Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Tasty Tuesday: Noodles & Co. Buttered Noodles


So here’s the deal: every Tuesday I’m going to be sharing one recipe that gets me through the week without having to rely on takeout.  Most of these recipes are extremely easy to make, but all of them are definitely do-able.  This means that there is no excuse to eat out every time you’re hungry!  Also, as a college student, I can assure you that the “Freshman Fifteen” is not a myth, but a reality.  So here’s the first recipe: Buttered Noodles.

Buttered noodles are one of the easiest meals that a person can possibly make.  It entails boiling water, melting butter, and adding seasonings.  The ingredients are so cheap that it just doesn’t make sense to go out and buy it pre-made.  Also, please do not be intimidated by the idea of a stove.  Yes, it’s hot, but it’s a fear you need to face! So here we go! (P.S. normally I would have pictures, but unfortunately, I left my camera cord at home).

Step 1: Gather your ingredients.
1)   Pasta
2)   Butter
3)   Chicken Bullion
Optional:
4)   Ms. Dash Original Table Seasoning (Salt Free and no MSG, always a good combo)
5)   Red Pepper Flakes (Cheap way to add flavor)           
6)   Parmesan Cheese

When it comes to the pasta, I have found that three types of pasta work well: penne, bowtie, and wide egg noodles… Delicious!  Instead of regular butter, I like to use yogurt butter.  It’s much creamier than regular butter and definitely spreads easier! 

Step 2: Cook the noodles
Add the noodles, 1 TBSP chicken bullion and water to a pot.  Boil the noodles for the appropriate amount of time listed on box for al dente.  I think that the chicken bullion in the water helps to add flavor to the noodles.  Drain the noodles (unless you want chicken noodle soup, in that case, you’re almost there!)

Step 3: Melt butter and add seasonings
It doesn’t matter if the noodles are in the pot or the strainer, the butter will melt all the same.  Add 2 TBSP of butter, 1 tsp of chicken bullion, sprinkle in some Ms. Dash and red pepper flakes.  Mix all of this together.  If you want, grate some Parmesan cheese on top of the noodles and enjoy!

There you have it!  One of my favorite knock-off recipes and a good comfort food that a person can whip up in only 15 minutes!  I want to hear from you, what’s your favorite knock off food/quick comfort?

Saturday, January 26, 2013

When You Wish Upon A Star

Star Light, Star Bright,
First Star I see tonight,
Wish I may, wish I might
Have the wish, I wish tonight!

Is there anything more beautiful than the first star you see in the night sky?  It's nature's way of wrapping up a bad day, the sign to wind down and relax.  I remember belting out horrifically singing that poem as a child with my sister.  I believe that it was my mother's way of getting us to calm down before bed.  Every time that I need to take a break for my night, looking up and seeing stars has always reminded me of that great universe, and puts my problems into perspective.

*These posts are designed to get people to remember and appreciate the little things in life, to step back and see the big picture.*