Easy and Fun Recipes to Pass the Time During Quarantine

By Fifi Fraga

In times like these, we could all use something to pass the time. Why not develop a new skill or work on a preexisting one? Cooking is a great way to pass the time during life in quarantine. It’s also a good skill to have right now since we can’t go anywhere to eat. Let’s get creative! Here are some recipes that are easy to learn during all the free time that you have.

1. Egg Salad 

One thing you can make as a simple lunch is egg salad. This recipe is both fast and easy. While it is easy, believe it or not, I had to walk through the recipe at home with my mom! First, boil three to four eggs. Once they are hard boiled, chop them up, add mayonnaise, and stir! Add a piece of toast or two and you have a yummy lunch. 

2. Baked Chicken 

Although I am no chef (I am definitely working on it though!), I actually suggested this recipe to my mom so that we would not get bored of eating the same kind of oven-baked chicken for dinner. First, I looked up some ideas to make a Greek cuisine inspired chicken because I love Mediterranean food. To make this recipe, you will need olive oil, oregano, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and plain Greek yogurt. Mix these ingredients together proportional to the amount of chicken you plan on cooking, and marinate the meat in it. Marination can last as short as 15 minutes or as long as 24 hours depending on your desired flavor. Bake the chicken for 20 minutes after marination, and there you have it!

3. Cuban Style Steak 

Try this Cuban twist on a flank steak! Cooking the steak is simple. Just grill it over the stove in a pan, adding some olive oil, salt, and pepper. When fully cooked, add some fried plantains on the side! You can get these premade in the freezer section of your supermarket. You can also make white rice and black beans if you want even more of a Cuban flare. 

4. Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies 

When it’s time for something sweet, take the time to make cookies from scratch rather than buying something premade! First, buy a packet of chocolate chips. I like Toll House because the back of the package includes an easy recipe to follow. All you’ll need is flour, water, eggs, sugar, salt, baking soda, vanilla extract, and the chocolate chips. Calculate your measurements according to how many cookies you want in your batch, bake for 9 to 11 minutes in the oven at 350 degrees, and enjoy!