.jpg)
The Senior Gazette
If making a large meal feels like a daunting or impractical task this winter, turn to a short cut favored by college students and busy professionals: meals in a mug! Mug meals can be a much healthier alternative to fast food, eliminate leftovers, and can be cooked in just a few minutes. If cooking for one or two, the portion sizes are just right. Here are a couple of recipes to try: Mug Omelet – Grease the inside of a microwave-safe 12 ounce mug with butter. Add three large eggs, 2 tablespoons of milk, then beat with a fork until well-combined. Stir in a couple of tablespoons of cheese, bell pepper, and ham. Add a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Microwave on mediumhigh for 1.5 minutes, stir and then microwave an additional 1-1.5 minutes until eggs are set. (Courtesy of the Food Network.)
Pasta in a Mug – Combine 1/3 cup of macaroni, a pinch of salt, and 1/3 cup of water in a large, wide mug. Microwave for five minutes, stopping every minute to stir the pasta. When all the water is absorbed, add 1/3 cup low-fat milk and ½ cup finely shredded cheese. Return to the microwave for one minute. Stir to combine and wait for a couple of minutes. Your creation will be piping hot! (Courtesy of Feel Good Foodie.)
Microwave Mug Chili – In a mediumsized microwaveable mug, combine 3 tablespoons red kidney beans, 3 tablespoons corn, 3 tablespoons finely chopped carrots, 1 tablespoon of onion, 6 tablespoons of canned tomato sauce, ½ teaspoon of cumin, ½ teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional) and ½ teaspoon dried chili or tabasco sauce. Cover with cling wrap and store in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, remove wrap and microwave for 2 – 2.5 minutes to heat through all ingredients. Serve topped with sour cream, avocado or chopped green onion. (Courtesy of Gemma’s Bigger, Bolder Baking.)
The simple mug can be the perfect vessel for single-serving deliciousness. Microwave cooking saves time, effort, and cleanup. It’s also ideal for those living in small spaces. A mug meal pairs nicely with a favorite show on Netflix, a podcast, or a good novel this winter and all year long.
For more recipes, consider picking up a copy of “Mug Meals: More Than 100 No-Fuss Ways to Make a Delicious Meal in Minutes” by Leslie Bilderback.
Editor’s note: This story was submitted by Leigh-Anne Lees, community relations director, Valley Program for Aging Services.
