Below are a few questions that can help show that anyone can cook regardless of where they live on or off campus. There is an ease to cooking that any collegiate student can enjoy!
1. What do I need to get started?
-You can take a look at The Essentials, most of which you can pick up from supermarkets or even dollar stores in the area. It will depend on what you are making which items you should purchase but it’s always helpful to get a collection of pots, pans, and measuring items to start off with. If you are living on-campus check with your Community Center desk, they typically have pots and pans you can rent out.
2. I don’t have a car, how can I even get to the supermarket?
-Luckily in the Towson area there are two Superfresh supermarkets located not too far away. While both can be walked to, it may not be easy to walk back with all your groceries. Try starting a carpool with friends who have a car, or you can always call Towson Sedan or Jimmy’s Cab Company (both charge about $7 to get to the supermarkets). Students also have the option of using the Collegetown Shuttle, a free shuttle that drops students off at the mall (close to the Superfresh located in Dulaney Valley Plaza) on weekdays or taking it on Sunday to Towson Place Shopping Center which has a Superfresh in it. (TIP: The Collegetown Shuttle is very full on Sundays so try going during the week!)
3. I live in the dorms, is cooking really “do-able”?
-Sure, why not! The kitchens in dorms have what you need to make any basic meals, a stove with burners on top and a sink. Because dorm rooms at Towson University have microwaves and refrigerator/freezers in them, it’s like having a home kitchen but a bit more complex.
4. Will I really save money compared to eating on campus?
-Yes you will! While the initial costs may seem to be more in the long run you will be saving money. For example, an order of chicken tenders (4-6 pieces of chicken) at Paws costs $6. Compare this to a bag of Americas Choice chicken tenders (roughly 15-20 pieces of chicken) at $3, you’ve nearly tripled the amount of food you are getting, and you’ve spent half the money!
5. My food usually expires before I eat it all, which becomes such a waste of money. What should I do?
-The first step is to plan your meals for the week before you go shopping. If you know you will only be able to make dinner 3 times that week, only buy 3 meals. If you have extra food especially chicken or beef you can put it into the freezer until you are ready to use it, this way it never goes bad. However, if you still have too much food and its expiration date is approaching—cook it all and invite friends over! After all, its better to have a random feast then to throw out food.
6. What are the simplest recipes to try for breakfast and lunch/dinner?
-For breakfast, eggs, especially scrambled are perfect for beginners. What you’ll need is eggs, milk, salt and pepper and a frying pan to cook in. Mix ingredients together and pour onto a pan and stir to ensure the eggs don’t burn—and voila, breakfast is served! For lunch or dinner, pasta is really easy. You’ll need pasta, some sort of sauce and a medium sized pot. Add water to the pot and let it come to a boil. Once the water is fully boiled add the pasta and cook for about twelve minutes, drain the pasta and add sauce to your liking and there you are an easy quick dinner!
