Here at the Brok’n Kitch’n we are always looking for new ways to reach out to our readers. In this post I interviewed a person who has much experience with living and cooking for themselves. This was my older sister Paige. She has lived off-campus or in an apartment for the past four years so she is very comfortable in cooking for herself. In the following interview she discusses several aspects of cooking for yourself in your own Brok’n Kitch’n.
- I am conducting an interview about the challenges and highlights of cooking as a young broke college student, can you run my readers through your daily meals.
My daily meals: Breakfast — Honey Nut Cheerios with no milk; Lunch — Yogurt, fruit or vegetable (recently an orange), cheese stick; Snack — Light popcorn; Dinner — Protein and a vegetable or salad.
- How do you stay on top off meal preparation? Do you make lists or just off the top of your head?
I am more efficient and save money by planning in advance, but that doesn’t always happen. Usually, I buy in bulk and it’s just a matter of what you want to defrost that day.
- What is the most underrated food to cook?
Believe it or not, I am going to go with eggs. I used to dislike eggs and would never want them. They are cheap, have a variety of preparations, and are easy and quick to make. Winner, winner, (chicken) eggs for dinner. I like them better for dinner than breakfast.
- Tell me your must have spices to zest up similar meals.
To zest up similar meals, these aren’t really spices but use of sauces aka hot sauce, salsa, ketchup, bbq sauce, honey mustard are game changers for me. If I had to pick a spice it would be garlic.
- What is your favorite meal to cook off campus?
My favorite meal to cook off campus…. hmm… I am always a fan of a good burger off the grill or stuff for taco salad.
- What is your advice to young broke students who need to grocery shop?
I would highly recommend buying in bulk and freezing things. You can make larger portions and freeze them later so that they don’t go bad. Also, embrace fresh produce, but don’t over embrace… you’ll end up with a lot of rotten wasted food. Fresh produce may not always be cheap but look for what is in season.
- What is the best steal at the grocery store?
Mrs. T’s Pierogies are my best steal from the grocery store. They may not be Grandma’s homemade pierogies, but these are a quick, easy meal that aren’t terrible for you.
- What is your biggest challenge with cooking your own food?
I have two challenges. One is cooking for only two people. A lot of recipes are for larger parties. That is where I have learned to freeze things. Two is not being afraid to get creative and stray from the recipe. Sometimes making slight changes ends really well and you wouldn’t have known if you hadn’t taken a chance.
- If you had an unlimited budget for one meal, what would you cook?
You probably won’t like this answer that much but I would probably go for a perfectly cooked pan-seared scallop, with some broccoli with melted american cheese. OR loaded nachos. OR sushi.
- Being that we know it is impossible to solely eat off campus, what is your favorite restaurant to get food from?
I don’t know how much this applies to me. I would probably say uMAMi or Rocco’s.
This advice can be applied to almost any person living in a similar situation. My additional advice would be to take advantage of coupons especially if you have a grocery store nearby. By planning your meals around what is on sale you can get some great meals without hurting your wallet. Anyway I’ll be back next week with ideas for Christmas cheer! Everyone enjoy your Thanksgiving!
The Brok'n Kitch'n 