Creative Cuisine How to Avoid Embarassment at Mealtime

Author: Emily Lord and Caitlin Vaughn

There are times in a Middlebury student's life when one may find oneself in an embarrassing dining hall situation. We've all been there. The moment of realization: you didn't come with anyone, you don't see anyone you know and/or your friends have mysteriously blended into the J.Crew-clad masses. What to do?
The first thing to remember is: don't panic. You have plenty of options. First, take a lap around the salad bar sans tray. See anyone you know? It doesn't have to be your best friend. After all, you might have something really interesting to tell the guy who sits next to you in psychopharmacology about your last exam. Or maybe there's someone you know vaguely and want to get to know better. For instance, perhaps there is a friend of a friend, or "friend-in-law" as we like to call them, that you could ask about your mutual friend, thus starting a good conversation and netting a potential dinner partner. Or maybe this is the opportunity to finally learn the name of your Proctor/Ross/FIC crush.
You've been oogling that cutie for four years now, it's time. Finally meeting your Proctor crush and discovering that he or she is not the person of your dreams is still better than spending excess energy attempting to look intrigued by the contents of "Midd This Week."
Those options aside, this could be the perfect opportunity for you to explore your culinary potential with some simple homemade recipes to put some zip into your meal. In fact, you are doing yourself a double service -- avoiding the "Lost in Proctor" look and transforming that bland, crusty pasta/limp salad into edible art. Here are seven tasty topping recipes to tide you over during those dining hall disasters:
Story's Pasta -- Take a plate of pasta from the hot line. At the salad bar/sandwich bar, add slice tomatoes, artichoke hearts and shredded mozzarella cheese. At the spice counter add thyme, basil and garlic powder to taste, and sprinkle with olive oil. Place in microwave for 1 minute.
Jon's Thai Pasta -- Take a plate of pasta from the hot line. Grab a small bowl. At the toaster counter, take one spoonful of peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your choice). At the spice counter take about one to two teaspoons of oil (olive or canola) and a couple dashes of soy sauce. Sprinkle with garlic powder, Thai seasoning and red pepper flakes to taste. Place in microwave for 1.5 minutes. Stir and pour onto pasta, along with any veggies you like.
Caitlin's Pasta Primavera -- Take a plate of pasta from the hot line. Grab a small bowl. Add a couple of spoonfuls of light cream cheese. At the spice counter, add a dash each of lemon pepper, garlic powder, thyme, balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese. Microwave for one minute. Add to pasta and/or steamed veggies.
Fool Proof Balsamic Vinaigrette -- In a small bowl or mug, combine relatively equal quantities of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add a pinch of sugar, thyme, basil and garlic powder. Whisk with a fork. For extra zip add one to two spoonfuls of Dijon mustard and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
The Salad Anti-Dressing -- Add on top of your salad: two teaspoons of cottage cheese, one teaspoon plain yogurt, two teaspoons salsa and one smear of hummus. We know, it may sound bizarre, but it actually tastes great, especially if you like creamy dressings.
Gillian's Wrap Zapper -- For a new twist on your boring old wrap or sandwich, swap the mayo for a dollop of fruit yogurt. Disclaimer: we hold no responsibility for a gross tasting wrap if you use Banilla. Try the berry flavors instead.
The Quick Tomato Spread -- Toast a piece of thick bread, preferably a baguette if available, and while that's toasting, make the topping. Put about 4 chopped up tomato slices in a bowl. Head to the spice table and add a medley of cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a pinch of time and some salt and pepper. Microwave for about one to 1.5 minutes. Retrieve your toast and spread pesto (from the salad bar) and then top with the warm tomato spread... delish!