My father says meals you make yourself always taste the best. When I was younger, I would laugh at his statement as he served up tangy tomato egg stir fry or hearty beef noodle soup for dinner. Why would I want to cook a meal when I could enjoy the delicious flavors someone else made for me? But the more familiar I grew with the kitchen, the more I began to understand. 

I first learned to cook scrambled eggs—an easy breakfast for a middle schooler, spiffied up with sauteed onions or scallions sprinkled on top. Pasta became another staple: a simple and versatile meal. On a whim, I could mix boiled sausages, canned tuna, and peas into it, depending on what my appetite demanded for the night. 

As knowledge grew, so did responsibility. I found myself cooking breakfast for the family on lazy Saturday mornings or whipping up a carb-heavy meal for my brother after his evening swim practice. My cooking became an expression of love when I put my energy and consideration into those I was serving. 

There was something delightful in the freedom of dreaming up various add-ins to spice up my dishes, to appeal to the various palettes at the table, or to use up whatever was available. This led to many successful (and failed) experiments, from applesauce in steamed baos to hamburger patties in Chinese stir fry. 

Since moving into college, I find myself missing the feeling of dough beneath my nails as I move between Andrews and V-Dub. I have explored the full capacity of what the Ratty has to offer and now bring you one of my favorite fall delights, for all my chefs and chefs-to-be. 

avocado toast panini

ingredients:

note: weekend breakfast ratty bar only

from kosher:

• 2 scoops of avocado (you will have to ask for extra!) 
• 1 scoop of lox cream cheese (optional) 
• sliced tomato
• sliced onion

from sandwich station: 

• 2 slices of whole wheat bread 
• 1 slice of provolone cheese

from comforts:

• scrambled eggs

directions:

1. set a bagel station toaster to the lowest setting and run both pieces of bread through. 
2. spread avocado onto one slice of bread.
3. layer on (in order, from bottom to top): scrambled eggs, provolone, sliced tomato, sliced onions, and the other slice of bread. 
4. press in the sandwich station panini machine.
5. remove & enjoy!
6. optional: spread lox cream cheese on top of the completed panini. 

spiced iced cold brew latte 

ingredients:

• ice
• honey
• whole milk
• cold brew
• nutmeg & cinnamon from oatmeal bar

directions: 

1. drizzle honey around the sides of your cup.
2. add ice.
3. add 3/4 whole milk.
4. add 1/4 cold brew.
5. sprinkle nutmeg & cinnamon to taste.
6. stir & enjoy with a straw!