Vegetable SoupBasics
By: Joseph Hudak
What to cook for dinner? That question plagues my mind almost every day, it’s a struggle that anyone living on their own experiences. Whether it be for health, financial, or any other number of reasons, learning to cook is a valuable skill - not just being able to cook ramen and other “college cuisine” dishes. Luckily, I’m a home cook that watches a lot of Youtube - so I’ve got some ideas
My segment is going to teach you how to make a thick onion soup, which can be modified to accommodate nearly any veggie you want to soupify This is a recipe adapted from Adam Byatt’s Youtube video “How to make: White Onion Soubise Roasted Garlic Chantilly” - I know, the title sounds fancy and complicated, but in reality it’s a simple soup with a fancy name
For this soup you’ll need one large white onion, a quarter cup of short grain rice, four tablespoons of butter or oil, a quarter cup each of milk and heavy cream, and finally a cup and a half of water Optionally, you can add almost any vegetable - I’m using one large carrot here - another quarter cup of heavy cream, and a source of umami - here I’m using a few tablespoons of light soy sauce. You also will need a blender of some kind, I use an immersion blender, but any blender will work; I will touch on non-heatsafe blenders later This recipe makes 1-2 servings
First, cut the onions (and any other vegetables) into even sized slices/pieces, you don’t have to be exact, as this will all be blended later Next, heat a medium sized saucepan over medium heat and start melting the butter in the pan. After letting the butter melt for a few seconds, add your vegetables and rice - the rice will help to thicken the soup and keep it from splitting when we blend it Add the salt and cook on medium to medium-high heat until the onions are translucent, as shown; make sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning Once the onions are translucent, add the water, milk, and a quarter cup of heavy cream, then bring to a simmer and let cook until the rice is cooked through; this takes roughly 5-10 minutes I recommend tasting the soup every few minutes until you can tell the rice is cooked - this is also your opportunity to adjust salt as you please
Once the rice is done cooking, take the soup off the heat, and blend until smooth before serving. If using a non-heatsafe blender, let the soup cool before blending, then return to heat and warm before serving If you made the savoury whipped cream, top each bowl with a dollop of cream, and optionally garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkling of your favorite herb
Optionally, while the soup is simmering we can make a savoury whipped cream to top the soup In a bowl combine the remainder of the heavy cream and the umami flavorant of your choice - here I use two tablespoons of light soy sauce, the original recipe uses roasted garlic, and I have used half a teaspoon of doenjang (a Korean miso paste) in the past Whisk the mixture until just before soft peaks, as shown The cream should stick to the whisk but slowly lose its shape in the bowl.
Recipe
Ingredients
1 Large White Onion
ÂĽ Cup Short Grain Rice
4 Tbsp Butter or Oil
ÂĽ Cup Milk
ÂĽ Cup Heavy Cream
1 ½ Cups Water
Optional ¼ Cup Heavy Cream (Total ½ Cup)
2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
1. Cut onion (and other veggies of choice if desired) into roughly ÂĽ inch slices
2. Add butter to a cold saucepan and heat on medium to mediumhigh; add onions, optional veggies, rice, and salt.
3 Cook on medium to medium-high until the onions are translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning
4. Add water, milk, and ÂĽ cup heavy cream; bring to a simmer
5. Continue cooking at a simmer until the rice is cooked, about 5-10 minutes
Optional Steps
1. Add the remaining heavy cream and the soy sauce to a bowl.
2 Whisk until before soft peaks - it should stick to the whisk but not hold shape
1. Once the rice is cooked, blend all contents of the soup - if using a non-heatsafe blender, let the soup cool before blending, then return to heat until warmed.
2. Serve hot with optional whipped cream and olive oil garnish
Spring Break Plans How Students Are Spending Their Week Off
From beach trips to tournaments and much-needed rest, students share their plans for the first big break of the semester
Spring break is one of the most anticipated times of the semester. After weeks of classes, assignments, and long study nights, students finally get a chance to t ake a break from their busy schedules. For some, that means traveling somewhere exciting with friends For others, it means competing in sports or simply st aying home to recharge This year, students have a wide range of plans, showing that there’s no single way to enjoy spring break.
For me, this spring break is all about adventure and time with friends. I will be going on a cruise with some of my friends, and we have been counting down the days We’re all so excited because it’s something we’ve been planning for a while; we are calling it “Girls just wanna have sun ” It’s going to be nice to forget about school for a few days and just enjoy the ocean, the food, and the fun activities on the ship Cruises offer a little bit of everything beautiful views, new destinations, and plenty of time to relax and spend time together For us, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the break
Not everyone is spending their break relaxing, though. One student (Arantza Stenner) will be traveling to Florida for a tennis tournament. As both an athlete and a coach, golf plays an import ant role in her life “It’s a great opportunity to compete and also help guide the team,” she explained While her spring break will still be busy, it’s a chance to focus on something she loves while continuing to develop her skills in the sport
Another student (Isabella Martinez) is heading somewhere much closer to home but just as exciting, South Padre Island Known as one of the most popular spring break destinations in Texas, the island attracts thousands of students every year “I’m really excited to go with my friends,” she shared “We’re looking forward to the beach, the warm weather, and just having a fun time together” With its sunny beaches and energetic atmosphere, South Padre Island is the perfect place for students looking for a lively get away
Meanwhile, another student (Dany Hernandez) will be traveling to Miami with her friends for Miami Music Week This event transforms the city into a huge celebration of music, with DJs, concerts, and events happening all over the city “Miami is always fun, but during music week it ’s even better,” she said “ There’s so much energy and so many events to go to ” For her, this trip is about enjoying music, exploring the city, and making unforgettable memories with friends Of course, not everyone feels the need to travel during spring break . One student (Greta Garcia) explained that she plans to stay in town and simply relax. After the fast pace of the semester, sometimes a quiet break is exactly what students need. “Honestly, I just want to rest and enjoy having no assignments for a few days,” she said. Staying home can be the perfect opportunity to recharge before classes pick up again. No matter how students choose to spend their time, spring break offers a valuable pause in the middle of a busy semester. Whether it ’s cruising with friends, competing in sports, dancing at music festivals, enjoying the beach, or simply catching up on sleep, everyone has their own way of making the most of the break .
Student Life & Culture
By: Andrea B Inestroza
your perfect
Picture this: it’s 11:00pm the night before your 6:00 AM flight to Cabo. You are sitting on your bedroom floor, surrounded by the contents of your closet, and on the brink of a mental breakdown over having absolutely no idea what to pack, and suddenly
Enter me! Fitted by Mack, your fashion fairy godmother, here to take away all your packing problems for your week away at the beach 10 items, endless combinations, and good news all these items can be found right there in your closet!
Tops:
1. White Tank Top
2. Oversized T-shirt
3 Sundress
4 Fun Patterned Top
5. Bikini Bottoms:
1. Jean Shorts
2 Mini Skirt
3 Linen Pants
Shoes:
“vaycay”
Step 1 - Gather the Items
I should note a crucial step in this process...pull the pieces you feel most confident in!! I am serious; be bold and don’t be afraid to be an outfit repeater, because you will feel 10x more comfortable in an outfit you KNOW looks good!
Flip Flops
2. Woven Sandals
State
Navy
–Brandy Melville
–Urban Outfitters –House Of CB
capsule wardrobe
Step 2 – Creating the Outfits
For your first day at the beach, throw on your bikini, jean shorts, and those flip flops you packed Suddenly, you’ve just transformed into a cutie beach bum who is about to have the tan of her life.
After you’ve just basked in the sun for hours, you have the perfect natural makeup and salty hair to pair with your dinner and sunset pictures For that, I would recommend the sundress and sandals...and maybe some aloe, if needed!
Another fun outfit combo is the white tank and the linen pants: pair them with a messy bun and those trusty flip flops, and you’re ready to head to the local coffee shop for a morning latte
And that oversized t-shirt? That is your secret weapon. It is the perfect throw-onover your bikini, wear-to-sleep, or loungearound-the-house piece
Step 3 – Mix & Match!
This is the best part of a capsule wardrobe you can easily mix the 10 items to create a new outfit combo every day. In other words, the less pieces you have, the easier it will be to decide what to wear. I don’t exactly know the science behind it, but trust me, it works.
Now whether you pack a week in advance or during the wee hours of the night before your trip, have no fear, because this formula works for all types of packers. I hope this will serve you well on your spring break excursions. If it doesn’t, then feel free to text me a fashion fairy godmother never sleeps, after all XOXO, Fitted By Mack
TRENDS & REVIEWS
By: Angelina Rodriguez
MOVIE REVIEW:
People We Meet on Vacation (2026)
I’m not one for romance. Whether a book or a movie, it has never been my favorite genre. Comedy, however, is my favorite type of media, which is why People We Meet on Vacation won me over.
The beginning almost killed me—if you’ve seen it, you know… When main characters Poppy and Alex are first introduced on their road trip back home, I repeatedly asked my best friend to turn the movie off; I could NOT STAND HER. That clumsy, clueless, obstinate type of girl is just INFURIATING! I was relieved when Alex sort of mellowed her out overtime. The pair wears off on one another more and more after each trip—which I think is both a sweet way to show a friendship growing and a smart way to display time passing.
I love quick banter in films. Not arguing, but quick conversations where they’re either misunderstanding each other or bouncing the joke back and forth. That’s where this movie really captured my attention. I think the writing is pretty great! There was very little expository dialogue (which I HATE) where they just explained exactly what’s happening. This information is something watchers should have already gathered included by producers just to make sure the audience doesn’t miss a single point of the storyline. You see this ALL THE TIME now since the directors and writers expect us to be on our phones as we watch. To ensure full understanding of their hard work, they write in those moments to lay the obvious right in front of you, just in case… But this movie relies on viewers actually watching, being engaged in the movie, and understanding the character’s choices and implications! This is a writing choice I respect in this era of consuming brainless media.
Finally, I want to mention how important I think Alex and Poppy’s type of relationship development is. The movie builds on a strong and natural friendship before any occurs. This is so rare to see now. The movie industry has realized that sex sells, and they choose to rush the stages of the relationship while leaving behind the sweet moments that accompany falling in love. Right now, if the two main characters are at all in the same scenario, they’re bound to “fall in love,” and the first thing they do is become intimate with each other! I believe one of the most important foundations of a romantic relationship is having compatibility as friends FIRST. The reason most relationships don’t last nowadays is because it’s dependent on how often they’re romantic with each other rather than how harmonious and adaptable the couple are to life! So much can change when you get to know the person you’re with, which is why I believe you should learn who they really are before you make any commitment.
If there’s one important thing I admired about this movie, it’s the realism. They don’t automatically work out once they realize they love each other;mthey still have issues to work through, which breaks them up for a time. It’s when Poppy goes running after Alex at the very end that they recognize their ability to journey through turmoil together and still be compatible. So overall, I loved this movie for its depiction of real, strong endearment and intentional, willful writing. #wouldrecommend!
CLOSING REMARKS
As we close this issue, we invite you to explore why the ocean plays such a vital role in our lives and how we can protect it. Beyond the deep blue seas, readers also caught a whiff of how to cook up something from scratch, from onion to base. Out of the Office reminded us how to prepare for the vacation with a capsule wardrobe perfect for any occasion in this hot Texas weather. As you turn the final pages of Out of the Office, we hope this issue allowed you to relax, recharge, and discover something new beyond the classroom and workplace. Until next time, keep exploring life outside the office, and remember you’re more than your major, Cardinals.
XOXO
McKenergy