Peanut Satay Ramen

Even though I'm a married adult I still keep Ramen in the house. As a teacher, there are days that when I come home, I either have no idea what to make for dinner or I don't want to cook at all. This is where Ramen saves me.

In college, I was well equipped to make many dorm masterpieces. I had a mini fridge, electric kettle, espresso/coffee maker, and in my final two years I acquired an illegal toaster oven (illegal because toaster ovens were not allowed at my college, but the idea came from my parents, who attended the same college I went to and told me you could cook steak in toaster oven). Looking back, I didn't take advantage of the tools I had for cooking better meals than what was served in the cafeteria (but I did get my steaks).

For authenticity, I prepared this recipe the same way I would have done in college.

If your college cafeteria is anything like mine was, there are a lot of ingredients you can "borrow". Our cafe frequently had lemon and avocado decorations that would have gone to eventual waste had friends not taken advantage of their availability. You are paying for this stuff, so why not get your money's worth?

1 packet of Ramen

1-2 tbs preferred peanut butter

1-3 tbs coconut cream (to taste)

*1-2 tsp Sriracha (optional; to taste)

*crushed peanuts for topping if you have them

The Coconut cream I use in this recipe is fantastic. It's only $2-3 and lasts forever--which probably puts it on the less healthy side, but it has a great flavor and you don't need to add any sugar.

Because I'm going for authenticity, I'm preparing everything the way I would have done in college. The satay sauce (peanut butter, coconut cream, and Sriracha) is mixed in a mug and set aside.

The peanuts I crushed in a paper towel using a jar.

Prepare ramen as directed, save aptly named flavor packet for another use. I cooked the ramen 2 minutes on each side in the microwave and then drained the majority of the water when it was ready.

Microwave satay sauce for 30-60 seconds and then mix everything together and enjoy!