Week Two

Since I moved into my college apartment two years ago, I have figured out a bunch of different kitchen items that have made cooking in college easier. My mom is a small appliance queen, so I too have found myself loving a small appliance. However, in a small apartment it can be hard to find storage for 10 small appliances. So, I have compiled a list of 10 kitchen items that have made my college cooking experience easier, and will help make your cooking experience better as well. For more items that may be helpful, check out this article on The Practical Kitchen. Let's cook!

1. Crock Pot or Slow Cooker

I use my Crockpot weekly for a variety of different things, such as pot roast, buffalo chicken dip, and more. A Crockpot is such a versatile cooking tool because you can make anything from sides to main dishes to desserts. Something that I love as a busy college student is that I can dump the ingredients for dinner in the morning, then come back in the evening to a fully cooked dinner. Check out these options from Target and Walmart. 

2. Hand Mixer

If you love to bake or make mashed potatoes, you NEED a hand mixer. Even though we would all love to have a stand mixer, a hand mixer is super accessible and easy to store in a college apartment. Using a hand mixer makes cooking quicker and also allows for smoother mashed potatoes, and can easily get lumps out of cake batter. You may prefer to use a masher or a whisk for your cooking and baking needs, but to speed your cooking process up, which all busy college students need, a hand mixer is for you. Check out these options from Target and Walmart to help you decide what hand mixer will work best for you. 

3. Measuring Cups

Measure with your heart! Until your alfredo sauce turns into a block of cheese because you added too much of it. Or, until your cake tastes like straight flour because you just poured it out of the bag. Measuring cups are a lifesaver, especially when you are cooking one serving. Most single servings are about a cup to two cups, and while you may think you know how much a cup is, you don't. I use my measuring cups for everything. Cooking, baking, separating meal prep portions, etc. You really can’t go wrong with any brand of measuring cup, but definitely make sure they can go in a dishwasher. Check out these options from Target and Walmart. 

4. Kitchen Tools (Spatulas, Whisks, Ladles, Cheese Graders, etc.)

It may seem very obvious to have spatulas, whisks, and serving spoons, but some people just use a fork to flip something. Having simple utensils can make cooking so much easier. Also, buying them in a pack can be cheaper, giving you more utensils for a low cost. Utensils are essential to creating simple and delicious meals, look at these options from Target and Walmart. 

5. So Many Oven Mitts and Trivets

As you have seen on my Instagram, I have burned my hands on multiple pans by buying cheap oven mitts and trivets. Nice oven mitts and trivets will save your hands from burning and will keep your surfaces from getting burn marks on them too. A washcloth is not a replacement for an oven mitt, so check out these options from Target and Walmart. 

6. Pasta Bowls

It may sound weird, but pasta bowls are life changing. They can be used for pretty much any meal, even some soups depending on the type and size of pasta bowls. You can put chicken and potatoes, pasta, or even ice cream. In my apartment, we use plastic pasta bowls, but depending on the aesthetic of your apartment or the type of dishes that you want, you could also purchase glass or ceramic. If you want to explore options, check out these options from Target and Walmart. 

7. Foldable Colander

College apartments usually lack counter and cabinet space, and colanders can take up a lot of space. Anything that can collapse or decrease in size can help you make the most of your space in your college kitchen. Even though you may not have a lot to strain, having a colander can be helpful when you are cooking pasta or even meal prepping vegetables. You can store it in the corner of the cabinet, in a drawer, or even collapse it into a bin. Check out these options from Target and Walmart. 

8. Pots and Pans (All Shapes and Sizes)

Lastly, pots and pans of all shapes and sizes can really make or break your cooking journey. Make sure you get a variety of pans, especially a sauce pan, frying pan, and single serve pot. I use pans for searing, making pasta, rice, etc. Pans that you can cook both soup and fry things in can be versatile. Check out these options from Target and Walmart. 

To see more of my recommendations, take a look at my Amazon List. Come back next week to get over your fear of raw meat with me. Trust me, we are in this together. Keep cooking and I will see you next week!