Introduction

There are many, many different spaghetti recipes. Some include homemade sauces, ground meat, and vegetables [2]. Most are fairly simple to follow and can be dressed up with multiple spices or made very simply [1], [2]. For example, when spaghetti was first introduced to Italian cuisine, it was most likely made with butter and cheese. Today, it is common in Italian cuisine to include shellfish like mussels in their spaghetti with no cheese. In comparison, Americans tend to go for the classic tomato sauce with meatballs or a meat-based sauce [1]. Spaghetti has become so popular that they are using this type of pasta in tests to create more eco-friendly ways of cooking. They hope to reduce carbon footprint and use less water while getting great-tasting pasta and keeping its distinct properties. [3]. 

While there are many ways to dress up spaghetti, I prefer the simple versions. My family and I would simply have spaghetti noodles and a meat-based sauce at home, but I also enjoy just a simple tomato sauce. Personally, adding heaps of grated Parmesan to my plate is the best way to enjoy this dish. Sometimes we would include vegetables and garlic bread to round out the dish. This is my take, but that is the nice thing about spaghetti; there are multiple ways this meal can be dressed and used in a lunch or dinner setting. Additionally, I have found it re-heats quite nicely compared to other noodle dishes. 

Spaghetti is a nice meal to return home to as it’s enjoyable alone and with friends. Below is a simple recipe to make spaghetti with ingredients found at the Campus Cupboard. As mentioned, there are plenty of other recipes, [2] for example, that can easily be searched up if mine does not satisfy your palate. Happy cooking!

Image: Spaghettie al Pomodoro taken by paPisc on April 9th, 2008. Image was provided through Flickr.

Ingredients

• 1 box of pasta
  • Linguine, but it can be any kind
• 1 can of pasta sauce
  • Choose the flavor you want
• 1 cup of veggies
  • Frozen, canned, or fresh
• 1-2 tbsp of butter
• Salt

Utensils Needed

• Pots
• Strainer
• Microwavable dish
• Bowl or plate
• Fork or spoon
• Butter Knife
• Optional
  • Cutting board, knife, and pan for fresh veggies

Steps

1. Fill your pot about half to a third full with water
   1. Salt your water as it adds flavor
2. Place it on a burner at medium-high heat (5-6)
3. Once water is boiling, pour in noodles and lower the temperature to medium (4-5)
   1. Stir your noodles occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom
4. While your noodles cook and soften, heat your veggies
   1. If frozen or in a can, follow the directions on the package
   2. If fresh, place them in a pan with butter and a pinch of salt for flavor
      1. Cook for 2-3 minutes depending on size
5. Once your noodles are softened, drain the water using the strainer
6. Once completely drained, place noodles and 1-2 tbsp of butter into the pot and stir together
7. In a separate pot, heat up pasta sauce on medium till boiling
8. Place all your ingredients in your dish and enjoy!
   1. Extra can be stored for later

Works Cited

[1]

G. L. McNamee, “Spaghetti | Description & Facts | Britannica,”     www.britannica.com, Nov. 16, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/topic/spaghetti

[2]

J. Gallagher and A. Gallagher, “Easy Weeknight Spaghetti with Meat Sauce,” Inspired Taste – Easy Recipes for Home Cooks, 2020. https://www.inspiredtaste.net/38940/spaghetti-with-meat-sauce-recipe/

[3]

A. Cimini, M. Cibelli, A. R. Taddei, and M. Moresi, “Effect of cooking temperature on cooked pasta quality and sustainability,” Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, vol. 101, no. 12, pp. 4946–4958, Feb. 2021, doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.11138.

[4]

pa Pisc, Spaghetti al Pomodoro. 2008. [Photograph]. Available: https://live.staticflickr.com/2337/2400492179_1b561f950f_b.jpg

Puppy Chow Recipe

A Staple in the Homes of Many.

Macaroni and Cheese. “common use”

Macaroni and Cheese is a food that has been a staple in the homes of many for a very long time. Stiavetti [1] explains how Thomas Jefferson was a true ambassador for macaroni and cheese.  How he traveled many places like Italy and France and was amazed by all the different shapes of noodles. He then brought this lovely cuisine over to America where we all enjoy it to this day. It not only is the highlight at the dinner table, but also an option for those that may not have hours to spend in the kitchen. Marlena Spieler [2] says that it is understandable to love macaroni and cheese. That not only is it simple to prepare, but extremely easy to be utterly passionate about. Now yes, you could go to your local grocery store and pick up a box of Kraft macaroni and cheese, or you could create a masterpiece

Versatility & Variation

There are so many options of noodles, from elbow to bowtie, to spaghetti noodles if you really wanted. Howland [3] wrote a whole article about all the different flavors of cheese and what they are good for. Not only are there options that you would never think of, but there are options that would make your dish that much better. Macaroni and cheese is one of those dishes that can either be a quick 8-minute cook time, or something that is worth writing a book about. It is up to you and where you take it. This recipe is simple, but has every door open to each possibility within each step

This video is a perfect example of the variation within the ingredients, while keeping the basic steps the same.

Ingredient

• Noodles (any shape)
• 4 cups of water
• 4 tablespoons (tbsp) of butter
• 1 cup of whole milk (2% will also work)
• This recipe is made with shredded cheddar cheese (you may use any cheese you would like, that just might change the consistency of the dish.)

Utensils

• Mixing spoon
• Pot
• Stove top
• Plate
• Measuring cup

Steps

1. Gather your ingredients and utensils
2. Place pot on stove and pour 4 cups of water into the pot
3. Turn stove on high and wait for water to come to a boil
4. Once to a boil, pour noodles in the water, let boil for 6-7 minutes
5. Once done, turn off burner, drain the water out of the pot, leaving noodles in pot
6. Place pot on a cool burner, pour milk into pot, add butter, and stir
7. Once mixed in, add at least 3 cups of cheese or until you are satisfied and mix until cheese is completely melted in
8. Plate and enjoy!

Each time you make this macaroni and cheese it may turn out a little different than the last. That might just be the best part. Feel free to try different shapes of noodles or even different flavors of cheese!

Works Cited

[1]

Stiavetti and G. McCord, MELT. Little, Brown, 2013.

‌[2]

Spieler, Macaroni & Cheese. Chronicle Books, 2013.

[3]

Howland, “Say Cheese, Say Flavor,” Flavor & The Menu, pp. 1–6, Feb. 2004.

Casseroles and Beyond: A Midwest Tradition

Chicken Casserole Public Domain

As a Midwesterner, it is hard to think of any funeral, potluck, or holiday meal that does not include a casserole; whether it be green bean, tuna noodle, fried bologna, or tater tot casserole, it is always there. The Midwest families needed food that would fill them up after a long day of hard work, but that would save time in the kitchen [1]. Casseroles, aka hot dishes, checked both those boxes. Plus, very little culinary skills are needed to make them. Diversity in the settlers helped the Midwest casserole evolve as well. Germans, French, and English settlers mixed their traditional starches and veggies with the canned soups from Campbells to ensure endless amounts of possible casseroles [1,2]. They learned and shared to make sure their family never got bored with dinner time.

An American Comfort Food

Prior to the 1870’s, casseroles were savory and sweet usually made with some form of a crust. America saw an explosion of the more modern casseroles during the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries [3]. This can be attributed to World War I, the Great Depression, and Campbells soup inventing the condensed soup [1,2]. Casseroles were an inexpensive way to feed many people with what was available. Leftovers could easily be reused and upcycled into a brilliant casserole. Neighbors could come together, each bringing one ingredient, and provide a meal that would feed the neighborhood. This is also why casseroles are known for bringing people together [1].

Unmatched Versatility

This traditional meal is not only versatile in ingredients, but also cooking methods. Crockpots, ovens, microwaves, or even open fires are just some of the ways humanity has cooked their casseroles throughout the past hundred years [2]. Casseroles are superb options for revamping leftovers or using up canned food from the cabinet. Because of the recipe being more of a math equation (1 protein +1 starch+1vegetable+1sauce) [1], a casserole can be transformed to meet any dietary restrictions or appease picky eaters.

Creamy Chicken Casserole

A simple take on a timeless tradition:

Ingredients

• 3 cups of dry noodles
• 2 10.5oz cans of Cream of Chicken soup
• 2 15 oz cans of vegetables (Variety is based on preference.)
• 7 Cups of water

Utensils Needed

• Mixing spoon
• 9 by 13 Casserole dish
• 1 cup measuring cup
• Pot

Steps

1. Gather all ingredients and utensils.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F.
3. Boil 6 cups of water.
4. Add 3 cups of noodles. Allow to cook for 7-10 minutes stirring every 3 minutes.
5. Mix both cans of soup and 1 cup of water into the casserole dish.
6. Drain vegetables and add to the casserole dish.
7. Drain noodles and add to the casserole dish.
8. Stir until evenly mixed
9. Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F.

Cheese, breadcrumbs, frosted flakes, or chips are just some of the options that could be added for a crunch on top. Simply crush the topping of your choice and spread it evenly across the top. Cover with foil and bake. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Canned or cooked poultry, seafood, beef can be added to this recipe. Just add a half cup of milk with step five and add the protein with steps six and seven.

This recipe can easily be prepped and frozen for weekly convenience. Simply allow the casserole to cook 15-20 minutes longer.

Casseroles are a rich part of American heritage that help bring people together. They are also a great way to make a food budget stretch. So, make up this casserole and invite friends and family over to share a meal.

Works Cited:

[1] L. Long, “Green Bean Casserole and Midwestern Identity: A Regional Foodways Aesthetic and Ethos,” in MIDWESTERN FOLKLORE, vol.33, no.1, pp 29-45, Spring, 2007.

[2] L. Martinez, “The Flavorful Story Behind the Origin of Casserole,” HomeDiningKitchen.com, Sept. 17, 2024. [Online]. Available: The Flavorful Story Behind the Origin of Casserole – HomeDiningKitchen [Accessed: Oct. 25, 2024].

[3] L. Olver, “Food Timeline–FAQ: Casseroles,” The Food Timeline, 2000. [Online]. Available: https://www.foodtimeline.org/foodfaq.html#casseroles. [Accessed: 25-Oct-2024].

Tex-Mex Versatility: The Burrito

Image: A classic burrito with various fillings, cut in half. © LauriPatterson—E+/Getty Images

While the burrito has roots in Mexican culture, there’s no shortage of American takes on the dish with the general relevance of ‘Tex-Mex’ food made popular by various chain restaurants in the U.S. This simple dish and its variations are made from the usual fillings such as meat, cheese, rice, beans and veggies and has become a staple breakfast, lunch, or dinner option for many.

Included below is a quick recipe to make one yourself with easily accessible ingredients, however, first let’s go over the history of the burrito, it’s significance as a quick meal option, and the unique qualities that’s made it such a universal and ubiquitous food.

History & Relevance

The burrito, as mentioned above has roots in Mexican culture and history, however, there is quite a bit of contention on when and where exactly it came from and how it got its name. What we do know, is that it made its way to the United States sometime in the 1930’s, then reaching widespread addition to the country’s cuisine at some point in the 1950’s [1] [2]. However, modern burritos are far different than their original counterparts, hence where the term ‘Tex-Mex’ comes from, as most tend to be more of an American spin on traditional Mexican cuisine [3].

As alluded to above, a burrito can realistically be made in any way with any ingredients, [4] which makes it a great option for anyone looking for a quick meal. This versatile, cheap, and filling dish is what has helped it achieve such cultural relevance and many people and restaurants continue to modify and get creative with this simple base [5].

Nutrition Information

While a burrito can definitely exceed ones daily calorie limit by a fair margin, there are plenty of options to make a burrito a healthy start, or end to your day, including options for diets such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and even keto if done right.

However, with a traditional burrito you get a decent balance of healthy protein, fat, and carbs to help give you long-lasting energy throughout the day. Additionally, beans are fiber-rich, and the staple veggies such as guacamole, peppers, and corn have plenty of vitamin content for any health-conscious individual [6].

The Burrito Recipe

Finally, let’s cover a quick and easy recipe you can use to make your own burrito. Feel free to adjust the recipe or add anything you desire, remember, these are heavily modifiable and can be adjusted to fit any diet or preference!

Ingredients & Utensils Needed

• • • One tortilla (of any kind)
      

      Image: A grilled Mexican burrito with side salsa, wrapped in foil. © talynshererphot

    • ½ cup of canned chicken (if available)
    • ½ cup of canned pinto beans
    • ½ cup of instant rice
    • ¼ cup of vegetables (corn and/or onions)
    • 1 tablespoon of hot sauce
    • A saucepan & a spoon
    • A pan & a spatula
    • A plate

Steps

1. 1. Gather the listed ingredients and utensils.
   2. Open and drain the canned ingredients if necessary.
   3. Pour ½ cup of beans into the saucepan and heat them over a stove on medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   4. Add the vegetables and reduce heat to low, let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through and season as desired.
   5. Prepare the instant rice by combining it and a cup of water in a covered, microwave-safe bowl, and microwaving it for several minutes.
   6. Combine the desired amount of rice, beans, vegetables, chicken (if applicable), and hot sauce on the tortilla.
   7. Fold the tortilla, heat it on a medium low heat pan for 30 seconds on each side, and enjoy!

The burrito is a simple food that can be adjusted in many ways. One neat trick is if you’re a busy person try making extras then freezing them, that way you can just pop any leftovers in the microwave for an even quicker meal option.

Works Cited

[1] A. F. Smith, “TACOS, ENCHILADAS AND REFRIED BEANS: THE INVENTION OF MEXICAN-AMERICAN COOKERY,” 20 January 2011. [Online]. Available: https://web.archive.org/web/20120206165621/http://food.oregonstate.edu/ref/culture/latinamerica/mexico_smith.html. [Accessed 27 October 2024].

[2] J. M. Pilcher, Planet Taco: A Global History of Mexican Food, New York: Oxford University Press, 2012.

[3] A. Renee, “A Brief History Of The Burrito, A Tex-Mex Icon,” TheRecipe, 15 March 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.therecipe.com/a-brief-history-of-the-burrito-a-tex-mex-icon/. [Accessed 27 October 2024].

[4] G. L. McNamee, “Burrito,” Britannica, 31 October 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.britannica.com/topic/burrito. [Accessed 27 October 2024].

[5] “The History of the Burrito,” The Food We Know, [Online]. Available: https://thefoodweknow.com/the-history-of-the-burrito/. [Accessed 27 October 2024].

[6] Tufts University, “Delicious, Nutritious Mexican Food,” Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrion Science and Policy, 11 April 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.nutritionletter.tufts.edu/healthy-eating/delicious-nutritious-mexican-food/. [Accessed 27 October 2024].