Despite being a universal aspect of life, food remains nothing if not controversial.
Whether it’s the very tired, old joke about pineapple on pizza, or finding out you are friends with a crazy person who puts peanut butter on their hot dogs, people tend to have strong opinions on how others get their nutrients.
But here at the opinion staff, controversy and strong opinions are where we shine. So without further ado, the opinion staff’s hot take on food.
Ashley Golden – Plain Whole Milk
Despite the fact that my closest friends have called me psychotic for drinking whole milk, it truly is one of my favorite staples to keep in my fridge. First of all, it’s cheap. A half gallon is between $2 and $4, depending on the store, brand, etc.
Second, it’s easy. You can just pour yourself a glass from the fridge, or if you wake up thirsty in the middle of the night, maybe even drink it straight from the jug — if the carton just belongs to you.
Third, it’s good for you, plain and simple. It has plenty of calcium for your bones, protein for your muscles and vitamins for whatever it is that vitamins do.
I do not care one bit that I sound like a poster at a pediatrician’s office because, besides all that, and most importantly, milk just tastes good.
There is a reason that humans have been drinking cow’s milk for thousands of years, and I think we should all stop pretending we’re suddenly above it. So, as those famous ads say, “Got milk?”
Ayelet Kaminski – You don’t need protein in every meal
Listen, I know protein is “good for you,” but that doesn’t mean it needs a starring role in every single meal.
For us broke college students, you’ll find yourself saving money and grocery store trips by accepting that pasta and tomato sauce — or whatever your carb-heavy meal of choice might be — is filling enough on its own. Relax…
Sabrina Spencer – Soy Mac and Cheese
From my observation, what is generally considered the definitive instant mac and cheese is the iconic, fluorescent orange Kraft.
However, Annie’s White Cheddar Shells led me to forsake Kraft entirely due to its addictive flavor. While Annie’s is already incredible in and of itself, I’ve discovered a unique method to significantly improve the shells.
For this method, prepare the mac and cheese noodles according to the box’s instructions.
Once the noodles are done, add the cheese packet as normal and then deviate from the directions.
Add just one tablespoon of salted butter and switch out the recommended low-fat milk for an estimated amount of soy milk.
I must emphasize the “estimate” aspect of that last point. Part of what makes this method great is the fact that you have an equal chance of making your mac and cheese into soup as you do creating a sauce.
Everyone in my life whom I’ve explained this method to has doubted me, but the sweet nuttiness of the soy milk balances perfectly with the salted butter, ultimately elevating what was already a peak form of box mac and cheese.
Max Akom – Spice Intolerance
One of the great tragedies of cooking is that people have varying levels of spice tolerance. At home, my father and I are able to eat food that is far spicier than the rest of my family.
Whenever we cook a meal that is supposed to be spicy, we need to mutilate it in order to keep it palatable to them. I think when cooking spicy food, the meal should be made the way it’s supposed to be.
For those who don’t like it, they should have to tough it out and appreciate the cuisine as it’s meant to be. Don’t make us ruin a meal just because you can’t handle it.
Robert Stark – Whale Yakisoba
On my recent trip to Japan, my brother dragged me to a whale-themed restaurant. To my surprise, the whale theme did not stop at decor and the mascot — the entire menu was whale.
Despite my reservations regarding the whaling industry, curiosity led me to order whale yakisoba.
Once it arrived, I was met with grey cubes of whale floating atop fried noodles. To my surprise, the whale was actually quite tasty; exactly like beef, but with a cheap, tough steak-like feel you’d find at a Denny’s.
Overall, the yakisoba and whale were far better than I expected, and despite being preoccupied with the fact I was eating whale, the experience was far from unpleasant.
Would I recommend eating whale to anyone? No. Do I support the whaling industry? No. However, eating whale is such a rare experience that it should be talked about, though perhaps not encouraged.
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