So, I'm wondering something. As the colder weather sets in and talk of impending snowstorms increases, there's always at least one time any given winter when people flock to the grocery store in droves to pick up "necessities" for an incoming nor'easter.
Here's what baffles me: bread and milk, the first two staples that people run down the aisles for in these types of situations, are among the kinds of foods that spoil the quickest. Stocking up on these goodies seems a bit ridiculous, when the idea of a major storm means you won't be able to leave your house for days.
What happens when your six loaves of bread go bad, and your five gallons of milk spoil? I'll tell you. You're left eating canned vegetables and wondering why you weren't more prudent when it came down to purchasing time at the check out counter.
If bread and milk are out as decent, viable options, what should we be shamelessly hoarding instead? The answers vary, depending on where you live and what amenities you have available to you. Life would be great if you lived in a house with a fireplace. All you'd have to do is buy as many bags of marshmallows, small chocolate bars and graham crackers as you could carry. If I could interject my advice, I'd say use a shopping cart. One can never have too many ingredients for s'mores. Then you'd light yourself a nice fire, and forget that you can't leave your house.
But, let's get real. I'm thinking that not many of us college kids have such nice digs. No offense directed towards our lovely on-campus accommodations, but the best most of us can do is a micro-fridge and a makeshift bar.
Not to worry. You can rock your snowed-in status like a pro if you just keep a few things in mind. If there are whispers of an oncoming barrage of white, fluffy precipitation, do yourself a favor. Get to the nearest grocery store as soon as you can. You need a few supplies.
First thing on your list should be frozen juice concentrates, the stuff in the cans that you find in the freezer section. I'd recommend orange juice, but you can be as daring as you want. That way you can make a mean drink with just water and your libation of choice. Grab those paper umbrellas if you're looking for an extra perk in your solo cup. There's no need to go anywhere but your dorm room when you've got an "umbrella drink." Girls, you don't even need to get out of your pajamas. Comfort is key in this type of situation.
Next, please remember that your micro-fridge never pops popcorn correctly. You might as well stock up on some Smartfood and snag some Cheezits while you're in the junk food aisle. Because of the preservatives, junk food has a long shelf life, promising to get you through any storm you have to weather.
Another good snowstorm food? Poptarts. Toasters are illegal in dorms, but you do have a heater. Unwrap these frosted little gems and pop them right on your heater for no longer than 4 minutes. They'll be toasted to perfection.
Even though it never pops a bag of popcorn to your liking, your microwave does have some value to it. If you've got a hankering for some s'mores, here's a tip. Buy the supplies, stack a graham cracker, a marshmallow and a little bar of chocolate on a plate and pop it right into your micro-fridge microwave.
This technique might involve some experimentation, but you've got plenty of time. Plus, blowing marshmallows up in the microwave is more interesting than it sounds. Trust me. Just try it out. (As an aside, I discovered this fun pastime microwaving leftover "Peeps" after Easter Sunday).
Our old favorites, bread and milk should certainly stay where they belong: on their respective shelves at the grocery store. Why even bother wasting your time with old-school staples when you can try your hand at some new and improved snowstorm survival snacks?
While you're stocking up on all of the goods, here's my advice: have a chuckle at the poor saps who aren't as informed as you. As you load up on your well-preserved boxes and bags of goodies, watch them throw another loaf of 12 grain into their cart and fight over the last gallon of two percent. While you're eating microwave s'mores and Cheezits, make sure you have a toast over your umbrella drink to your newfound survival skills.
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