This week's Dining Hall Dish features two of favorite pasta standbys, as well as a crowd-pleasing dessert. Simple and easy-to-make, these dining hall classics can easily be concocted in a few minutes.
Chicken Parmesan
Four hundred years ago, chefs in Bologna topped a breaded veal cutlet with ham and cheese. The dish quickly grew in popularity and spread to Parma, where they took away the ham and renamed the dish veal parmigiana. The dining hall features a modernized chicken version every so often, but I find that when lines are long, making my own version of this dish is a quick way to get a homey, Italian dinner.
1. Fill a plate bowl with your favorite pasta.
2. Add a chicken breast (breaded or grilled).
3. Cover with spaghetti sauce and mozzarella.
4. Microwave till cheese is melted. Add flavor with a dash of Italian seasoning. Enjoy!
Pasta Primavera Salad
This Italian dish was highlighted on "Seinfeld" as the food Elaine sneezed on, causing the president of NBC to become sick. In honor of the reunion of the "Seinfeld" cast this year, I offer a simple dining hall version of this famous dish. Light and cheerful, this salad works fabulously as a healthy side dish, but I recommend adding a few chicken strips or some chickpeas in order to make it your entrée.
1. Fill a bowl half-way with your favorite pasta - tri-color rotini works best.
2. Add your favorite salad mix-ins: cucumbers, broccoli, shredded carrots and red onions all work well. Don't be afraid to explore the Mexican station for some other add-ins, like diced tomatoes and onions.
3. Spoon Italian-dressing on top, to taste. For an extra kick, squeeze a lemon on top.
Ice Cream Sandwich
Around the globe, this dessert is universally coveted. Scotland calls it a 'slider,' England calls it an 'ice cream wafer,' and Australians simply call it the 'Giant Sandwich.' After you master the basics, try making the dessert your own by spreading peanut butter, whipped cream, or even jelly on one of the cookies.
1. Take two cookies, preferably chocolate chip - bonus points if they are freshly baked!
2. Scoop your favorite ice cream on top of the bottom of a cookie. Place the base of the other cookie on top, and squish together. Frozen yogurt can be used, but due to its soft consistency, be ready for a bit of a mess!