By Josie Gudgeon
If you are anything like me then isolation will be a battle with yourself to stay out of the treat cupboard!
Due to boredom at home we find ourselves snacking constantly during this time.
If any of you are familiar with TikTok then you will have probably seen plenty of these cooking trends before. Here are some quick and easy hacks for you to try out in the kitchen.
While not exactly health conscious, these recipes should help avoid the snack cupboard.
Dalgona Coffee
Dalgona coffee is a whipped iced coffee drink that is easy to make. This drink can be ideal for vegans or any non-dairy diets.
You’ll need 2 Tablespoons of instant coffee, 2 Tablespoons of sugar, and 2 Tablespoons of boiling water.
Whisk all of this together until fluffy and peaks are forming. Add your milk (be it almond, soya or ordinary) with ice into a glass then scope frothy coffee mixture on top.
Oreo cake in a Mug
A sweet treat to enjoy made, in 70 seconds in the microwave.
To start, Break up 5 Oreos into a mug.
Fill mug 1/3 of the way with milk.
Stir and crush up the oreo mixing all the ingredients together.
Place in microwave for 70 seconds, keeping an eye on the mixture to make sure it doesn’t bubble over.
Cornflake Fried Chicken
Rinse and pat dry 3 1/2 pounds chicken breast or thigh meat.
Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Whisk together in a shallow bowl 2 large eggs and a 1/4 cup milk.
Combine in a wide, shallow bowl 2 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper.
Dip the chicken pieces in the egg mixture, then coat with the cornflake mixture, patting with your fingers to make the crumbs stick to the chicken.
The chicken can be prepared to this point up to 3 hours in advance and kept, uncovered, in the refrigerator.
Arrange the chicken skin side up on the baking sheet.
If you wish, drizzle over the chicken 2 to 3 tablespoons melted butter.
Bake until the chicken is crisp and golden, 45 to 60 minutes.
Cheesy Bites
If like me, you are missing your McDonald’s then why not try this simple and easy recipe that was designed to mimic our beloved cheese dippers.
You’ll need a Packet of Baby Bells cheese, 1 egg, and enough Flour and Breadcrumbs to coat.
Crack your egg into a bowl and whisk.
Dip you’re your baby bell into the egg before dipping it into the flour. Then again back into the egg and into the breadcrumbs.
Once all the baby bells are coated fry in oil until golden and crispy on the outside.
Hash Browns
A breakfast staple and another one of our fast-food favourites.
You’ll need, 1 large potato, 1 egg, Vegetable oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
Peel and grate the potato, and then pat it dry using paper towels to absorb the outer layer of moisture.
Then add a small amount of the mixture at a time into a clean tea towel and squire all the moisture out of the potato; you’ll be surprised to how much liquid you get out of the potato!
You then want to crack your egg, add salt and pepper to the potato, and mix it all together. For best results get in there and mix with your hands.
Once this is complete, you then want to mold the mixture into your desired shape, again with your hands.
Shallow fry your hash browns in vegetable oil on medium heat, flipping them to ensure both sides become nice and golden brown.
Macaroni and Cheese in a Mug
For our final recipe, you’ll need 1/3 cup pasta of your choice, though the smaller the better, 3/4 cup of cold water, 4 tablespoons milk 1/4 teaspoon of cornstarch/cornflour, 4 tablespoons of cheddar grated cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
Using a large microwavable mug, add your pasta, water, and microwave for roughly 3 and a half minutes.
You want to ensure that the pasta is fully cooked (this timing is based on a 1200w microwave so your timing may vary). The best way to test if your pasta is done is to just eat a piece! no need to go flinging it against your wall or anything like that.
Once cooked, pour out the remaining cooking water.
Dissolve your cornflour in the milk to create a slurry, then add it along with the shredded cheese and microwave for a final 60 seconds.
Stir well and season with salt and pepper and enjoy!
I hope this was helpful and we can all have some fun in the kitchen. I have loved trying out these simple quick and easy food hacks. Who would have known that people would be missing McDonald’s and other fast-food restaurants so much that we would be trying to make them in our own kitchens?