Things to do with ramen noodles

Ah, ramen noodles. Thought of for years as the universal food of college students, this simple meal has been providing college students sustenance while on a cheap budget. It is easy to see why with the just-add-water appeal, and the plethora of flavors, from beef, chicken, and even lime chili shrimp, which is my favorite, and the simple fact that a dollar can get you 10 packages.

But sometimes this staple of the collegiate diet leaves us yearning for more. Here are a few easy ways to jazz up your favorite flavor of ramen noodles. (Most of these work best if you are preparing your noodles on the stove or in the microwave.)

- After you've added the noodles and seasoning packet to the pot of boiling water, crack an egg into the pot and then add in some sliced green onions.

- Throw some chopped broccoli and chopped bell pepper of your choice into the boiling water with the noodles and seasoning packet. Cook until the broccoli is bright green, but not mushy, aka tender crisp.

- Heat up some store bought chicken strips, and add them to your noodles right before you eat them. (You could always cook a chicken breast yourself if you feel so inclined.)

- For a spicy version, buy the lime chili shrimp ramen noodles, or any of the spicier ones. Cook the noodles with the seasoning packet, and then drain once cooked. Add 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese to noodles, and garnish with sliced jalapeños.

- Or you could just do what I like and open one end of the package, add the seasoning packet, and carefully crush the noodles inside the packet and eat it crunchy. I know, not very healthy, but it tastes really good!