
5. Goldfish
The last one is the simplest, but quite possibly the most important hack of all. If you are ever in the mood for a crunchy treat, or you are out of snacks in your room: the soup section has goldfish. Just throw some into a to-go cup or bowl, and smile with the snack that smiles back!
