HCMSU’s Guide to A Collegiette’s Christmas Holiday

The joy and celebration of the holiday season is often overshadowed by the stress put on our wallets and our waistlines.  Finding the perfect gift on a budget may seem almost impossible and keeping off the pounds when constantly face-to-face with a tray of cookies isn’t easy either.  

Here at Her Campus MSU, we have compiled a list of great gifts for any budget and recipes and tricks to help keep off that extra winter insulation.  

For the roomies

To keep from spending all your money on your roommates set limits on how much to spend on one another.  Also, if you have more than one roommate, do Secret Santa so everyone is only buying for one other person.

Under $10: Forever21 is one of the best places to go looking for gifts on a budget; jewelry and accessories are always cheap.  Try getting some nail polish and earrings, or for something a little more personal try a picture frame and a mix CD with songs you both love. 

Under $25: Pitaya on Grand River is a great place to go if your roommate is a fashionista.  The store has great prices on clothes and winter accessories – scarf 
 and mittens would be a perfect gift!  If you have a roommate that loves caffeine as much as I do, you can never go wrong with a cute thermos and coffee.

For the boyfriend
Deciding what to get for your significant other depends on a lot of variables: how serious are you two, how long have you been together, what’s he getting you?  No matter what the situation, it is important to get something that he’s interested in, to show that you care and pay attention. 

Sports fanatic:If your guy is a sports fanatic then he obviously loves MSU, so head over to Campus Street Sportswear on Grand River and get him a new sweatshirt or a hat.  If you’re planning on spending a little more money, buy him tickets to an upcoming Red Wings, Lions or Pistons game.

Music buff: Similar to the sports guy, it’s easy to buy for a music buff: a t-shirt or poster of his favorite band or tickets to a concert you know he wants to go to will be a great way to show him you’re interested in the music he’s interested in and that you want to spend more time with him as well!

The funny guy: Usually the harder one to shop for, but get your guy tickets to a comedy show or seasons of his favorite show or comedian on DVD.  Try getting him a nice notebook where he can start writing down his jokes (he’ll love that you think he’s funny.)

Holiday treats and drinks can quickly add up causing our Christmas dresses to feel a little snug.  Planning your meals and snacks before hitting up the holiday parties as well as using fresh ingredients are all going to help  you to stay healthy.  Here are some delicious easy recipes to help us keep our waistlines through the New Year. 

Pomegranate Cosmos
2 1/4 cups pomegranate juice
2 1/4 cups vodka
1 cup lime juice
3/4 cup Cointreau, or Grand Marnier
1/4 cup ginger juice, (see Note)             

2 tablespoons sugar, preferably superfine “bar sugar,” plus more for the rims
Strips of lime zest, for garnish

1. Mix pomegranate juice, vodka, lime juice, Cointreau (or Grand Marnier), ginger juice and sugar in a large pitcher.
2. For each drink, fill a cocktail shakerhalfway with ice, add 1/2 cup Cosmo mix, and shake until the shaker turns frosty and cold. Dip the rim of a martini (or highball) glass into water and then in sugar (to “sugar the rim”). Strain the drink into the martini glass (or over fresh ice in the highball glass). Garnish with a twist of lime zest, if desired.

Eggplant Ricotta Bites

1 medium eggplant 

Kosher salt 

All-purpose flour, for dredging 

2 large eggs 

3/4 cup breadcrumbs 

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese 

1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons extra- virgin olive oil, plus more as needed 

2 large plum tomatoes, diced 

2 teaspoons red wine vinegar 

1 cup ricotta cheese 

Shredded fresh basil, for topping 

1. Thinly slice the eggplant into rounds and season with salt. Pour some flour into a shallow dish. Beat the eggs in another dish. In a third dish, mix the breadcrumbs and parmesan. Dredge the eggplant in the flour, then dip in the eggs and coat with the breadcrumb mixture. 
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, cook the eggplant until golden, about 2 minutes per side, adding more oil between batches, if necessary. Drain on paper towels and season with salt. 
3. Toss the tomatoes with the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil and the vinegar in a bowl. Spoon some ricotta onto each eggplant slice. Top with the tomato mixture and basil.

Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake
Crust: 
1 1/4 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs, 8 whole sheets 
2 tablespoons granulated sugar 
2 tablespoons water 
1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter 
Filling: 
2 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped 
24 ounces 1 percent cottage cheese 

8 ounces 1/3 less fat cream cheese, at room temperature 
3/4 cup granulated sugar 
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 
1 egg 
2 egg whites 
2 teaspoons instant espresso powder 
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 
Fresh raspberries and mint sprigs, serving suggestion
1. Position the racks in the lower and upper thirds of the oven. Put a small roasting pan on the lower rack and fill about 1/3 full of water. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9-inch spring form pan with cooking spray and wrap the outside bottom of the pan with aluminum foil to prevent any leaks. 
2. Crust: Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, water, and melted butter in a medium bowl until moistened. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Freeze until firm, about 15 minutes, while preparing the filling. 
3. Filling: Put the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on medium power until soft and melted, about 1 minute, depending on the power of your oven. Stir until smooth. Puree the cottage cheese in the bowl of a food processor until smooth. Add the cream cheese, sugar, cocoa, and flour and continue to puree, scraping down the sides of the bowl, until smooth. Add the egg, egg whites, espresso, and vanilla and puree until incorporated. Add the melted chocolate and pulse until just combined. Pour over the prepared crust. 
4. Put the pan on the upper rack in the oven and bake until just set and the center jiggles slightly, about 50 to 55 minutes. Turn off the oven and let stand in the oven for 1 hour. Remove the cheesecake to a cooling rack and run a knife around the edge of the pan. 
5. Let stand at room temperature until cooled, about 2 hours, and then refrigerate until well chilled, 8 hours or overnight. Let stand at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving. For easier serving, slice with a clean hot knife, wiped clean after each slice. Serve each slice with a few fresh raspberries and a sprig of mint.