Commodore Cooking: The Year in Review

As I formulated the concept for this blog, I knew it would be a challenge to my culinary creativity and cost control abilities. From quiche to cobbler and muffins to mug cake, Commodore Cooking served up 32 recipes made with ingredients purchased from solely Vanderbilt University Markets, one "feature ingredient" recipe, one recipe made with ingredients not readily available in Vanderbilt University Markets, one cost comparison, and two interviews. The 2011-12 school year was certainly filled with both cooking triumphs and cooking disappointments but I can honestly say that I have enjoyed everything about this blogging experience. I want to thank those of you who have taken the time to read my blog and I especially want to thank everyone who has patiently reviewed my recipes week upon week. Even if you are an occasional reader of my posts or a one time taste tester of my food, I hope that you too have enjoyed your experience with Commodore Cooking. Although this post officially marks the end of Commodore Cooking, I am looking forward to many more cooking and baking adventures beyond the limits of Vanderbilt University Markets.    

Nachos

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle of Puebla in 1862. In the United States, it is observed as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride and commemorates the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War. Celebrations assume a wide variety of forms including the display of banners, music, regional dancing, and of course, food and beverages. Therefore this week's recipe is a celebration of Mexican cuisine. These nachos go beyond the simplest form of tortilla chips and shredded cheese to include a variety of toppings including the smoky flavor of hickory BBQ riblets and a sweet bean and corn mixture. The bean and corn mixture may be purchased in Nectar. All other ingredients may be purchased in either Varsity Marketplace, Varsity Morgan, or Varsity Towers. Based upon the calculated cost per serving a batch of these nachos will cost you $8.29 or $2.07 per serving. Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Nachos

Yield: 4 servings

Total Cost: $8.29

• 36 Santinas tortilla triangles
• 2 Pepper Jack cheese sticks (2 oz), shredded
• St. Dalfour Gourmet on the Go Three Beans with Sweet Corn (6.2 oz tin)
• 1 Morningstar Farms hickory BBQ riblet, shredded

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and arrange a layer of tortilla triangles on top. Shred cheese sticks and set aside. Cook riblet as directed on packaging. Shred and set aside.

Spread bean and corn mixture over the chips. Evenly distribute shredded riblet over bean and corn mixture. Top with shredded cheese and bake in oven for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Remove from oven and serve hot.

Reviews
 "Nacho ordinary way to end your year."
"Really good."

Strawberry Mug Cake

You may recall the hot cocoa mug cake that I made during finals week of last semester. Or perhaps you have forgotten it as I wish that I could. Although I consider last semester's mug cake a fail, I do still believe that the quick and easy nature of a mug cake is a great inspirational concept for finals week. I decided to make some changes to this mug cake recipe in the hopes of creating a treat with better taste and texture. Unlike hot cocoa mug cake, strawberry mug cake includes sugar and baking powder. Although it lacks the element of chocolate, it derives a sweet and fruity taste from the combination of cake and strawberries. I encourage you to take a 5 minute study break and see if an improvement has in fact been made to the mug cake recipe. All ingredients may be purchased in either Varsity Morgan or Varsity Towers. Based upon the calculated cost per serving of each ingredient, this version of mug cake will cost you $1.52. This does not include the cost of cooking spray. Good luck on finals!

Strawberry Mug Cake
Yield: 1 mug cake
Total Cost: $1.52 (does not include cost of cooking spray)

• cooking spray
• 5 1/2 tablespoons flour
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 strawberries, sliced

Spray inside of oversized mug with cooking spray. Combine all ingredients except strawberries into the mug. Stir until batter is smooth. Slice strawberries and carefully drop pieces on top.

Microwave for 1 1/2 minutes. If cake is not done, microwave for an additional 30 seconds. Serve warm.

Reviews
"I like that it's warm."
"I like the strawberries."
"Better than the chocolate one."

Banana Pops

The two-day, on-campus music festival Rites of Spring, or "Rites," is one of the most anticipated events of the year. The lineup for this year includes Wiz Khalifa, MUTEMATH, Sleigh Bells, Wick-It the Instigator, Chancellor Warhol, Tyler Hilton and many more. With great weather and a celebratory atmosphere it is a much-needed chance to put the books aside for a bit before finals begin. In accordance with the festive spirit that "Rites" embodies, the recipe for this week is a fun snack. Banana pops are an easy homemade treat that will keep you fueled throughout the weekend. Even better, make a large batch and share with friends! All ingredients may be purchased in Varsity Morgan or Varsity Towers and pretzels may be purchased at Nectar. Based upon the calculated cost per serving of each ingredient, a batch of 36 banana pops will cost you $10.56 or $0.29 per pop. For more information regarding Rites of Spring visit http://www.vanderbilt.edu/ros/.

Banana Pops

Yield: 36 pops

Total Cost: $10.56

• 3 bananas, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 2.1 oz Butterfinger bar, crushed
• OREO Mini Bite Size Sandwich Cookies (3 oz bag), crushed
• 1 1.75 oz tube Planters salted peanuts, chopped
• 36 Glutino gluten free pretzels sticks

Cut bananas into 1/2-inch slices and set aside. Crush or chop each topping and place each in separate dish. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Stir chocolate and oil in small saucepan over low heat just until smooth. Let stand 15 minutes to cool.
 

Use fork to dip each banana slice into chocolate, coating the majority of the banana. Shake off excess chocolate. Roll dipped banana into topping of choice. Use hand to sprinkle more topping over banana to coat. Transfer to cookie sheet and stick a pretzel stick into the center of the banana. Freeze until firm, about 3 hours, and serve.

 

Reviews
"I like the salt from the pretzel."