It's getting cold outside. If we didn't need to eat, I'm sure a lot of us might pick staying inside over braving the snowdrifts to get to North and South. Alas, we must persevere. Here are two entrées that might make the journey to your favorite dining hall feel a little more worth it.
This week's recipes:
Meatball Sub
The dining hall puts out meatballs for pasta quite often, so why not put them to use in this classic, warm and gooey sandwich? It is great served with a salad. Thanks to Megan Cefferillo for inspiring this recipe.
Pick up a long roll and two slices of provolone cheese.
If you are in South, sprinkle parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning from the spice rack onto the inside of both sides of bread. Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of that on each side. Lay the bread flat and run it though the toaster by the Panini presses. If you are in North, toast the bread, then sprinkle parmesan cheese onto the insides of both sides of bread and cover with provolone. Zap it in the microwave for the cheese to melt.
Head to the pasta bar and add a layer of meatballs. Top with marinara sauce.
Ranch Dressing and Chicken Pasta
This dish is apparently a tradition of the Notre Dame Hockey team before each game. Now, before you run away from the odd idea of using ranch dressing on top of pasta, give the idea a try. Of course, you may feel like you need to play a hockey game by the time you finish eating it! Serve it with a garden style salad with a light vinegar based dressing. Thanks to Chris Hall for inspiring this recipe.
Fill a bowl with short pasta.
Cut up a chicken breast and mix it into the pasta.
Drizzle ranch dressing over the pasta and chicken and mix.
Heat in the microwave for less than a minute to warm up the dressing.
Sprinkle on some black pepper.
Want some variations? Before you heat the dish, try mixing in broccoli and sliced mushrooms. If you want to give it a bit of a kick, add in a little hot sauce along with the ranch dressing.
Quick Tip
Figure out which section of the dining hall you visit the least and head in that direction. Haven't made a waffle since the novelty wore off? Have one for dinner. Skip over the offerings of the Mexican bar most days? Make yourself a good taco salad. Varying your routine will prevent you from tiring of the dining hall too quickly.
Have your own dining hall recipe? We would love to feature it! E-mail mfordice@nd.edu.
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