Blog, Recipes, Uncategorized
By: Julia Mertes, Communications Intern, The Lion’s Pantry
Why eat traditional S’mores when you could elevate the dish with substitutions and additives that add flavor and texture? Here are 22 S’mores recipes that you should try this season.
1. Eggo S’mores = Kellogg’s Eggo Waffles + Chocolate Bar + Marshmallows
Photo by George Pagan on Unsplash
2. Reese’s S’mores = Graham Crackers + Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup + Marshmallows + Peanut Butter (optional)
3. Peanut Butter S’mores = Graham Crackers + Peanut Butter + Chocolate Bar + Marshmallows
4. Nutella S’mores = Graham Crackers + Nutella Spread + Chocolate Bar + Marshmallows
5. Nutter Butter S’mores = Nutter Butter Cookies + Chocolate Bar + Marshmallows
6. Spiced Marshmallow S’mores = Graham Crackers + Chocolate Bar + Marshmallows + Cinnamon + Chili Powder
7. Mint S’mores = Graham Crackers + Andes Mints + Marshmallows + Chocolate Syrup
Photo by Taryn Elliott on Pexels
8. Berry S’mores = Graham Crackers + Chopped Berries + Marshmallows + White Chocolate Bar
9. Maple Bacon S’mores = Graham Crackers + Marshmallows + Bacon + Maple Syrup + Caramel
10. Pizzelle Cookie S’mores = Pizzelle Cookies + Chocolate Bar + Marshmallow
Photo by Ben Stein on Unsplash
11. Cookie Dough S’mores = Graham Crackers + Edible Cookie Dough + Chocolate Bar + Marshmallows + Chocolate Syrup
12. Potato Crisp S’mores = Graham Crackers + Potato Chips + Dark Chocolate Bar + Marshmallow
13. Oreo S’mores = Oreo Cookies + Chocolate Bar + Marshmallows + Chocolate Syrup
14. Elvis S’mores = Bacon, Marshmallow, Banana, Peanut Butter, Honey
Photo by John Dancy on Unsplash
15. Chocolate Chip Cookie S’mores = Chocolate Chip Cookies + Chocolate Bar + Marshmallows
16. Pineapple S’mores = Graham Crackers + Pineapple Slices + Shredded Coconut Flakes + White Chocolate
17. Spiced Apple Caramel S’mores = Graham Crackers + Milk Chocolate Bar + Sliced Apples + Cinnamon + Nutmeg + Dulce De Leche or Caramel Syrup
Photo by Yulia Khlebnikova on Unsplash
18. Salted Caramel S’mores = Graham Crackers + Caramel Syrup + Marshmallows + Salt
19. Fudge Striped Cookie S’mores = Fudge Striped Cookies + Chocolate Bar + Marshmallow
20. Brownie S’mores = Brownies + Chocolate Bar + Sprinkles + Marshmallow
21. S’mores-Stuffed Strawberry = Dig out the center of the strawberry + fill it with dark chocolate chips, marshmallow and crushed graham crackers + warm over fire
22. S’mores Ice Cream Cone = Stuff an ice cream cone with chocolate and marshmallows + wrap it in foil + place on the fire like a foil pack.
Be sure to share your favorite S’mores variations with us!
Blog, Recipes, Uncategorized
By: Julia Mertes, Communications Intern, The Lion’s Pantry
If you need a quick meal to eat before work, then tuna may be the perfect option that will keep you full and ready to take on the day. There are a variety of ways to incorporate tuna into your meal plan if you don’t like eating it straight out of the can.
Not only is tuna flavorful, but it is also tied to various health benefits. For instance, Tuna contains rich amounts of vitamin B12, which is needed in red blood cell formations and DNA functionings, according to WebMD. Since vitamin B12 aids in red blood cell formation, tuna can act as a food that helps protect against anemia — a conditioned associated with low amounts of red blood cells in the human body, which can cause fatigue over time.
Tuna is also known for its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which is “associated with reduced rates of cardiovascular disease” along with other health benefits, the WebMD article said. As a lean meat that’s typically high in protein and low in fat, tuna can be a great food to add to one’s diet.
Check out these 9 tuna-based recipe suggestions to gain inspiration for your meals this week!
1. Tuna Salad
Mix canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onions, parsley, salt and pepper in a bowl. Optional additives include Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and dried fruits. Incorporate your desired serving of each of these ingredients. Once combined, eat the tuna salad on a sandwich, within a wrap, or as a regular dip. The options are endless.
This is a refreshing dish to whip up on a warm summer day!
2. Tuna Bagels
Add regular tuna — or your homemade tuna salad — to a bagel with cream cheese and avocado for a delectable breakfast treat.
3. Alfredo Tuna Pasta
Boil your choice of pasta until softened. Place your tuna into a skillet on low heat and cook until lightly browned, and add your tuna into the cooked pasta. Top the dish with your desired amount of Alfredo sauce and Parmesan cheese.
4. Tuna Melt Sandwich
Who doesn’t enjoy a classic grilled cheese sandwich? Consider adding canned tuna to your grilled cheese for additional protein and flavor. Dip the sandwich into your traditional tomato soup, and enjoy!
5. Tuna-Filled Baked Potato
Baked potatoes are a quick and easy meal to whip up in a flash. After cooking your potatoes in the microwave or oven until softened, cut them open and fill them with butter, cheese and tuna. It will be scrumptious and ready to eat in no time.
6. Tuna-Topped Pizza
Consider adding canned tuna as a topping of your next homemade pizza. Movie night wouldn’t be complete without pizza, so why not try something new?
After rolling out your dough, pour Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese and tuna on top. Feel free to include your other favorite toppings as well. This could be your next movie night staple.
7. Bean and Tuna Salad
Incorporate a can of rinsed white beans, a can of tuna, and finely chopped green onions into a medium bowl. Once combined, add olive oil and lemon juice into the mixture along with your desired amount of salt and pepper.
The end result will be a delicious bean and tuna salad that would be perfect for picnics, gatherings and your average Thursday night snack.
8. Tuna Tacos
Rather than using ground beef for your next Taco Tuesday celebration, consider using tuna.
Sprinkle taco seasoning onto your tuna to add extra flavor to the dish, and incorporate your favorite toppings — like tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, sriracha sauce — for a delicious dinner.
9. Tuna Quesadillas
In a medium bowl, mix a can of tuna, a chopped tomato, a can of tomato paste, a minced garlic clove and olive oil together. Once combined, spread the mixture onto half of your tortilla. Top with your choice of shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla in half and cook in a pan until golden on both sides.
Another tuna quesadilla recipe requires mixing 2 Tbsp of cream cheese and 1 ½ tsps. of sriracha sauce together in a bowl. Once combined, add a can of drained tuna, a minced garlic clove, and a spoonful of basil. Once the mixture is spread across half of your quesadilla, sprinkle your desired choice of shredded cheese on top and toast in a pan until golden brown.
There are many variations to this dish, and they all have their merits depending on your preferences.
Consider making a donation of canned tuna to The Lion’s Pantry. Not only is tuna inexpensive and low calorie, but it is also a delicious source of protein with ranging health benefits. Help us stock up our shelves and ensure students have these resources to make tuna-based meals.
What is your favorite dish to make with tuna? Be sure to share your recipe ideas with us!
Blog, Lion's Pantry News, Uncategorized
The Lion’s Pantry is an affiliate student organization on the Penn State University Park campus. Our mission is to address and mitigate hunger among students across campus. We maintain a student food pantry and multiple ancillary “Cub Pantries” across campus and downtown State College.
The Lion’s Pantry Student Intern
The Lion’s Pantry is seeking five to six Penn State students to work as interns with the Lion’s Pantry: two positions will begin work in late July/August and the remaining positions will begin with the Fall semester.
These Pantry interns will work four to ten hours per week to hold open hours at the Lion’s Pantry and support its mission to eliminate food insecurity among students at Penn State University Park.
Interns will have access to various educational opportunities surrounding food insecurity and related topics.
Pantry Student Intern responsibilities include:
- Collaborate with community partners, students and faculty to develop and sustain programming
- Sustain services:
- Maintain Pantry open hours
- Sort, organize and inventory food items to sustain a safe, clean and welcoming pantry environment
- Keep accurate records of incoming and outgoing food and other key program metrics
- Maintain partnerships with Abba Java and other community organizations
- Hold weekly open hours in the Lion’s Pantry HUB office.
- Complete various other projects that help to develop and sustain the Lion’s Pantry
- In addition, student interns will have the opportunity to hold specific roles overseeing Pantry operations including:
- Collaborating with suppliers and purchasing to stock
- Collecting, monitoring, and analyzing data and records
- Providing students with health and nutritional tools and knowledge
Qualifications:
- Must meet all Penn State clearance and background check requirements
- Superb interpersonal and oral communication skills
- Able to learn quickly, prioritize multiple projects, manage schedule independently, meet deadlines and enjoy a fast-paced work environment
- Able to work with diverse groups and individuals in varied settings
- An interest in and knowledge about food systems concepts and/or community organizing preferred
- Valid driver’s license and own transportation preferred
- Complete ServSafe training and certification program (guidance provided)
Internship Details:
Position location: Penn State, University Park campus in State College, PA
Position duration: Full academic year with good opportunity to continue into summer and following year
Wage: $12.00/hour
Instructions To apply:
Email your resume and cover letter to Heide Gibson at hug23@psu.edu. In the subject line of your email, please write: “Lion’s Pantry Intern – < Last Name >”
This position is also posted on Workday.
Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. We will be considering applicants until our 6 internship positions are filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply by Monday, July 25, as interviews will also begin that week.
Please email the Lion’s Pantry Manager, Hiede Gibson, at hug23@psu.edu with any questions.
Blog, Features, Uncategorized
By: Julia Mertes, Communications Intern, The Lion’s Pantry
Starting out as a simple soup and bread dinner, St. Andrew’s Community Café has grown to offer hearty entrees, soups, salads and desserts every Thursday from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m, Sharon Rovansek of St. Andrew’s Community Café said via email.
She said they also offer take-home ‘goodie’ bags which are filled with breads, fruit, and desserts to help supplement the pantry the week. The all-you-can-eat free meal is open to all.
Rovansek said St. Andrew’s Community Café members are also proud to say that they have never missed a Thursday event — no matter the weather or circumstance.
They have a bad weather crew that lives in walking distance of St. Andrew’s Community Café to ensure they can stay open regardless of weather.
When unpleasant and unforeseen circumstances developed, Rovansek said St. Andrew’s Community Café has made the most of their situation.
For instance, she said they once made sandwiches during a power outage in order to still provide their services to those in the local community.
Rovansek said they never thought of shutting down during the pandemic.
“How could we when so many people needed us or were, for the first time, in need of help?” she said.
They shifted gears as fast as they could and went to take-out — an adjustment that allowed them to continue helping their fellow community members during a time of growing need and uncertainty.
Now, they are back in-person, and Rovansek said they would like you to know that they pride themselves on not being your “typical” anything.
“We take the ‘community’ part of our name very seriously,” Rovansek said. “We create a welcoming and lively atmosphere to enjoy your meal. You can eat as much as you’d like. No one is going to tell you that you have eaten enough. Desserts and coffee are available.”
Prior to the pandemic, St. Andrew’s Community Café celebrated holidays, and they are moving toward that again, according to Rovansek.
As a matter of fact, she said they “hope to see Santa Claus in person — for the first time in two years — very soon.”
In the past, St. Andrew’s Community Café also had films playing for those who enjoyed them, and after some repairs to their movie screen, they will do so again, she said.
Finally, those at the Community Cafe would like to tell you that their motto is: “donations are accepted, but they are never expected. See you for dinner!!”
Community members can visit St. Andrew’s Community Café at 208 Foster Avenue in downtown State College. They also offer volunteer opportunity for those interested in making a larger impact on their community.
Blog, Recipes, Uncategorized
By: Julia Mertes, Communications Intern, The Lion’s Pantry
Fudge. Sandwiches. Ice Cream. Candy.
What do all these treats have in common?
They can be made with peanut butter — a staple food item that students pick up when visiting The Lion’s Pantry.
If you are a peanut butter lover, then you are not alone. According to Statista, approximately 299.34 million Americans consumed peanut butter during the 2020 season.
Peanut butter can be paired with a variety ingredients to make a delicious meal or snack — from the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich to peanut butter and chocolate treats.
Besides being a tasty addition to one’s meal plan, peanut butter also contains health benefits.
For instance, WebMD records that peanut butter includes omega-6 fatty acids, which aid brain and bodily functions as well as cholesterol lowering. The creamy spread is also known to reduce one’s diabetes risk and regulate weight, the article said.
If you are looking for new ways to incorporate peanut butter into your daily dietary plan, then you came to the right place. Here are 15 recipe ideas for peanut butter lovers to whip up this week.
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels
1. Make peanut butter rice cake sandwiches.
Rather than making traditional PB&J sandwiches with white, wheat or rye toast, consider making your sandwich with rice cakes.
You could even make “The Elvis Sandwich,” which includes peanut butter, bananas, honey and bacon. Simply use rice cakes as the base of the meal.
2. Create peanut butter granola bars.
Peanut butter acts as a binding agent when creating energizing granola bars to snack on at the beginning of the day or when extra energy is needed. If you would like to whip up some peanut butter granola bars, check out a recipe from Food Network or Taste of Home.
Most granola bar recipes include comparable ingredients, including peanut butter, honey, eggs, old-fashioned oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, brown sugar, and butter. However, you can always modify your recipe to include your favorite ingredients — whether that be dried fruits, marshmallows, or nuts.
3. Create peanut butter-coated ice cream cones.
You cannot go wrong with a peanut butter dessert, so why not add the spread to your next ice cream treat?
Coat the inside of your ice cream cone with peanut butter and enjoy every bite that follows.
4. Add peanut butter into your next smoothie or milkshake.
If you are a smoothie or milkshake lover, add a scoop of peanut butter into the mixer when creating your drink.
Incorporate your desired helping of peanut butter, ripe bananas, milk and ice into a mixer for a breakfast dish filled with creamy texture, few ingredients and quick creation time.
Photo by Eiliv Aceron on Pexels
5. Spread peanut butter onto your breakfast favorites like pancakes and waffles or coat your crepes with the spread.
Adding peanut butter to your favorite breakfast classics will take them to the next level.
6. Create a dessert pizza coated with peanut butter as the “sauce.”
Rather than making a savory pizza filled with cheese and coated with red sauce for dinner, you could always create a dessert pizza coated in peanut butter.
Top your peanut butter-covered pizza with your favorite fruits and other sugary toppings. For instance, consider adding chocolate chips, peanut butter cups, marshmallows, and chocolate syrup for a sugary treat.
7. Whip up some peanut butter bread.
If you enjoy carbs, you are not alone. Peanut butter bread will be the perfect treat for a special breakfast or quick midday snack.
Follow this recipe by She Wears Many Hats to end up with tasty bread for any occasion.
8. Make some no-bake peanut butter cookies.
If you don’t have an oven easily accessible for regular use, then no-bake peanut butter cookies are the treat for you to create and devour.
Using sugar, butter, milk, peanut butter vanilla extract and oats, you’ll be able to whip up a peanut butter-filled dessert to impress your friends and family in no time.
Photo by Matheus Bertelli on Pexels
9. Add peanut butter to your s’mores.
If you’re a fan of Nutter Butter Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies, then you may enjoy this spin on the traditional summer snack — s’mores.
Coat your Graham cracker in peanut butter before adding a hopping of chocolate and warmed marshmallow.
10. Add peanut butter to your next yogurt parfait.
Besides adding traditional yogurt, fruit and granola inside a fruit parfait, consider adding peanut butter to the dish for extra flavor and protein. A helping of peanut butter in your bowl will take the parfait to the next level.
11. Incorporate peanut butter into your daily oatmeal.
Add a dollop of peanut butter into your oatmeal for a filling and savory breakfast.
If you would like to follow a recipe geared toward accentuating the peanut butter flavor in your dish, then use the following recipe by Tasty that takes limited prep time and ingredients.
12. Coat your popcorn in a peanut butter drizzle.
Heat up some peanut butter in the microwave or stove and drizzle it over some popcorn. This will be your new favorite movie night snack that takes minimal time to heat up and execute.
13. Cover your Oreos in peanut butter.
If you grew up watching the movie “The Parent Trap,” then you would recognize this suggestion of coating Oreos with peanut butter.
Try this simple trick the next time you open a container of Oreos for a “sweet” surprise of flavor.
Photo by Rachel Claire on Pexels
14. Mix peanut butter into your next pasta, rice, or noodles dish for added saltiness.
If you order sesame peanut butter noodles when eating out at your local Asian-inspired restaurants, consider making your own dish for dinner.
15. Create a frozen peanut butter treat.
To create a cool treat, mix vanilla yogurt and peanut butter together in a container — along with any other add-ins you would like to include. Place the concoction into the freezer until solid and enjoy.
This basic treat will be great for people of all ages and can even be shared with your dogs at home.
