Hey all!

Exam season is upon us, and so that means late nights, too much coffee and nothing but Ramen noodles. Lets try to make something other than instant noodles, hot dogs, chicken finger, frozen pizzas etc. Here are two healthy snacks that you can make large batches of and keep on hand.

Chile Almonds: 

The perfect balance between sweet and spicy, these roasted nuts are the ideal protein-rich snack to keep in your bag when you’re on the go.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, whisk 1 egg white until very foamy, about 1 minute. Stir in 2 tsp cane sugar and 2 tsp chile powder. Add 1 cup roasted unsalted almonds and toss to coat thoroughly. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. With a slotted spoon, transfer almond to sheet, spreading evenly. Discard remaining egg mixture. Bake until fragrant and toasted. 12-14 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Carefully lift parchment with almonds from sheet and transfer to a cooling rack. Let cool completely , about 30 minutes. Remove almonds from parchment. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Chocolate Banana Bonbons:

Forget about ice cream! These creamy, chocolaty treats will conquer your craving or an indulgent frozen snack – but they’re low in fat and sugar!

Heat a small saucepan on medium. Add 2oz 70% cocoa dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate and melt, stirring often, until smooth, about 2-5 minutes; watch closely to prevent chocolate from burning. Slice 2 bananas, peeled into 0.5-inch-thick rounds. Dip 1 side of each round into chocolate and transfer (chocolate side up) to a medium baking sheet. Freeze until chocolate hardens and bananas are frozen through about 1 hr. Serve immediately or transfer to a large zip-lock bag or airtight container and freeze for up to a month.

Well, here’s to a healthy and and successful exam period and summer!

Caitlin

Embracing a Fifth-Year

Ten years ago, being a 5^th year at a university probably marked you as unserious about your studies, a college-lifer, or someone who spent most of their degree sleeping, switching majors, partying – or all of the above.   But times have certainly changed folks: Five is the new four!  The connotations of being a fifth year university student have shifted now along the lines of being involved and “taking advantage of your time at university”.   On the other hand, a fourth year student has become this over-hardworking student that is assumed to have taken classes every summer, or simply a miraculous superhero.

I, myself, was pretty saddened when I discovered I would be doing a fifth year.  I realized this in my second year, but with every year since then, I have seen more and more the silver-lining on this “cloud”.  I have discovered the exciting side to one more year at UBC, and eased the burden in trying to fit all my interests into my university experience.   All those traditions I have been putting off because of busyness are gradually being completed: Storm the Wall, Day of Longboat, SLC, Vagina Monologues, etc.  UBC is too big of a campus to accomplish everything in 4 years, or even 5, 6, 7 years alike, but another year sure does lighten the load! 

I would like to address any students that are feeling down about a prospective fifth year, here are some gentle reminders: a) You’re not an unproductive, college-lifer student. b) It’s a blessing in disguise really.  c) The more time you spend wishing you weren’t finishing in five years, the less time you’ll have to enjoy and explore all the possibilities that only another year’s worth of time can bring!

Besides, the real world can definitely wait another year.  No rush needed.