Going off to college is a special time in one’s life. At last, you’re free to make your own decisions: chose your own décor, decide when and where to study—or party—and set your own curfew. But one sad reality is that upon moving away from home, you also leave behind mom’s home cooking.
Throughout college I was very lucky that “home” (Carthage, Tenn.) was only a short hour-long drive away, and sometimes on weekends when I visited my parents, my mom would pack leftovers or freeze meals for me to take back to school. Sadly, not every student has that luxury, During the week, after mom’s leftovers had run out, eating Ramen noodles and Chef Boyardee, and even dining in Corlew Cafeteria (if you’re a Freshman living on campus) gets really old as well as unhealthy as the year progresses. Yes, I gained the famous “Freshman 15”, and it wasn’t from drinking too much beer (because I don’t really like beer unless it’s part of a great pot roast recipe). It doesn’t take many nights of eating Corlew Cafeteria pizza for dinner before it starts to show up on your backside, if you’re a female anyway.
So students, many will not want to hear this, but upon going to college, it’s better for both your wallet and your waistline if you learn to cook for yourself.
I already know what you’re thinking: you’ll be too pressed for time, you have more important things to do like study or socialize, or you’re just too tired to cook, it’s much easier to stand in line at Taco Bell or Subway.
I’ve been there, and believe me, I remember . . . but I also know this: Nine years ago when I started college, if I had known then what I know now about cooking, I would have eaten better food that was of higher quality, more inexpensive, healthier and simple to prepare. Fact is, cooking isn’t difficult or very time consuming at all with a little planning and the right tools. Don’t be intimidated; even if you don’t have the kitchen space, budget or willingness to follow every suggestion here, let this be a beginning to your journey towards meal preparation independence.
As Sam says in Green Eggs and Ham, “Try it, try it, you will see!”
The first step is stocking your kitchen. This is the most expensive part. Hopefully mom and dad will chip in since these are college necessities. If not, you’ll have to budget for essential cooking tools, but you can purchase a few items at a time. Plus, most of these are a one-time deal. As long as you treat your cooking tools properly, they’ll last throughout out all four years of college and longer. Now go forth and shop!
Essential Appliances(In order of necessity):
1. Microwave: Should go without saying. It’s probably the one cooking tool that all college kids do know how to use.
2. Toaster Oven: More useful than a pop-up toaster because not only will it toast bread, but also mini pizzas, sandwiches (fresh or frozen), corn dogs, etc.
3. Crock Pot: A must have for any kitchen. The crock pot makes it possible to throw meat, veggies and seasonings into one pot, set it to low, leave for class/work and return home to a delicious meal at the end of the day. It doesn’t get any easier than that. You can purchase a stainless steel Crock-Pot slow cooker on Amazon for about $20.
4. Coffee Pot: For those who need their morning cup to get the day started. Purchasing a cup from Starbucks or even McDonald’s each morning isn’t feasible when you’re dining on a budget. Three beverages from Starbucks equals the cost of one sleek digital coffee pot that you can use for years to come. The best deal: visit gevalia.com/freecoffeemaker and enroll in their coffee club ($19.99, free shipping/handling). Select four bags from over 40 premium coffees and/or teas and they’ll send you a free Gevalia coffee maker as an enrollment gift. Even if you cancel the membership, the coffee pot is yours to keep.
Cooking Essentials: the bare necessities for cooking on the stove or in the oven
Nonstick Cookware:
1. 2-quart covered sauce pan (“Covered” means it comes with a lid. Lids are important because they help control cooking time)
2. 10” covered skillet (not to be confused with a sauté pan. You want a skillet with deep sides)
3. 6-quart covered stock pot
4. Cookie sheet
Other Essential Cooking Gadgets:
(Note: never use metal cooking tools on non-stick cookware)
*Measuring cups/spoons
*Slotted spoon
*Basting spoon
*Large or medium-size slotted plastic spatula
*Can opener/bottle opener
Note: Items listed above are available as a set at Amazon.
*Oven Mitt/Oven Pad, (usually sold as set)
*Colander (or strainer, for straining noodles, veggies, etc.)
*Cutting board
*3 Knives:
Note: Purchase high quality knives and they’ll last a lifetime.
1. Small paring knife (I recommend Pampered Chef’s for $9; the storage cases double as sharpeners.)
2. 5” chopping knife (less cumbersome than a larger one) I have a Farberware from Walmart that has held up extremely well.
3. 8” Serrated bread knife (a must-have for cutting breads, sandwiches, cakes, even pizza, oranges and pineapples). I recommend Pampered Chef for this particular knife ($20). I have one in my kitchen and use it for all sorts of things.
*Medium-sized Plastic mixing bowls (usually sold as sets, but the medium sized ones are most useful)
*Plastic storage containers of various sizes (for leftovers) I enjoy the Rubbermaid 24-piece Food Storage Set with easy-find lids.
Non-essential Cooking Gadgets: (Items you’ll want because they just make life easier)
*Small George Foreman Grill (or similar off-brand): Handy for grilling meats (i.e. chicken, steak or burgers) or veggies (i.e. peppers for fajitas) without having to leave your dorm room. I don’t consider this a necessity because most dorms have kitchens where this can also be accomplished in a non-stick skillet.
*Micro Cooker by Pampered Chef ($8.50): No, I’m not a pampered chef consultant, but I do love some PC and this is a handy device at an affordable price for college students. It allows you to cook meats and veggies in the microwave, and the lid serves as a strainer.
*Hand mixer (nice to have on hand for tough mixing jobs: cake mixes, creamy mashed potatoes)
*Spaghetti Server (or just use a fork)
*Ladle (for serving soups, etc.)
Basic Items:
*Inexpensive dishes, cups, utensils
(Note: for dorm rooms I recommend disposable plates and utensils. I know it’s not great for the environment, but you can purchase paper instead of Styrofoam. It saves time and is much cleaner. While living in the dorms I was always disgusted when people washed their dishes in the bathroom sinks and would leave food behind).
*Plastic Wrap
*Aluminum Foil
*Salt/Pepper
*Cooking Oil
*Flour
*Sugar
*Butter or Non-stick cooking spray. (I prefer butter and oil to spray, but the spray is super handy.)
*Baking Soda (2 or 3) Two to leave open in the refrigerator/freezer, one to keep on hand if you bake. Never hurts to have an extra box of baking soda on hand. I’ll save that topic for another time though.
