By Sharon RusSpecial to the Chronicle

Have you ever wanted to grab something quick to eat? Yet, you don’t want to do any serious baking? No fear! There are still some easy snacks that you can prepare without an oven or stove. Here are two simple recipes that require no major cooking – just a trip on the shuttle for ingredients.

The first recipe is a spin on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Bread doesn’t have that crisp texture when it’s not toasted and it can spoil easily. Instead, substitute bread for healthier, gluten-free rice cakes. For this recipe you’ll need:
1 spoonful of peanut butter
1 spoonful of jam
1 rice cake
1 banana
1 spoonful of nuts (any kind)
1 teaspoon of cinnamon

First, spread the spoonful of peanut butter and jam on the rice cake. Then slice the banana, so you can place it atop your snack. Finally, sprinkle a teaspoon of cinnamon on top of your tasty treat and any nuts of your choosing. I love to use sliced nuts.

The second is the best alternative you’ve ever had to store-bought granola. Peanut butter granola mix is nutritious and delicious! This is not only a tasty treat to sprinkle on your yogurt but it’s also vegan (depending on the chocolate chips). To prepare this you will need:
1 3/4 cup rolled oats
1 cup of cereal (Rice Krispies or any off-brand variety will do)
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup of raisins
1/2 cup of chocolate chips

Add all the dry ingredients – oats, cereal, raisins and chocolate chips – into a bowl and mix. Then combine the wet ingredients – syrup and peanut butter – in a bowl and microwave them for about 20 to 30 seconds, so it will be easier to combine with the dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix. Keep mixing until it is all thoroughly combined. Next, put the mixture into a pan and flatten it. Place the pan in the fridge to let the granola set. After about 30 minutes, the granola will be in “clumps,” so scrape them out and place into a container or plastic bag. Yum!

Grab a cup of hot cocoa or coffee from the student center and savor every bite. You can eat these snacks while you’re stuck in your room, cramming for an exam and need some “brain food” to focus, or pack them up to munch on while you listen to a lecture.

Enjoy!