Final exam week is quickly approaching, becoming the only obstacle we have to overcome before our stress-free, sun-filled summer vacation.  Drop the textbooks, because the one thing that will get us through these strenuous exams is food.

There is no better feeling than finishing an exam and coming home to a quick, filling snack and a long nap. While studying can become tedious, snacks can throw some zest into exam week.  The Observer is here with the top five foods to turn to for comfort and a break from the exam week anxiety.

Pizza

A classic for people of all ages, pizza is one of the most popular comforting foods out there.  Whether it’s delivered straight to your house or cooked to perfection in the oven, the warm, gooey cheese and the chewy, doughy crust provides just the right amount of deliciousness to melt away your frustrations.  Domino’s and Potomac Pizza are just some of the popular pizza restaurants in the area.

“Domino’s is my favorite pizza because their crust is really soft and delicious,” sophomore Elizabeth Kan said.

Cookie Butter

Cookie butter is a hidden delicacy that should be in every pantry.  With the consistency of peanut butter, this smooth spread is made purely from gingerbread cookies.  While you can eat it straight from the jar, you can also put a new twist on cookie butter and smash it between Oreo cookies, leaving you with a chocolate cookie sensation.  You can find different flavors of cookie butter at Trader Joe’s including original, chocolate swirl or crunchy.

Funfetti Puppy Chow

Do not let the name deceive you; this is not dog food but one of the tastiest, sweetest and possibly most addictive snacks.  A no-bake turn on bland Chex cereal, all you have to do is make Funfetti batter and combine it with butter, Chex cereal and sugar in a large Ziploc bag and shake.  Once you take a bite, you’ll forget all about your long day of testing.

Microwave Nachos

Nachos are a pure Mexican delight that can be topped with anything desirable.  While cheese is the main ingredient that makes these jazzed-up tortilla chips so famous, salsa, guacamole and beans on top will create a fiesta in your mouth.  All you have to do is sprinkle cheese on top of tortilla chips, add other toppings, put it in the microwave for 90 seconds and enjoy.

“I will definitely eat nachos with salsa and cheese during exams,” junior Janithra de Silva said.  “It doesn’t require much effort to put together, and it’s just a nice treat.”

Skittle Rice Kripsie Treats

If you want to taste the rainbow and snap, crackle and pop at the same time, Skittle Rice Krispie Treats are the food for you.  This easy recipe is quick and fun; all you have to do is melt butter, mix with marshmallows, add rice krispies and skittles, mix it all together, put it in a pan and wait.  Combining a lunchbox-favorite treat with one of the most renowned candies, Skittle Rice Krispies are perfect for those of you with a sweet tooth.

Although junior Burke Niner would probably rather “eat a fruit or granola bar after an exam,” he loves rice krispie treats but is not sure how it would taste if you “ruin them with skittles.”

These five foods create the perfect recipe for success during exam week.  Although they might not be the best brain foods, the will definitely comfort your through the hard times.

For specific recipes, ingredient amounts and other information, go to www.allrecipes.com.