3.6 Maureen Brandl Writing 2

Adulthood on the Horizon   
In 2013, I moved to La Crosse to attend college. I was 18 and a fierce mixture of confidence and naivety, craving to get out in the world. Moving out was a pivotal moment that, in a way, felt like crossing over a tangible line that distinguished childhood from adulthood.   

The desire to leave my hometown was fueled by teen angst and the yearning for new people and new places. I had wanted to attend UW-La Crosse since the moment I fell in love with it my freshman year of high school after staying on campus for the state track meet. I had been so convinced that La Crosse was the next chapter in my life that it was the only school I applied to. 

 

It was a long three-hour drive to La Crosse on a humid day in August. I was uncomfortably squished in the passenger seat under a Nike gym bag with my feet on top of my new-to-me microwave. The weight of anticipation was starting to crush my lungs as I watched the hills and fields roll by. It felt like a piece of home was following me. 

I could not wait to get out of the car until the second we pulled into the parking lot. It was complete chaos outside of Laux Hall, my new home. The number of people that I saw moving into a singular building was unfathomable; I was from a town of 500 people after all. My stomach dropped—my extroverted personality abruptly turned introverted.  

 

My mom could not stay long because she had to go home and help with barn chores, leaving me to my own devices while other parents seemed to linger, putting off goodbyes. No window fan could push out all of the humidity and intense emotion in the air. 

 

I sat on my bed, staring at the empty half of the room as my randomly assigned roommate was yet to move in. My door was open per my R.A.’s advice, making me feel exposed and vulnerable. 

As my level of anxiety grew, so did my level of hunger. I contemplated if I was brave enough to ask someone on my floor if they would like to eat with me or if I was brave enough to get food alone. Feeling like the new kid was a new feeling for me; it was dreadful. 

My internal debate was disrupted when I felt someone plop onto my mattress next to me. It was the tall blonde girl who had been moving into the room directly across the hall. We held a brief pause, and I could feel our nervous energy colliding. A rush of hilarity ensued from nowhere as the silence broke with our awkward laughter. Which then turned into real laughter and finally lead to introductions. 

We ended up getting dinner that night and every night after that. She is still one of my best friends to this day. 

3.4 Maureen Brandl Writing 1

Leaving for La Crosse

I had wanted to go to UW-La Crosse since I fell in love with it my freshman year of high school after staying on campus for the state track meet. I had been so convinced that La Crosse was the next chapter in my life, that it was the only school I applied to. I was 18 and a fierce mixture of confidence and naivety, craving to get out in the world. Moving out was a pivotal moment that in a way, felt like crossing over a tangible like that distinguished childhood from adulthood.   

It was a long three-hour drive to La Crosse. I was uncomfortably smushed in the passenger seat under a Nike gym bag with my feet on top of my “new-to-me" microwave. I couldn't wait to get out of the car until we pulled into the parking lot and I saw the complete chaos that was happening outside of Laux Hall, my new home. I couldn’t fathom the amount of people and things that were moving into a singular building. I was from a town of 500 people after all. 

My mom couldn’t stay long because she had to go home and help with barn chores so I was left to my own devices while everyone else’s parents seemed to linger, putting off goodbyes. I kept my door open per my RA’s advice, trying to monitor who I’d be sharing a hallway and bathroom with for the next year.  

I sat on my bed, staring at the empty half of the room, as my randomly assigned roommate was yet to move in. As my level of anxiety grew, so did my level of hunger. I contemplated if I was brave enough to ask someone on my floor if they would like to eat with me, or if I was brave enough to go get food alone. My internal debate was quickly disrupted when I felt someone plop onto my mattress next to me.  

It was the tall blonde girl who had been moving into the room directly across the hall. We held a brief pause, and I could feel our nervous energy colliding. A rush of hilarity ensued from nowhere as the silence broke with our awkward laughter, which then turned into real laughter, and finally lead to introductions. We ended up getting dinner that night, and every night after that. She is still one of my best friends to this day.  

4.6 Olivia Hurd Writing 3

 Get Everyone's Attention with These EASY Enchiladas!

For every birthday dinner, my mom left us in charge of what we wanted her to make. I always wanted her enchiladas (and still request them every time I visit) because they were EASY, FILLING, & FAST.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 Boiled Chicken Breasts, season as desired
• 24 Corn Tortillas
• 1/2 Cup Oil
• Red Enchilada Sauce
• 2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• Guacamole, Salsa, Sour Cream and other toppings optional

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large pot of water and seasonings (or chicken stock), boil chicken until thoroughly cooked. Let cool slightly and shred. Set aside.

2. Heat a skillet to medium heat and pour your oil into it. While heating to just a simmer, grab a baking sheet and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

3. In a separate smaller pot, heat the enchilada sauce on low and get the tortillas ready.

4. Dip a tortilla in the hot oil and let simmer for about 10 seconds. Remove from oil and quickly dip in the enchilada sauce. Transfer tortilla once more to baking sheet and fill with chicken and shredded cheese.

5. Repeat until your baking sheet is filled and top with any remaining sauce and shredded cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and browning, about 10-13 minutes.

6. Serve up and load up with all desired toppings. 

Not only will you win EVERYONE over with these delicious enchiladas, but they're FILLING and perfect to spruce up any occasion!

4.6 Hirte Writing 3

Baked Cauliflower wings for a spicy vegan dinner

This recipe is one of my absolute favorites and is a great substitution for buffalo wings and can be made gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian. My roommate is actually vegan so we make this for dinner weekly! Dip in ranch or blue cheese for even more added flavor. Soft and tender on the inside and crispy on the outside these cauliflower buffalo “wings” are so close to the real deal it’s hard to believe!

Ingredients 

• 1 head of cauliflower

• 3/4 cup water

• 1/2 cup milk or soy milk

• 1 cup all-purpose flour 

• 2 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp of paprika

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp ground pepper

• 1 cup Frank's red hot sauce

• 1 tbsp butter or vegan spread

Instructions

1. Line baking sheet(s) with parchment paper or grease very well with oil. Preheat your oven to 400-425 F depending on your oven.

2. Wash and cut cauliflower head into bite-sized pieces/florets.

3. Mix the milk/water/flour and spices in a medium mixing bowl (set aside the hot sauce and butter for later). Mix until the batter is thick and is able to coat the cauliflower without dripping.

4. Dip the cauliflower in the batter. You can do this one by one or in batches. shake off excess batter before placing cauliflower on the baking sheet.

5. Lay the cauliflower single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown, flipping the florets over halfway through to get all sides golden brown and crispy.

6. While the cauliflower is baking, get your buffalo wing sauce ready. In a small saucepan low heat, melt butter, and mix in hot sauce. Remove from the heat just as it starts to melt. Stir together and set aside.

7. Once the cauliflower is done its first bake in the batter, remove them from the oven and put all the baked florets into a mixing bowl with the wing sauce and toss to coat evenly. Return cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake in the oven for another 10-15 minutes or until reached desired crispness.

8. Serve with ranch, blue cheese, or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

4.6 Volk Writing 3

 

Chinese Takeout at Home

Ingredients you need for making homemade chicken fried rice for your family!

By Sydney Volk

Cooking as a family or with your significant other is one of my favorite cherishable moments. As a child, I found it to be extremely bonding for our family. We bonded over many dishes but there is only one that I still make today, chicken fried rice. Over the years, I have learned about all the different sauces and spices that can make your homemade chicken fried rice taste authentic. Here are some ingredients that have drastically improved my dish and made it a solid 10/10...

Rice Vinegar: Use a tablespoon of rice vinegar and it will have the perfect amount of acidity to your sauce for the rice and chicken. I rarely need to use any salt once I use rice vinegar.

Sesame Oil: I found sesame oil to have a strong flavor but if you only use a small amount and balance it with butter or olive oil, it can be a perfect mixture for your veggies to be sauteed in. Also provides health benefits such as heart-healthy fats, damaged skin, and combating inflammation.

Hoisin Sauce: The purpose of hoisin sauce is to add a savory flavor to either the rice or chicken. It is known to be rich, sweet, and salty. I typically stir this in with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce. 

Minced Ginger: This is one of my favorite ingredients to use for recipes, ginger is a great way to brighten up your dish. I mix the ginger with minced garlic and sautee the two together before adding the rest of the main components. 

These four ingredients are easy to find in the Asian aisle in Woodmans or the Loriental Store on Bellinger St. These two stores offer an incredible selection of your basic needs for making authentic tasting dishes for you or your family. Try out these ingredients and you won't regret it. I encourage you to leave a comment or a picture of your chicken fried rice down below. Good luck!

3.6 Volk Writing 2

 My New Normal

My journey of coming from your picture-perfect, suburban family of four to a broken home.

By Sydney Volk

Back in eighth grade, I had to take the bus home because my sister informed me that she was already home and wasn't going to give me a ride. It was out of the ordinary for her to already be home but I hopped on the bus with no question. Looking back at it now, there were many red flags that day and I should've known something was about to happen. Didn't think I would come home to my mother's belongings gone, missing furniture, and my father standing in an empty room puzzled and speechless. 

My mother had finally left her toxic marriage with my father. I had an extremely dysfunctional upbringing because of my parents. It worsened once my older sister became more involved in my parent's fighting. She is my half-sister which makes my mother her stepmother. Their bond morphed into the cliche stepdaughter and stepmother estranged relationship. 

It was heartbreaking to watch all three of my immediate family members grow to hate each other. I witnessed not only mental abuse but physical. I was only a tiny middle-schooler acting as a therapist. I knew divorce was on the horizon but I don't believe I was prepared as much as I thought I was. 

Once I got off the bus, I approached my sister who was crying and told me why she came home without me. She got sick during one of her classes and was sent home early. She showed up unexpectantly and surprised my mother as she was moving out. I believe there are no coincidences in life. My sister was meant to come home early and say her goodbyes to the only mother she has ever known. 

I walked around my house with my father in silence. It was strange noticing every little thing she had taken with her. It made me mad almost seeing how she went about leaving us, leaving me. At the same time, I knew they weren't meant for each other. 

It took me three months to talk to my mother after that day. I needed that time to get away from the fighting and avoid difficult conversations. Soon after I met with her, I started seeing the full picture. I finally realized that she didn't abandon me or her family, she abandoned a toxic environment. She wanted to raise me in a new light.  Somewhere she can be herself. It was a difficult and long journey coming to terms with how both parties handled their marriage and divorce. 

I'll always remember that day. Those events changed my whole life but I wouldn't rewrite it even if I had the chance. I now have a great understanding of how life happens and you better go with the current or you'll be stuck in the same spot forever. I can proudly say I have loving and trusting relationships with both my parents. They have apologized and I have forgiven them. I encourage people, like me, to be open-minded and understanding because our parents are trying too. 

3.4 Volk Writing 1

My New Normal

My journey of coming from your picture-perfect, suburban family of four to a broken home.

By Sydney Volk

Back in eighth grade, I had to take the bus home because my sister informed me that she was already home and wasn't going to give me a ride. It was out of the ordinary for her to already be home but I hopped on the bus with no question. Didn't think I would come home to my mother's belongings gone, missing furniture, and my father standing in an empty room puzzled and speechless. 

My mother had finally left her toxic marriage with my father. I had an extremely dysfunctional upbringing because of my parents. It worsened once my older sister got more involved in my parent's fighting. She is my half-sister which makes my mother her stepmother. It was heartbreaking to watch all three of my immediate family members grow to hate each other. I witnessed not only mental abuse but physical. I knew divorce was on the horizon but I don't think I was prepared as much as I thought.

I walked around my house with my father in silence. It was strange noticing every little thing she had taken with her. It made me mad almost seeing how she had left us but also knowing that she needed to. It took me three months to talk to my mother after that day. I needed that time to get away from the fighting and avoid difficult conversations. Soon after I met with her, I started seeing the full picture. It was a hard and long journey coming to terms with how both parties handled their marriage and divorce. 

I'll always remember that day. Those events changed my whole life but I wouldn't rewrite it even if I had the chance. I now have a great understanding of how life happens and you better go with the current or you'll be stuck forever. I can proudly say I have loving and trusting relationships with both my parents. They have apologized and I have forgiven them.

4.6 Jackson Her Writing 3

MMM...Ramen

MY comfort food

On a cool day, what’s the best meal to have? If you ask me I’ll tell you straight away. RAMEN. Now I’m not saying that ramen should only be eaten on cool days. Eat them whenever you want, but for me, ramen tastes the BEST when you’re stuck inside and swaddled up in a blanket. 

I’m not talking about your typical cardboard-tasting ramen from Wal-mart of course. I’m not bashing the people who do eat those though. I mean, we’ve all been there. Broke, struggling, or just too lazy to cook, Wal-mart ramen is there for you but there is actual good ramen out there and THAT’s what I’m here to talk about. 

There are better alternatives 

There are multiple brands of ramen out there. There is Mama, Indomie, Maruchan, Nissin, Buldak, and so on and so forth, but my all-time favorite brand is Nongshim, and my favorite pack from them is the Shin Ramyun red pack. 

Shin Ramyun 

Shin Ramyun is the most delicious and comforting pack of ramen I’ve ever consumed. On a cool, brisk, windy day it is the best meal. The spiciness warms you up and the flavors make you happy. 

There are 3 components to the pack. That is: 

• The noodles

• The flavoring packets

• Dried vegetables

Don’t let the list fool you. It does not taste like your run-of-the-mill instant cardboard ramen. Once assembled, you get a grade 1 flavor-packed bowl of deliciousness. The broth is spicy yet savory. The dried vegetables are rehydrated and become wonderful accents to the dish and finally, the noodles. The noodles have an amazing texture (if you followed the instructions on the pack) and have absorbed the flavors of the broth into its every fiber. Every bite is bliss. 

Just delicious 

While and after eating this bowl of ramen on a nice cool day you get this sense of fulfillment and comfort. Like a big warm hug. This is my go-to meal on a lot of days. Now I know what you’re thinking. That’s unhealthy as heck dude. Yes, yes it is. But once you’ve experienced it you’ll understand why. I suggest you go buy a pack of Nongshim Shin Ramyun noodles whenever you see it and try it for yourself. It’ll be a game-changer. TRUST ME.

4.6 Daniel Samaniego Writing 3

 

How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole

A Twist on A Classic

When you think of Sloppy Joes, you probably imagine a delicious sandwich that lives up to its’ name. Well, with this recipe, we’re going to put a little spin on a classic and turn a sloppy joe sandwich into a sloppy joe casserole. This is a simple dish that is quick to make but will leave you craving more.

What You Will Need:

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1 can Manwich Thick & Chunky
• 2 boxes corn breed muffin mix
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup of milk
• 2/3 cup French fried onions

How To Make:

1. In a large saucepan or pot, brown the ground beef until no longer pink (165 F).
2. Stir in a can of Manwich Thick & Chunky and heat through.
3. Prepare an 8x8 baking dish with a light coat of non-stick spray.
4. Prepare cornbread batter in a large bowl by combining mix, eggs, and milk.
5. Pour half of the batter into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6. Layer prepared Manwich mixture on top of the batter.
7. Add the remaining half of the batter on top of the Manwich mixture.
8. Sprinkle French fried onions on top of cornbread batter.
9. Bake in a 375-degree oven for 25-30 minutes until cornbread batter is baked through.
10. Remove the oven and let stand for 10 minutes to set before slicing to serve.
11. Dig in and enjoy!

4.6 Shane Chady Writing 3.

Breakfast is your best friend

My favorite meal that I like to have is at breakfast time, and it is an Egg and cheese bagel. I tend to only eat it when I don't have to get up early. I like to eat it because it is very filling and good for you. I also love to have a glass of Chocolate Milk or Orange Juice with it. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it breaks the overnight fasting period. It replenishes your supply of glucose to boost your energy levels and alertness, while also providing other essential nutrients that keep you happy and healthy. 

Why Eggs?

Eggs are good for you and here is why:

• Good source of protein
• Good source of Vitamin D
• Good source of choline
• Helps support good eyesight

What's also amazing about eggs is that you can make them in so many different ways. 

Eggs can be scrambled, over-easy, poached, soft boiled, hard-boiled, and sunny side up. 

When I make this egg bagel my egg is over easy. It makes it easier to put onto the bagel and it's much easier to eat. Eggs are also really good for breakfast because eggs go along with almost any other breakfast food. Good combos with eggs and other foods are:

• Hash-browns, Ham, Bacon, and Eggs
• Steak and eggs
• Eggs and Bacon
• Herb & Cheese Scrambled Eggs

At Least Try To Eat

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so not only eating it good for you, eating eggs for breakfast is essential for your health. Most people I know skip breakfast and just have a coffee or something and it's not healthy. I mean I know why people do it, your not hungry, or your too busy to make it, or just don't want it. Having something of substance when you get up is better than nothing, when you eat it gives you natural energy and keeps you awake so you can go through your morning. If you don't eat, you can be dizzy and feel really tired and just not feel 100%. So whatever your situation the best thing for you is to at least attempt to eat something, your body will thank you.  

4.6 Jolene Butterfield Writing 3

Make Chinese Food From Home - Lo Mein Recipe 

If you often purchase Chinese food for dinner, consider making one of these delicious meals from home! Lo Mein is a Chinese dish that contains egg noodles, and I'd like to share my recipe for you to try that can feed 3-5 persons.

What tools you will need:

• Large pan or wok
• pot (for boiling)
• Mixing bowl
• measuring cups
• preferred utensils

Ingredients: 

• Large egg noodles
• Chicken
• Red Pepper
• Green Pepper
• Garlic (minced optional)
• Chinese cooking wine
• Dark soy sauce
• Light or Regular soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Corn Starch
• Sugar
• Olive oil (to saute)
• Green Onion (Garnish) 

First, you will prep and put out all your ingredients. Cut the Chicken into small square pieces and vegetables to preferred liking. (You can also use seafood, steak, or pork instead of chicken) Now we are prepped, let's begin cooking!

How to cook Lo Mein in 5 steps:

1. Start by boiling the noodles. While the noodles boil,  put the veggies into the pan with olive oil on a slow setting and have it sit for a few minutes.
2. With your mixing bowl, you will put 2 tbsp of corn starch and dark soy sauce. Then you will add 3tbsp of the light or regular soy sauce. Put 2 tsp of sesame oil, cooking wine, and sugar into the mix.  Then you will take a spoon of choice and mix it well into a fine liquid paste. 
3. Place the chicken into the mixing bowl and either shake or message the sauce into the chicken. If you would like, you can do this again with the noodles and coat them. 
4. After coating the chicken, slightly increase the stove's temperature and cook the chicken. After the chicken is done, add in the noodles and lower the temp.
5. Mix well and add green onion to garnish. Enjoy!

4.6 Kenzy Holger Writing 3

Make These Treats to be Everyone's Favorite This Holiday Season

The holiday season is almost upon us, so I'm here to share my all-time favorite treat! When I was growing up, peppermint candy tarts were a staple of the holidays. These bite-sized treats are sure to be a crowd favorite, whether it be for a company party or just at home!

Materials

Before you get to the fun part, you need to make sure you have all of your materials ready to go. Make sure you have each of the following:

• 1 mini muffin pan
• 1 electric mixer 
• 1 small bowl
• 2 medium bowls
• 1 piping bag
• 1 pipe tip of your choice
• 1 cooling rack

Ingredients

Now, you can move on to the most delicious part: the ingredients. You will be making two separate mixes; the frosting and the shell dough. Most of the ingredients are commonly found in most households, so you may not need to go shopping! 

Tart Shells

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine (softened)
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine (softened)
• 2 or 3 drops of red food coloring 
• 2 or 3 tablespoons milk

If you're looking for something a little extra, I recommend putting crushed candy canes on the top. 

Let's Get Baking

Now that you have all of your ingredients, you can finally start preparing and baking your delicious baked goods. If you're anything like me, you'll be eating the dough along the way; the wait is the hardest part! Be sure to follow these steps to ensure the best peppermint tart you can get:

1. Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease your mini muffin pan with cooking spray.
2. In one of your medium bowls, beat the granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of butter on medium speed. The mixture should be fluffy. Then beat in peppermint extract and egg until everything is blended. 
3. On low speed, beat in the flour, salt, and baking soda. 
4. Shape your dough into 1 1/2 in balls. Push each ball into the sides and bottom of the mini muffin pan. There should be an indent in the middle. 
5. Bake for 9 to 12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and let the tarts set for one minute. After, carefully remove the cups from the pan and place them on the cooling rack. Allow to cool completely for 15 minutes. 
6. Take your second medium-sized bowl and beat the frosting ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Use your piping bag and pipe tip of your choice to fill the center of the tart shell with frosting. 
7. Sprinkle crushed candy cane on top of the frosting for added flair and flavor.

And voila! You have the most amazing holiday tart you could ever ask for. They're guaranteed to be a holiday favorite among all of your friends, family, and coworkers. Don't forget to save some for yourself!