For most of us, returning to school after winter break means getting reacquainted with our old friend Easy Mac.
But while mom's meals are always the best, I would like to take a moment to honor the ultimate college food: cereal.
No food defines the college student more. Cereal is among the most simple of cuisines, yet those living the hectic, tight-budgeted college lifestyle quickly perfect ways to make it gourmet.
To call cereal a 'breakfast food' is blasphemy in the college world. It might as well be part of SOAR to teach incoming students that cereal is ideal for any meal, at any time of the day.
The dining halls have caught on and keep their selection of fine cereals out from morning till night. And while your mom may cringe at the thought of a General Mills existence, the nutrition world has long supported the health benefits of cereal.
As for variations on the classic bowl of Wheaties, college students have done to cereal what Ian's has done with pizza. We all have our own unique preferences.
To begin, some are fans of wholesome options such as Special K or granola, while others prefer cereals which are little more than cake with a vitamin on top.
After this choice comes the great dividing issue of milk. Beyond the different types, how much should be added?
Some like a milk-drenched mess, getting their daily dose of calcium in the final slurp. If you're like me, sogginess ruins a good bowl.
To keep the crunch while avoiding the choking hazard of dry cereal, try adding some yogurt. For a real twist (and a healthy jolt of protein), throw some cottage cheese in there. Yes, others will think you hurled in your bowl, but it tastes pretty good.
These variations are just the tip of the iceberg for our beloved cereal. Cereality, a one-of-a-kind 'cereal caf'?? in downtown Chicago, serves cereal and only cereal.
In Cold Stone fashion, diners select their favorite cereal and choose from a vast array of mix-ins, from fruit to candy.
If you claim to be a true college student, you are no doubt aware of the wonders of cereal. Hopefully, I've given you a few new ideas. Lest cereal become boring for you, I encourage you to spice up your next bowl with a new addition ' you won't be disappointed.
