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

Gluten-free Chex Mix

The last time I had Chex Mix was well before I was diagnosed, which was over 10 years ago! Today I decided to create the iconic snack to enjoy while I completed my plethora of homework. In college sometimes it's easy to eat comfort food, so during the month of February I'm going to share with you all several study snacks that will get you motivated to study!

Ingredients

4 1/2 cups Rice Chex

4 1/2 cups Corn Chex

1 1/2 cups Gluten-free bagel chips (I used Glutino)

1 1/2 cups Gluten-free pretzels (I used Snyder's)

2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

6 tablespoons melted butter

Optional for Cheddar Chex Mix:

Nacho cheese popcorn seasoning

Gluten-free cheddar crackers( I used Van's)

Procedure

1. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.

2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

3. Combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and Worcestershire Sauce.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cereal, bagel chips, and pretzels.

5. Slowly mix in the melted butter mix into the large mixing bowl.

6. Spread everything out onto the baking tray.

7. Bake the Chex Mix in the oven for about 30 minutes, stirring it every 10 minutes.

8. Let it cool down.

For the Cheddar Chex Mix, sprinkle the nacho cheese popcorn seasoning and add gluten-free cheddar crackers. 

I loved these snacks, as they weren't too greasy as I was working on all my homework, yet they satisfied my snack cravings.

Stay tuned for more study snacks!

Enjoy!

-Sema

DIY Gluten-free Pasta Sauce

Hello everyone! It has gotten very cold here in St. Louis, the type of cold that seems to bite at you when you go out. That is why I spent the day inside cooking, because nothing feels better than preparing a warm meal in a warm kitchen. Today I have a pasta sauce recipe for you, proving that you don't always need to buy the ready-made kind (even though the ready-made kind makes life so much easier). :)

Ingredients
1/2 cup diced onions
3 cups of canned tomatoes (use a food processor or blender to crush the tomatoes until they are completely blended)
2 cloves of chopped garlic
A handful of parsley leaves
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 teaspoon corn starch

Procedure
1. Add the olive oil, diced onions, and garlic to a large pot.
2. Sautee your onions and garlic until the onions become soft.
3. Add the canned tomatoes, and bring it to a boil.
4. Chop your parsley (you can add how much or how little you please), and add it to the mixture.
5. Add the corn starch, and be sure to mix it in well.

Let it sit on a low heat while your spaghetti/pasta cooks, occasionally stirring.

Voila! You made your own pasta sauce!
Enjoy!
-Sema