by Lily Baldwin
Finals week is rough; we pull all-nighters, spend hours making notecards, and try to remember every last detail of that super vague study guide. Amidst all the chaos, the one thing we often don’t remember to do is eat. Here’s a friendly reminder to put aside those study guides for a bit and treat yourself to some delicious snacks. These quick and easy ten-minute recipes will keep you satisfied and energized through every exam.
BREAKFAST: Açaí Smoothie
Ingredients
½ cup frozen açaí berries
¾ cup frozen blueberries
¾ cup frozen strawberries
½ banana
1 small container (6 oz) vanilla yogurt
1 cup orange juice
Directions: Blend until smooth, occasionally stopping to stir smoothie between blends. Pour into a glass or to-go mug for a breakfast boost to start your day of finals off right.
SNACK: Giant’s trail mix (15 servings)
Ingredients
2 cups raw or salted almonds
1 cup cashews
½ cup sunflower seeds and/or pumpkin seeds
½ cup raisins
½ cup dried cranberries
1 cup dark chocolate chips
Directions: Add all ingredients together in a medium container. Put a lid on the container, then shake until all ingredients are evenly combined. Put ¾-1 cup of trail mix into a container and take to school as a yummy snack between tests.
LUNCH: Tomato soup with grilled cheese dippers
Ingredients
2 slices of sourdough or whole wheat bread
1 slice mozzarella cheese
1 slice cheddar cheese
1 pat of butter
1 (10 oz) can tomato soup
Directions: Butter one side of each slice of bread. Heat a griddle over a medium flame. Put one slice (butter side down) on the griddle, then place both pieces of cheese on the upside of the bread. Place the second piece of bread over the top, with the buttered side facing up. Place a pot lid over the griddle and let cook for about two minutes. Meanwhile, heat the soup over a medium flame in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. Using a spatula, flip the grilled cheese, then put the cover back over the griddle and allow to cook for another minute and a half. Once the soup is heated, pour into bowl and set aside. Remove grilled cheese from griddle after it is golden-brown on both sides and the cheese has melted. Cut the grilled cheese into four strips, then dip into your tummy-warming tomato soup! The perfect comfort food to get over those finals week blues.
DESSERT: Microwave Chocolate Mug Cake
Ingredients
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup white sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
⅛ teaspoon baking soda
⅛ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon water
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons dark chocolate chips
Optional: Powdered sugar to top
Directions: Mix dry ingredients in a large mug. Add in wet ingredients and whisk with fork until combined and smooth. Microwave one minute and 45 seconds or until a toothpick comes out clean when stuck into the cake. Top with powdered sugar and chocolate chips for a treat to mark the end of finals! You did it, eat some cake now.
