quick

Pizza Bagels

Published on April 11, 2016April 11, 2016 by The Crimson CraveLeave a comment

by Caroline Gentile ’17

On a night when there was no pizza to be found in the dining hall (a very sad night indeed), I struggled to put food on my plate that seemed appetizing. And then – genius struck. I could make my own pizza! I poached some marinara sauce from the spaghetti station while I waited for my bagels to toast, and asked the grille for two slices of cheese. Just a few minutes later, I was enjoying my pizza bagel while my blockmates drooled in jealousy. Soon, they too made their own pizza bagels, and together we marveled at how delicious they are, yet so easy to make. So the next time you are at a loss for what to eat for lunch or dinner, consider the pizza bagel. It won’t let you down!

You’ll need:

A bagel, cut into halves (use either plain or whole grain)
Marinara sauce
Cheese (either from the sandwich bar or from the grille)
Bacon or other toppings that you think would make your pizza bagel even better (optional)

Toast the bagel until it is well-toasted (a little more than golden brown). You want to ensure that it will not get soggy when you put the marinara sauce on it. Then, add the marinara sauce, about a spoonful for each half, or more depending on your preference. If you are adding toppings, place them on top of the marinara sauce. Place one slice of cheese on each half. Put the prepared pizza bagel into the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until the cheese is sufficiently melted. Wait for the pizza bagel to cool for as long as your self-control will allow you (no more than a few minutes though, thank god) and enjoy!

Gluten- Free Puppy Chow

Published on September 13, 2015January 25, 2016 by The Crimson CraveLeave a comment

By Danielle Leavitt’ 17

This summer I welcomed a new brother into my home. Adorable, furry, curious, and smart, my new puppy won my affection instantly. Always on the go, he made me think of a quick and easy gluten-free snack that I could make at school. “Puppy Chow” is usually a staple, eaten at holiday parties and snacked on anytime and anywhere. This easy treat can be made entirely in a microwave with very simple ingredients. The ingredients can all be found at Broadway Market and at Whole Foods. Sweet, crunchy, gooey, chocolaty, and delicious, “Puppy Chow” is an easy-to-make, satisfying snack that even my new puppy would love to try.

Ingredients:

3 tbsp. butter

10oz marshmallows

5 tbsp. Peanut Butter

Chocolate chips to taste (Enjoy Life brand are gluten, soy, and dairy free)

4 cups Chex cereal (all flavors are Gluten free, but this was made with Rice Chex, which you could totally poach from the d-hall…)

Powdered sugar (optional)

Directions:

Microwave butter, marshmallows, peanut butter, and chocolate chips. Stir every 2-3 minutes. Add Chex cereal. Mix together.

Additions: you can put some powdered sugar on top, and mix thoroughly

Enjoy!

Homemade Chicken Bolognese

Published on February 9, 2015 by The Crimson CraveLeave a comment

By Caroline Gentile ’17

Maybe it’s because I’m part Italian, or maybe it’s just because I love carbs, but pasta bolognese is probably my favorite meal. To me, nothing is more satisfying than a plate full of perfectly al-dente rigatoni smothered in a hearty, meaty bolognese sauce. When I first decided to try my hand at cooking in third grade, it was no surprise that I decided to make a bolognese sauce.

My mom chose a recipe for chicken bolognese by the Australian chef Bill Granger, known for his clean and simple approach to cooking. After spending hours learning how to chop things, and overcoming my weird phobia of touching raw meat, I produced a delicious chicken bolognese sauce. Using chicken instead of beef really lightened up the sauce, making it possible to have seconds (or even thirds!)

Since then, this recipe has become my go-to for a quick and easy dinner. If third grade me can make it, anybody can!

You’ll need:

2 TB extra virgin olive oil (the best you can get your hands on)

1 onion, finely chopped

1 celery stalk, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

sea salt

2 slices of pancetta or prosciutto, chopped

1lb 2oz minced ground chicken

1.5 cups crushed tomato

1lb 2oz rigatoni

1/2 cup pinot grigio (optional, but recommended for added flavor)*

freshly grated parmesan cheese and 3 TB flat leaf parsley to serve

Directions:

Put the oil, onion, celery, garlic and a good pinch of salt and pepper in a saucepan over medium heat and cook for several minutes until golden. Add the prosciutto/panc etta and chicken, and stir constantly with a wooden spoon to break up any lumps. When the mince is cooked through, add the tomato sauce and simmer for ten minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the directions on the box until al dente. Toss together with sauce, parmesan, and parsley, and enjoy!