Are you living on your own for the first time or maybe you know of someone who just started college and is living in the dorms or their very own apartment? It’s a super exciting time! Having your new found freedom and space to do what you want is a big step towards being independent but along with it comes #adulting meaning you’re now responsible for prepping your own savory meals and tasty desserts. One thing we wish we had when we started living independently was a list of recipes that were easy, yummy, and quick to make for ourselves plus friends and other gatherings – a variety, you know? Recipes you could make in a kitchen or even in your own dorm or at school.
So we decided to make our very own list to share with you all. Below you’ll find a variety of scrumptious desserts and drinks to choose from and a few meal ideas that you can make and store away to eat throughout the week. We’ve also customized this list so if you want to send someone a care package of treats you can!
Hot Cocoa Mug Cake
This recipe, is one of THE BEST easy and quick microwaveable chocolate desserts that you can make anywhere and anytime! The perfect pick me up snack during or after school or potentially a midnight study treat cause those chocolate cravings can happen at any time. It takes 5 min MAX and is super satisfying. If you don’t have Rodelle Hot Cocoa mix – substitute it with 2-3 Tablespoons of Rodelle Gourmet Cocoa/Rodelle Organic Cocoa and add 4-5 tablespoons of preferred sugar. You might need to add an extra tablespoon of milk as well if it’s getting to thick.
We also have a new Flourless Dark Chocolate Mug Cake with Coconut Cream which is tasty too. ????
Birthday Mug Cake
Continuing on with our easy Mug Cakes – have a friend who’s bday is coming up or maybe you want to celebrate your bday but don’t want a huge cake? This birthday mug cake is just right! You can add some sprinkles to make it festive and fun! The glaze is optional but we think it adds a layer of awesomeness or you can always add chocolate sauce on top too, also a very good choice. Stick a candle in it and make a wish!
Simple Chocolate Ganache
You can get rich chocolate flavors with this simple ganache! Top off cakes – *cough* like the above *cough* for that chocolate wow factor or cover fruits like berries and bananas or just take a scoopful and eat it with some peanut butter on crackers. Only 4 ingredients are required and it’s also microwaveable! You’ll need a fridge for storing though!
Vanilla Bean Banana Pancake Recipe
Brunch study parties, or maybe just brunch parties are exactly what you need to host and join in on! There’s nothing better than getting to know someone by enjoying some tasty homemade pancakes together. Okay, and don’t forget the butter and syrup…and maybe some bacon and eggs on the side!
We recently made a reel with step by step process on making this recipe which you can check out here!
Mega Ultimate Choco Chip Cookies
Praise these ULTIMATE chocolate chip cookies! Chewy, soft, and just the right amount of crispness on the sides makes this a Rodelle fan fav. Sprinkle a bit of salt on top to add a hint of savoryness.
These cookies are also really great gifts to give or send to friends and family.
Creamy Chocolate-Peanut Butter Avocado Pudding
This choco pudding is a healthy dessert option that’s creamy, energizing, and just yummy – a good breakfast treat to start your day! It doesn’t taste like it’s healthy but we promise it is!
Rodelle Apple Hand Pie
Crisp apples combined with some wonderful vanilla bean flavors and a buttery sweet crust makes these a wonderful easy shareable fall dessert. If you don’t have any Rodelle Vanilla Paste, try using Rodelle Vanilla Extract, it’s a 1:1 ratio so easy to remember!
Pumpkin Black Bean Chili
One thing you cannot regret is getting a crockpot in college and honestly, life in general! It is a TIME SAVER and easy peasy to add all the ingredients and just let it simmer on low heat for a few huors. This recipe you can make in a large soup pot but can also make it in a large crock pot on low heat for 6-8hrs, stirring occasionally. We also have this Rodelle Cocoa Chili if you’re not feelin like pumpkin chili.
Rodelle Vanilla Bean Pumpkin Seed Recipe
You can use those pumpkin seeds from your future pumpkin carving event to make these delicious pumpkin seeds (might need to add more salt – like 1 whole tsp) or buy some from the store. A yummy snack to munch on!
Crispy Smashed Home Fries
You know how you can get those sweet cravings or chocolate cravings. We hear also get savory fry cravings. Yep, that’s right. This is a necessary recipe that you’ll need for the fall and winter! Our prime rib seasoning adds a depth of flavor and you can decide how crispy to fry them – yummmm.
Rodelle Gooey Fudge Brownies
Brownies are also a classic solution-to-chocolate-cravings type of dessert. This particular recipe is included on our packaging but it’s such a good easy recipe that we thought highlighting it here would be nice! This is also a treat you can give as a gift to fellow college neighbors and friends or maybe send to family members!
Oatmeal Applesauce Muffins
These are healthy low-fat muffins that can be taken on the go and keep you energized! They’ll taste great with your necessary coffee or tea beverage!
Vanilla Cream Cold Brew
Have you been studying a lot, almost to the point where all the words on your assignment are beginning to blur and you’re also living off of 4 hours or less of sleep and don’t want to continue sipping on your regular cup of joe? Not to worry my friends~! Procrastinate a bit and make yourself and maybe a few of your other fellow sleep deprived classmates this cold brew! It’s fancy yet easy to make. If you don’t have maple syrup on hand you can try using honey or agave or just some packets of sugar. Whatever works!
Also, you don’t have to be sleep deprived to have this drink – it’s a tasty treat to just have as well on the weekend. ????
We’ve also got a homemade Coffee Creamer Recipe that contains a vanilla flavored version and a cocoa peppermint version for the holidays!
Vanilla Champagne Cocktail
Any weekend means it’s time to celebrate! Woooo! This is a bubbly, sweet, citrus drink that’s nicely balanced! Cheers!
Guilt Free Raspberry Chocolate Smoothie
Smoothies are also meal life savers in the morning and are healthy! You can prep the night before and place all your ingredients in a jar or the smoothie container and place in fridge. All you’ll need to do in the morning is blend it! If you don’t have a vanilla bean – 1 tsp of Rodelle Vanilla Extract (Alcohol Free works as well) or 1 tsp of vanilla paste. And if you’re not a fan of soy milk, any other milk option will work!
Some other ingredients you can include is a mix of berries instead of just raspberries, a banana, chia seeds, honey, oats, etc.
Rodelle Tenderizing Marinades
Making dinner for special guest(s) and needing a dinner option – something to wow and impress? This recipe will work for chicken or steak and is so flavorful plus easy to make. Also cook up some Herbes de Provence England Potatoes or maybe some or Vanilla Bean Brussels Sprouts and your main dish is ready!
Also another good option is this Braised Pork Belly!
Below are some other easy and delicious recipes that we recommend looking into!
Cookies and Vanilla Cream Martini Recipe
Banana Sheet Cake / The Ultimate Vanilla Banana Cream Pie
Vanilla Bean Cupcake Italian Soda