Cooking in college could be a task. Of course it’s easier to order in or do takeout, but that can get pricey and ain’t nobody got time to wait on some delivery boy. So, Distraction has compiled the list of the essential college cookbooks/food blogs to help wean you off the take-out and into a home cooked meal.
The Healthy College Cookbook
by: Rachel Holcomb, Jason Stanley, Alexandra Nimetz, Emeline Starr
This book can be a lifesaver for anyone trying to avoid that looming “Freshman 15.” For someone who knows almost nothing about cooking this book is a good start. The opening pages describe exactly what you should stock your fridge with, what cookware you should buy and even measurement conversions. The book has recipes for the simplest of things like a hard boiled egg to homemade granola. It also helps that the directions are user-friendly.
Pinterest.com
You may think Pinterest is only for girls, not only can you pin about what you want to craft but you can also find some killer recipes on it too. Sophomore, Hallie Schechter uses Pinterest to find recipes. “I usually just Pinterest to find recipes,” she said. “I like being able to figure out what I’m going to cook by seeing a picture rather than just by reading the list of ingredients.” While Pinterest is a great way to visualize what you’re cooking it can also lead you to some awesome blogs. Senior, Holly Bensur uses Pinterest to bring her to different websites and blogs. “If I’m ever interested in cooking something new I just go to my board to see what I’m in the mood to make,” she said. “Then I click to the linked website to get the recipe.”
Buzzfeed.com
Buzzfeed doesn’t have to be just something you look at when you’re bored in class. They frequently post easy recipes and links to other food blogs with recipes. Junior, Brenna Riley says, “I frequently find quick easy recipes that are meant for young people cooking for only one to two people,” she said. “They have different lists with things like ’24 five-ingredient recipes’ or ’36 meals to make in your slow cooker.’”
The CrockPot Recipe Collection
If you don’t have a Crock Pot then you should probably get one cause when you use it it’ll blow your mind. While the thought of leaving an appliance in the kitchen plugged in for long periods of time usually makes me nervous the Crock Pot is my one exception. The Crock Pot Recipe Collection really has it all from Banana Nut Bread to Cuban-Style Curried Turkey. Definitely a must have for any college student—especially for those living in the dorms.
smittenkitchen.com
If you’re ever feeling really ambitious smittenkitchen.com is the way to go. Their recipes are all delicious and they even have pictures to go along with some of the processes. Written by Deb Perelman, a woman well versed in the kitchen, she has also had experience as a record store shift supervisor, an art therapist and a technology reporter. Talk about a variety of interests. Becky Taylor, senior, says, “I love her food blog. There are such a variety of recipes to chose from!”
FoodNetwork.com
While watching the Food Network can intimidate most, there are often recipes for beginners on the website. Let’s face it, not all of us could cook as well as Bobby Flay. Junior, Angela Cameron said, “I use it because they have recipes for everything,” she said. “Like peanut butter cookies. They have a really easy recipe for beginners like me and another for more advanced bakers.” So whether you consider yourself a baker, chef or novice it may be worth your time to check it out.
words_rori kotch. photo_via pinterest.