As pretty much all Lake Forest College students know, going to the cafeteria can sometimes be a source of great joy (chicken nugget night especially) or bitter disappointment. There are definitely times when nothing looks particularly appetizing. Having a few vegetarian friends, and only eating white meat myself, I know this adds another layer to what’s available and what looks good. Sometimes you just can’t find anything. This is where eating creatively in the caf comes in handy.
I’ve learned a few tricks for eating in our dining hall, and today I’m going to share some of my favorite creations.
Meals
Veggies and Hummus: If you’re trying to eat healthy, but still want some protein in your life, hummus is definitely a savior. Grab a bowl and head over to the sandwich line, where you can easily spoon out a few scoops of hummus (sometimes they have red pepper hummus, too), then grab whatever veggies you like from the salad bar and you’ve got yourself a nutritious meal.
Honey and Feta Bagel: Probably one of my favorite caf creations so far. First you’ll want to toast yourself a bagel (raisin or blueberry are particularly delicious with this recipe), then head over to where the tea is kept and pour some honey onto your bagel. After you’ve done that, go to the salad bar and scoop some feta onto the newly honeyed bagel. If you want to add some greens, top it off with spinach for a tasty meal.
Chicken Salad with Lemon Dressing: This salad is both yummy and good for you. First you’ll want to get a plate and load it with salad greens of your choice, and then any vegetables you’ll want (green beans, corn, and squash from the grill line are great additions) next you’ll want to get some chicken (I prefer the breaded chicken patties from the grill line) and shred it up into your salad. Then, using the plain olive oil found near the dressings, add it along with a few lemon slices (found by the water dispensers). Combine the lemon juice with the oil and a little salt and you’ve made yourself a new dressing.
Blue Cheese Burger: This one is pretty simple: what you need is a burger from the grill line (the workers at the grill will always make you a veggie burger, if you ask) and then head to the salad bar and scoop some blue cheese onto the patty. Next, add a few onions from the sandwich line and top it off with your favorite sauce. I find barbecue to taste especially good. Enjoy your semi-gourmet burger.
Desserts
Root Beer Float: Pretty much exactly what it sounds like; get a scoop of your favorite ice cream flavor (vanilla is classic for a float—though I have seen someone used blue moon; to each their own) and plop it in with a cup of root beer.
Peaches and Cream: One thing I discovered freshman year is that the salad bar has a lot more to offer than just vegetables. At the end of the line near the dressings, there are often times canned peach slices. Scoop some of these slices into a bowl and then head over to the bagels section, where you’ll find some whipped cream to add on top.
Ice Cream Sandwich: Another simple but tasty dessert. Take two cookies (chocolate chip or sugar are generally the most versatile) and place a scoop of ice cream between them, effectively creating your delicious sandwich.
Cinnamon and Honey Apples: If you’re looking for something a little healthier, but still sweet, this creation is for you. All you have to do is grab an apple and get it sliced at the salad bar. After you’ve got your slices, head over to where the teabags are kept and grab some honey to pour on. Lastly, head over to the bagel station and add a few shakes of cinnamon to top it off.
