Eating healthy at college can be a challenge even for the most diligent healthy eaters. Between grabbing a chocolate bar on the way to class and burgers at the grill, making smart meal and snack choices at school can sometimes fall by the wayside as more convenient or tasty options are readily available.

It doesn't have to be this way, according to Adell Shneer, the Test Kitchen Manager at Canadian Living. In the 35 years that Test Kitchen has been running, they have developed and tested thousands of recipes for stories for the magazine.

Make it Tonight (also known as Quick and Easy) recipes are a popular feature that Test Kitchen has run for years. They're all recipes that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less. "They are solutions for regular people for every day of the week ... they're excellent for students," explained Shneer. She has adapted some of the most popular recipes to be able to be made in Fanshawe's own residence rooms.

Consider dorm-room cooking as an opportunity to find your own palate, suggested Shneer. "Instead of just thinking, 'I've gotta feed myself,' you now have the opportunity to explore. Maybe you want to learn to cook something that (nobody liked) in your house."

Using some simple ingredients, plus a microwave and a toaster oven (the cooking appliances allowed in Fanshawe's dorm rooms), you and your friends can easily whip up some seriously healthy and delicious meals.

Microwave Cheddar Asparagus
Yields 4 servings
Prep time: 4 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
- 1 package frozen asparagus
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup and 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- pinch of salt, pepper and nutmeg
- 1/2 cup shredded old Cheddar cheese

In covered microwaveable casserole, microwave frozen asparagus and water at high setting until hot, about 4 minutes; drain and keep warm.

In small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp milk, 1 tbsp cornstarch, Dijon mustard and salt, pepper and nutmeg; set aside. In glass measure, microwave 1/2 cup milk at high setting until hot, about 1 minute; whisk in cornstarch mixture. Microwave on high setting, stirring once, until thickened, about 40 seconds. Stir in shredded cheese until melted. Serve over asparagus.

Baked Curried Chicken
Yields 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup 2% plain yogurt
- 3 tbsp liquid honey
- 2 tbsp mild or medium curry paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

- In large bowl, whisk together yogurt, honey, curry paste, soy sauce, oil, mustard and pepper. Add chicken and turn to coat all over. Scrape into toaster oven pan or 11- x 7-inch (2 L) baking dish.

Bake in 375°F (190°C) toaster oven, basting occasionally, until sauce is thickened and chicken is browned and no longer pink inside, about 30 minutes. (You can also use bone-in chicken breasts or legs; increase baking time to 45 minutes.)

Miso-Marinated Salmon
Yields 4 servings
Prep time: 8 hours, 10 minutes
Total time: 8 hours, 30 minutes
- 1/4 cup miso
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp each granulated sugar and mirin (or 2 tbsp granulated sugar)
- 1 tbsp sake (optional)
- 2 tsp minced fresh ginger
- 4 centre-cut salmon fillets, skin-on

In bowl, whisk together miso, oil, sugar, mirin, sake (if using) and ginger; add salmon, turning to coat. Let stand for 10 minutes or cover and refrigerate for up to eight hours.

Place salmon on greased foil-lined baking sheet. Roast in 400°F (200°C) toaster oven until fish flakes easily when tested, 10 to 12 minutes. Broil until crusty and browned.

Snacks can present a whole new set of problems when making healthy choices. "In order to keep your energy and your health ... it's important to choose carefully," said Shneer. Along with these healthful recipes, she recommended buying some fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, nuts and dried fruit to keep nutritious snacks available whenever you need something to nibble on.

Microwave Chunky Cinnamon Applesauce
Yields 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
- 6 apples, peeled, cored and sliced
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Place apples in 12-cup (3 L) microwaveable casserole; cover and microwave on high setting, stirring twice, until tender, about 15 minutes.

Stir in sugar and cinnamon; let cool. Mash until chunky smooth, or purée if desired. (Make-ahead: Let cool for 30 minutes; refrigerate until cold. Cover and refrigerate for up to five days.)

Classic Tortilla Pizzas
Yields 2 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
- Two 6-inch flour tortillas or pitas
- 3 tbsp prepared pizza sauce
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices pepperoni
- 6 pickled hot pepper rings
- Other favourite toppings

Place tortillas on toaster oven broiler pan or rimmed baking sheet; spread each with pesto. Sprinkle with goat cheese, tomatoes and olives.

Bake in 400°F (200°C) toaster oven or oven until base is crisp and toppings are hot, 8 to 10 minutes.