We may have outgrown the days of Easter baskets, but by no means are college kids too old to enjoy delicious Easter treats. Here is a small collection of easy-to-make microwave recipes themed around my favorite holiday.
Peep Krispies
Photo by the author.
Watching sugar-coated woodland creatures (ducks and rabbits, primarily) puff up to gargantuan proportions in the microwave is almost as wonderful as the actual eating. Factor in that the Peeps retain their overall shape, so they look like they have been suddenly afflicted with a case of elephantitis and you’re laughing too hard to swallow.
What you’ll need:Easter Peeps. These come in amazing varieties like Pink Rabbit and Yellow Duck. Any type works. You’ll also need Rice Krispies and a little bit of butter, both easily swiped from the dining hall.
What to do:
- Place about six Peeps in a microwave safe bowl with approximately a tablespoon of butter. You can estimate here.
- Microwave for about one minute or until the bunnies and ducks are well puffed. Remove immediately and stir until combined.
- Quickly add the Rice Krispies, stirring to coat them.
I like to eat these hot with a spoon, but they are great to spread out on a plate or place in a bowl for later. Experiment with different cereals. My high school dining hall serves strange Froot Loop marshmallow bars, which I ridiculed until I realized that they were incredible. You never know what genius culinary delight you’ll stumble upon.
When you’ve stuffed yourself with this delightful concoction, wash it down with a mug of hot chocolate topped with a puffed and gooey Peep duckling. Because there is nothing better in the world than watching marshmallow poultry drown in your steamy beverage while you drink it.
Microwave scrambled eggs
Photo by Swanksalot on Flickr, licensed under the Creative Commons.
Great in the early morning or late at night, these are a breeze to make and no one will believe that you didn’t use a stove.
What you’ll need: Eggs and milk or water.
What to do:
- Crack two eggs into a microwave-safe bowl and whisk with about one shot of milk or water until they are fluffy and well-mixed.
- Next, microwave for about 30 seconds, or until it starts to become solid.
- Remove and stir well, continuing to microwave for 10-second intervals, stirring in between, until the eggs are cooked to your taste.
- For a special touch, sprinkle on grated cheese and a dash of salt and pepper.
These are way better than that odd, yellow foam substance served at the dining halls.
Candy bar popcorn
Not even Gary Poppins can compete with this brilliant synthesis of candy and popcorn. Like caramel corn on steroids, this recipe combines all things delicious into an amazing snack or dessert.
Photo by the author.
What you’ll need: Microwave popcorn (available in the vending machines) and a Snickers bar, or any meltable caramel-nut candy. I used a couple fun-sized Easter snickers from CVS, but the regular variety are also found in most campus vending machines.
What to do:
- First, make the popcorn in your microwave according to the directions.
- Then, cut the candy bar into smallish bits and mix it in with the popcorn in a big microwaveable bowl.
- Microwave until the chocolate and caramel are melted, and stir to coat the popcorn in the mixture.
- It’s scrumptious when hot, but to prevent an abominable mess, let it cool until the candy has hardened.
The result? An addicting, gourmet-quality treat.
Jelly bean bird’s nests
Photo by the author.
Popular among preschoolers and geriatrics alike, jelly bean nests are fanstastically delicious, and score high on the “aww, cute” factor.
What you need: Shredded coconut (or any cereal like Rice Krispies or granola), chocolate and jelly beans.
What to do:
- Melt the chocolate (chocolate chips, Hershey’s kisses or chocolate bars all work fine) in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring periodically, until it’s smooth.
- Next, slowly add the coconut or cereal, mixing until coated, and the mixture is quite thick.
- Now spoon the chocolate concoction onto a plastic or glass plate, or a tray coated in tin foil or waxed paper.
- Use the spoon to make an indentation in the center to make it look like a nest, and place three to four jelly beans in the middle while the chocolate is still wet.
- Let them set for a couple hours before using a knife or spatula to remove them. Enjoy!