Tupperware's College Dorm Room Care Package

Do you have a child who has recently gone off to college?
Or do you know one that is special to you?

Are they ready for those nights when they just can't find anything at the college dining hall that makes them want to sit and eat?  

How about for when the munchies hit after the dining hall is closed for the night?  Or during those late night mid term exam cram sessions?  You know we all get stressed out and need something to eat.  How about supplying them with good food instead of junk.

Tupperware has the answer ... again.

If they are a TupperKid, we know they are prepare with a good stock of products to start. Here’s some great pieces of Tupperware that I suggest:

• Microwave Rice Maker
• Microwave Pasta Maker
• Spatula
• Cutting Board
• Universal Series Chef Knife
• Essentials Bowls
• Power Chef® System
• Thatsa® Bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Care Package #1

We call care package #1 Mexican Night, for a perfect for a Tuesday or any night. 

Pack up these dry ingredients with the below instructions and send it to their way (note: your college student will need to purchase the perishables for both recipes when ready to start cooking. We wouldn’t recommend mailing mangoes—that could get messy).

• 1 small bag Jasmine rice
• 1 can black beans
• 1 small can green chills
• DIY Southwest Chipotle seasoning or favorite seasoning mix

Serves: 4 (so roommates can join in)
Serving Size: about 1 cup
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup Jasmin rice
• 1 cup black beans, drained, rinsed
• 2 tbsp. green chilies
• 2 tbsp. DIY Southwest Chipotle Seasoning Blend, or favorite Southwest seasoning
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
• 1 small garlic clove, peeled, minced
• 3/4 cup chopped avocado
• 3/4 cup chopped mango
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 lime, cut into quarters

Directions:

1. In the base of the Rice Maker stir together rice, beans, chilies, seasoning, water, and ¼ tsp. of the salt. 
2. Place rice insert on base; place rice cover on insert. 
3. Microwave on high power 5 minutes, then 50% power for 10 minutes more. 
4. Remove from microwave, set aside.
5. In a medium bowl toss together garlic, avocado, mango, and remaining salt; set aside.
6. Divide rice evenly between 4 serving bowls. 
7. Top with ¼ of the avocado mixture, garnish with cilantro and squeeze of lime.

Care Package #2

Care package #2 is for Italian Night. 

For this one, put the follow ingredients in the mail:

• 1 lb. box of rotini pasta
• Small bottle of olive oil
• 1 jar sun dried tomato packed in olive oil
• 1 small bag chopped walnuts

Serves: 4 (again great for roommates or study partners)
Serving Size: about 1 cup
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small garlic clove, peeled
• ¼ cup chopped sundried tomatoes (packed in oil)
• ½ cup fresh parsley or basil
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts
• ½ lb. rotini pasta
• 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. In the base of the Power Chef® System with blade attachment, add olive oil, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and ¼ tsp. of salt. 
2. Cover and pull cord until garlic and tomatoes are well minced. 
3. Add parsley and walnuts. Cover and pull cord until finely chopped.
4. In the Round Pasta Maker, add rotini and remaining salt. Add water to max fill line. 
5. Microwave on high power 8 minutes or until al-dente.
6. Drain and transfer to large bowl. 
7. Pour olive oil mixture over pasta, toss to coat. 
8. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top. 
9. Serve warm.

You could be the hit of his or her dorm with these little care packages arriving at just the right time.  

What?  They don't have these great pieces?  You could grab them today and send them off with the first care package.  My Tupperware Site is always open, and I love to share some great and easy recipes to use them with .. so make sure you stop by often.

Let me know how they make out this year.  

After having 2 in college, I feel like I'm a "pro" at being prepared for dorm meals.  Not that my 2 were picky eaters or anything.

Now I have to check and see if there is something my niece needs to keep her stomach and that of her roommates full this semester, without worry of the Freshman 10.