One of the few silver linings of such a persistent pandemic is the increased chance of picking up a new hobby. For some, it could be baking bread or cinnamon rolls; for others, it could be reading or coloring. Personally, I started cooking dinner for my family almost every day, and it has definitely helped me pass the time these past several months.

Over this time at home, I have picked up some recipes that I can make easily with ingredients that last for an extended period of time. This way, you can cook delicious food while making less grocery trips. If you were thinking about picking up cooking, you should take a look at these extremely easy recipes to get started. Cooking is for everyone, you just have to start with the basics, like these recipes.

Berry & Banana Smoothie

Some days, waking up and eating a stack of pancakes or eggs and bacon just doesn’t seem appealing— you might prefer something lighter, but still filling. Smoothies are a great way to have a quick and easy breakfast with the benefits of fruits and vegetables. Lucky for you, here is one of my all-time favorite smoothie recipes.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of milk/milk substitute (any kind works)
• 1/2 cup of cranberry juice
• 1/2 of a frozen banana
• 3/4 cup of frozen berries

Steps

1. Blend as long as you prefer, and you’ll have a delicious start to your day.

Black Bean & White Rice Bowl

During a time where keeping the body healthy is so important, vegetables need to be included in your food daily. This bowl takes care of that with a wide assortment of vegetables that are sure to bring some more color to your food palate. As Charlotte Jordan, ’23, said when asked about her opinion on this meal, she exclaimed, “This is one of my favorites to eat for lunch, especially when I’m hungry after school!”

Ingredients

• 1/2 of a can of black beans
• 1 cup of white (or brown) rice (boiled on medium heat for 15-20 minutes)
• 1 chopped tomato
• 1/2 finely chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1-2 finely chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon of lime juice
• 2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon of cumin

Steps

1. Combine the cooled rice, black beans, tomato, green onion, and both colored bell peppers in a medium bowl.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cumin, olive oil, lime juice, and Dijon mustard.
3. Add the dressing to the vegetable bowl to preference.
4. Toss to preference and enjoy.

(Spicy) Veggie Grilled Cheese

Emma Silva ’23 enjoys variations of simple foods like grilled cheese as she said, “Sometimes, I get bored with the same foods, but adding fruits or veggies can really turn the meal around.” If you’re interested in an exciting twist on a classic food, this recipe is for you.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoons of butter (or a butter substitute)
• 2 slice of white bread
• 2 slices of American cheese
• 1 thinly sliced tomato
• 1/4 of a small onion (preferably white)
• (Optional) 1 chopped jalapeño pepper

Steps

1. Heat a medium pan over medium heat. Spread the butter onto one side of both slices of bread and place the bread on the pan butter-side down.
2. Carefully lay the slices of cheese onto the bread slices, and one by one, place the tomato, onion, and jalapeño slices on top of the cheese.
3. When the bottoms of the bread slices are toasted, carefully place the sandwich together and press down. Enjoy.

Strawberry Milkshake

Though I have made all of these recipes consistently throughout quarantine, this is the one I make almost every other night. It is a classic for a reason.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of strawberries
• 1 cup of milk/milk substitute (any kind works)
• 1/2 pint of vanilla ice cream
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Steps

1. Blend as long as you prefer, and it is best enjoyed with a straw.

These recipes are just a start to the endless possibilities of cooking, and remember to be patient during the process of becoming more comfortable in the kitchen. As Chef Gusteau of Pixar’s hit film “Ratatouille” famously says, “Anyone can cook!” You are no exception.