The College Cook Project

People say that college students can't cook. "College food" is little more than ramen, EasyMac, and frozen pizza. We students drink "college drinks," like soda, alcohol, energy drinks. We pump nothing but snack foods, sugar, salt, caffeine, etc; into our systems.

But I pose to all of you this question: Who says that college students can't cook? I'm not talking about "cooking" frozen dinners or "cooking" real macaroni and cheese. I'm talking about homemade cooking, making things from scratch, and preparing meals like mom used to make. I'm talking about real cooking.

I'm in my fourth year of college, studying as an undergraduate double-major, and I've discovered that everything we've ever been told about college student "cooking" is a lie. I can tell you from my own experiences that college students can cook. I love being able to surprise my fiance and room mates with delicious meals that cost so very little, but pack a big taste.

"But I don't have the time to cook a real meal!" Well, that may be true. But not all recipes take forever. In fact, I've found that my favorite recipes take less than a half-hour, and I can take many of them with me on the go.

"But cooking is expensive! There's all those ingredients to buy!" Well, that may also be true. Most of the recipes I use are inexpensive to begin with, but I can buy ingredients for a week's worth of dinners for less than $40 at my local Aldi's.

Here is the project: Every week, I am going to post cheap, fast, and incredibly easy recipes, chosen specifically to fit those who live busy lives. These recipes are recipes that I use at home all the time, and are tried and true. I will be posting one or two of these recipes every Saturday for all of you to read, test, and review.

Here is the challenge: I challenge every college student who reads this to try these recipes. Take the time to reward yourself for a day of hard work and study by enjoying restaurant quality food for well under half the cost.

For those readers who aren't college students, don't feel left out! This blog is for all, and I encourage anyone to try these recipes for themselves.

And so, with that said, let's begin this adventure, shall we?