College Dorm Cooking 101

One of the first things that college freshmen should learn isn't covered in Freshmen Orientation on most campus. First time dormitory or dorm students have a choice that doesn't include mundane, high starch and often high fat cafeteria food. With today's technology, any dorm student can easily cook in the comfort of their own dorm room simply, easily, and without much expense.

Add a small microwave and mini-fridge to the list of must have items to furnish the dorm room. Most small microwaves are big on power but come in space saver editions that retail for less than $100. Many mini-fridges can be had in the $50-$100 range. Toss in a hot air popcorn popper, a coffee pot or "hot" pot and students are set to cook almost as good as Mom back home.

Today's microwaves are very versatile. Even all thumbs cooks and rank beginners can heat frozen entrees in the microwave or heat canned goodies that include soups, ravoli, spaghetti, hash, and much more. Eggs, sausages, frozen pancakes and waffles, and strudel products all work well in any microwave oven. Handy egg cookers are sold under several different brand names and can produce delicious eggs for an easy breakfast. This can be especially handy for late sleepers because many campus cafeterias serve a hot breakfast for a limited time. Look for bacon makers that make "frying" bacon in the microwave both easy and possible!

Microwave popcorn, easy made nachos with a little Velveeta cheese and some corn chips, frito pie, hamburgers, grilled sandwiches and any frozen entree can be heated to perfection in the microwave. Students who want to indulge in healthy food can indulge in frozen veggies and more. Everything from egg rolls to pizza can be heated in the microwave for tasty, any time of day dining thanks to the ease of microwave cooking.

A visit to the campus library or any bookstore will yield dozens of cookbooks geared toward microwave cooking with recipes by the dozens to try. Creative students can come up with homemade burritos with nothing more than a few tortillas, some salsa, refried beans from the can and shredded cheese. Smear the beans over the tortilla, sprinkle with salsa and cheese, nuke it and enjoy!

A small fridge can be one of the most convenient things on campus. Use it to keep cold sodas, milk, or other beverages handy. Store ice cream bars, puddings, jellos, and other desserts. Keep a supply of fresh deli meats and cheeses on hand and make ice tea to enjoy for late night study sessions. Even butter for popcorn can be kept fresh and convenient.

Having a fridge can put an end to expensive late night jaunts to the closest convenience store when the urge to snack hits if students have their own supplies on hand.

The sky is literally the limit with microwave cooking so be creative and start cooking. Students may never eat cafeteria food again!