DIY Snack: Crackers and Cucumbers

While the majority of my midterms are over, college life never really seems to slow down. Each week brings a new challenge that I must learn to overcome (the majority of these challenges come in the form of papers and problem sets). While I could resort to eating junk food (which I am not going to lie, I definitely did on occasion), the aftermath of eating chips and chocolate isn't quite as much fun as the actual eating part. That's why today's DIY college snack edition features a simple combination of cucumbers, crackers, cream cheese, and pepper.

For the crackers, I used the Gratify Sesame Thins, as they are not only my favorite snack but pair very well with the cream cheese. I got a pepper packet from the dining hall, and added a cucumber that I bought from the little market we have on campus. I recommend keeping a cutting board and sharp knife in your dorm room, as it allows you to eat fresh produce instead of consuming everything out of a plastic box.

While this seems like a very simple idea, it is a ~classier~ alternative to chips. It also doesn't take too much thought to make them, but you still get to enjoy a delicious snack that is much healthier than just grabbing a bag of chips!

Enjoy!
-Sema

Crispy Oven-baked Fries

Hello everyone! The weather has warmed up in my neck of the woods, so I spent the entire day outside yesterday in shorts. Yes, you read that right. It was so warm that I could wear shorts, which is hilarious since it snowed last week! But enough talk about the weather, let's get down to business. Today's recipe is oven baked fries, with a little twist to them. They're perfect for a snack or a side, and don't require a lot of prep time!

Ingredients
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
4 medium-sized golden potatoes
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup olive oil

Procedure
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Line a baking pan with parchment paper and grease the parchment paper with olive oil.
3. Cut the potatoes into small strips.
4. Sprinkle the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika and salt over the potatoes in an even layer.
5. Bake the potatoes for about 35 to 40 minutes or until they are crispy and brown.
6. Optional: Sprinkle some cheddar over the fries and put them in the oven until the cheese melts. Garnish with parsley.

Voila! Now you have delicious fries to enjoy!
Enjoy!
-Sema

Gluten-free Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

When was the last time you had a mozzarella cheese stick? Well now you can make one! It's a perfect appetizer, study snack, or any-day snack that doesn't require too many ingredients. I am very excited to present you guys with my latest recipe for gluten-free mozzarella cheese sticks!

Ingredients
The Spices
1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
 
The Cheeses
1 teaspoon shredded Parmesan cheese
4 1/2 mozzarella string cheese sticks (I used the low-fat kind).

Other
1 cup gluten-free bread crumbs (I toasted three slices of the Trader Joe's gluten-free bread and blended it)
1 egg

Procedure
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Combine your gluten-free bread crumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, dried basil leaves, and Parmesan cheese
3. Cut your cheese sticks in half.
4. Beat your egg and put it into a separate bowl.
5. Coat your cheese stick in the egg and then coat it with the bread crumbs.
6. Lay the coated cheese sticks on a baking pan that's covered with parchment paper.
7. Repeat the last two steps if the cheese sticks aren't completely covered.
8. In a wok pan, add about 1/2 an inch of canola/vegetable oil. Heat the oil up until it's hot.
9. Turn down the heat and add the cheese stick. I fried them one at a time so that I didn't accidentally burn them. Fry each cheese stick on each side for about 10-15 seconds, or until the coating becomes a golden brown.
10. I put the cheese sticks in the oven for a few minutes to melt the inside a little bit more.

Voila! You have delicious mozzarella cheese sticks. You can add some pasta sauce to dip them in--it's a perfect combination.
Enjoy!
-Sema
 

Three-Ingredient Cheese Dip

Do you want an easy appetizer to that will wow all your guests (you can also make this for those Netflix nights too, no shame)? Well I have the perfect recipe for you! This appetizer only requires three ingredients and won't take you long to prepare.

Ingredients
8 oz of fresh chopped mozzarella cheese
1 and a half chopped tomatoes
A few chopped basil leaves

Procedure
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix all your ingredients in the oven and bake if for about 10-15 minutes.
3. Broil it for a few minutes until the cheese turns brown.

Voila! You have an easy, naturally gluten-free appetizer!
Enjoy!
-Sema