6 Creative Recipes to Try When You're Self-Quarantined

Quarantined at home? Time to get creative with your meals even with a simple pantry stock.

The COVID-19 pandemic converted all of us into a home buddy. What with the lockdown strictly in place, no one is allowed to dine out, as should be. So we spend our days (and even midnights) ransacking our cupboard or fridge in a futile attempt to find something creative to snack on.

I'm sure you are also tired of eating the same menu or the same canned goods week after week, day after day. Now that we are all quarantined in the house and got nothing else to tinker with anymore, why not try your hand at cooking?

Just so you know, here's a short yet superb compilation of 6 tried and tested, super easy recipes for you to try at home, with ingredients readily available in your cupboard. These recipes are reminiscent of what you order at your favorite fast food joint or coffee shop. Just as delicious but seriously more satisfying. Try it now at home to indulge your cravings and to take a break from your usual menu!

1. Dalgona Coffee

How To Make a Dalgona Coffee

Dalgona coffee is all the rage nowadays. For coffee-drinkers craving their favorite barista-prepared drink, this is a must-try alternative. You won't believe how simple this mouth-watering coffee pick-me is to make. All you need are instant coffee, sugar, hot water, and milk. No fancy tools either, an egg beater or a wire whisk is all you need.

Bonus: It is also Instagram-worthy.

Using 1:1:1 ratio, whip the first three ingredients by hand, about two minutes of whipping will do until it's all frothy and fluffy. Afterwhich, dollop the foamy whipped coffee over a tall glass of your favorite milk and you're good to go. Don't forget to take a picture of it before gulping it down.

2. McDo Pancake from Scratch

Fluffy Pancakes Perfect for Breakfast & Snacks

Fluffy pancakes and warm coffee for breakfast, life couldn't be any simpler. That is if you have a ready-mix pancake stored in the house.

But we all know that a boxed pancake is the last thing in our mind when doing grocery, so here's a recipe from scratch for you to try out.

Simple ingredients include 1 cup plain flour, 1 egg, a cup of milk, 1 Tbsp vinegar, 3 Tbsp Sugar, 2 Tbsps melted butter, and a few drops of vanilla flavor.

Just throw all the ingredients together in a bowl and mix it up with a fork. Using a wide skillet, cook in medium heat. Drizzle with some maple syrup if you have. If you've got fruit preserves, then much better. Eat & enjoy the divine taste of your homemade pancakes!

3. Starbucks Banoffee Pie 

Alright, admit it, even before the lockdown, you seldom get to taste the infamous Starbucks Banoffee Pie. Not anymore, now that you'll know how easy it is to make one at home.

If you've got some whipping cream, ripe banana leftover, Oreos or digestive cookies, and caramel syrup or condensed milk, then you better try this creative recipe right now.

Link: BANOFFE PIE ala Starbucks

4. Corned Beef Burger

Did you run out of recipe idea for the ever-reliable corned beef in your pantry? Turn it into a flavorful burger patty!

Mix your canned corned beef of choice in a bowl together with chopped yellow onions, about 3 cloves of chopped garlic, 2 tbsp flour, and 1 beaten egg.

Once all ingredients are nicely incorporated, shape into patties about two inches thick. Dredge the patties lightly with flour and fry in medium heat until both sides turn a nice golden brown.

Now, where are the lettuce and buns to seal the deal?

5. Crispy yet Tender Fried Chicken (ala Max's)

This secret recipe is bone-licking good, crispy on the outside yet deliciously tender on the inside. It involves a bit of planning as you need to prepare and marinate the chicken in advance. The added effort is worth it though.

6. Sweet Potato Fries

[Image Source: Gimme Some Oven site]

This is the perfect healthy snack that will surely satisfy your cravings and hunger in a snap. Additionally, it would also serve as a wonderful appetizer to complement your dinner menu. And if you are on a diet, you'd be glad to know that this treasured recipe is baked, woot!

Get the creative recipe on this site: The Best Baked Sweet Potato Fries | 1-Minute Video

Now, wasn't that easy? So spend your self-isolation days satisfying your cravings with these delicious recipes starting today.

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Reader's contribution who tried these at home during the enhanced community quarantine:

Homemade fluffy pancakes done by Yelaina DL

Creamylicious Dalgona Coffee by Evangeline C.