So, you live in a dorm. That’s no excuse to scoff at cooking, though it may only be with a microwave, and certainly no excuse to abuse what may seem like a treasure trove of easy meals in the instant gratification that is the C-Store. Loyola, put down the Godfather’s breadsticks and try a few quick and simple recipes that will most likely be far more satisfying and certainly less fatal to your arteries.

FAST MELTForget the frying pan and make a quick batch of quesadillas in the microwave. Place a single, large tortilla on a microwavable plate, spread with salsa, sprinkle with shredded cheese, maybe even add some sliced, pre-cooked chicken or your favorite fresh veggies, and cover with another tortilla. Microwave for one minute on high.

SCRAMBLED EGGSMicrowave butter on high in a microwave-safe bowl until the butter melts – about 60 to 90 seconds. Add eggs, milk, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper and mix well. Microwave on high until eggs are set but still slightly moist – about two minutes. Remove from the microwave and cover until eggs become firm – about two to three minutes.

COUSCOUSIn a microwave-safe bowl, heat a can of your favorite vegetable soup until it has just started to boil. Immediately toss in eight ounces of unflavored couscous, which you can find at any grocery store. Cover the bowl and let the couscous absorb the liquid – approximately five minutes. At this point, you can shake in any seasonings to taste.

PIZZA ON THE GOSlice an English muffin in two and spread some spaghetti sauce from a jar over the two halves. Sprinkle with your favorite cheese and top with your favorite toppings, like mushrooms, pepperoni or olives. Heat it in the microwave until the cheese browns and melts.

PEANUT SAUCE RAMENRamen: the classic college student cliche, but we all love it. To spice it up a bit, mix together one-third of a cup of peanut butter, one-third of a cup of water, two tablespoons each of soy sauce and lemon juice, one teaspoon of sugar and a dash of pepper in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave this mixture for 30 seconds and toss with one or two bags of cooked, unseasoned ramen noodles.