Turning Your Living Space into a Night Out
By Sam Washburn
Right now, it may seem like there is truly nothing to do. The snow won’t stop falling, making it virtually impossible to leave our apartments or dorms. Not to mention, it’s also way too cold to spend long hours outdoors compared to last semester. COVID is still a big risk, making it hard to spend time with those outside your “family units.” While this entire school year has presented challenges, the circumstances of this semester make it hard to stay positive sometimes.
One of my favorite memories of pre-COVID times is going out to restaurants with friends. There is something about being surrounded in good company with delicious food and an upbeat atmosphere. Of course, restaurants are still open now, but with table restrictions and some restaurants only offering outdoor seating, it can be tough to find the right place to go.
One activity my roommates and I have tried throughout this semester is creating “restaurant vibes” inside our own house. Not only is this usually cheaper than a night out on the town, but it is a great bonding activity. It is also proven that cooking together with friends and family creates positive memory associations. Many of our favorite memories revolve around food, and familiar tastes and scents remind us of these memories later on. It always feels somewhat “normal” to put on a cute outfit and snap some pics for an Insta story, too.
Here is a recipe to try that serves about 6 people:
Ingredients:
3 cups of pasta (I like to use a protein-based pasta, like Banza)
1 package of Trader Joe’s Vegan Kale, Cashew, and Basil Pesto
1 package of grape tomatoes
1 package of uncooked chicken tenders
4 tablespoons of olive oil
Parmesan cheese
Steps:
1. Bake chicken for 30 minutes at 350˚ F. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder
2. Once chicken is baked, boil pasta for 10 minutes
3. Simultaneously, sauté the chicken, pesto package, and grape tomatoes in a pan
4. Once pasta is boiled, add pasta (with a half cup of pasta water) into the pan
5. Let pasta, chicken, tomatoes, and pesto continue to cook for around 5 minutes
If you are of the legal drinking age, try pairing this recipe with a glass or red wine or making a homemade cocktail.
Creating a cozy and upbeat environment in your own living space can definitely help switch up the regular weekend plans and give yourself something to look forward to. Things are nowhere near normal right now, and sometimes you just have to use your imagination to take yourself to those pre-COVID times. Enjoy!
