STEP 1 How 2 equip your kitchen?
A small investment in basic equipment and utensils will give you everything you need to prepare quick, simple and nutritious meals that will power your brain and your body.
Basic Equipment
Wok
Frying Pan with Lid
Set of 3 Saucepans
Small and Medium Non-Stick Baking Trays
Colander
Wooden Spoon
Wooden Spoon
Slotted Spoon
Tongs
Tin Opener
Spatula
Grater
Potato/Vegetable Peeler
Basic Set of Sharp Preparation Knives (including Bread Knife)
Whisk
Ladle
Scissors
Small and Large Mixing Bowls
Measuring Jug
Toaster
Kettle
Basic set of Small Plates, Bowls and Dinner Plates, Mugs
Glasses
Bottle Opener
Chopping Boards (Set of 3)
Tea Towels
STEP 2 How 2 Stock your kitchen
It is important to start with a varied stock cupboard, which will save a lot of time and help to make your money go so much further. These will all be dried and tinned goods with a long ‘best before by’ date.
Basic Stock Cupboard
Tinned Tomatoes
Tomato Puree
Coconut Milk
Variety of tinned beans. Butterbeans, Cannellini, Chick Peas
Medium Curry Paste or Powder
Stock Cubes (Chicken & Vegetable)
Mixed Herbs
Oregano
Thyme
Cumin
Turmeric
Ginger
Cinnamon
Chilli Powder
Chinese 5 Spice
Chinese 5 Spice
Jar Whole Red Peppers
Pasta
Rice
Noodles
Plain Flour
Salt and Pepper
Tomato Sauce
Mayonnaise
Worcestershire Sauce
Soy Sauce
Olive Oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Sunflower Oil
STEP 3 How 2 Budget
Every Student has financial issues, it’s part of starting out on the independent adventure. There is always a temptation to spend too much at the beginning of term and then run out far too quickly!
It will really help to start with a budget and plan your spending for both monthly and weekly outgoings. This doesn’t have to be complicated and won’t take long.
Once a plan is in place, the security of this will make life so much easier and less stressful for you. There will always be unexpected expenses, but this is a real opportunity to learn and experience some really important life skills. These will carry you through your whole life and make a very real and positive difference.
STEP 3 Budget Plan tips
It’s not an easy task to make your funds last a whole year, but start by working out all your set expenses for the year, such as rent, bills, fees etc., leave a small surplus for unexpected costs and then allocate a Monthly Budget for Food and Shopping.
We will ‘ring fence’ this as the Shopping Budget and include an amount for Basic Toiletries etc. It is easier to keep track of this by further dividing this into a weekly amount. Tips on how to make this work successfully will be highlighted when working through recipes and weekly meal planning.
STEP 4
How 2 Plan
Just a quick simple plan, can make all the difference. This does not involve anything complicated, just a basic idea of how your week may look and taking into account any extra activities or commitments.
All these can be designed to suit dietary requirements, preferences and health.
BREAKFASTS FOR THE WEEK
Fresh Fruit
Yoghurts
Bread for Toast
Spreads, Jam etc.
Cereal
Milk
Eggs
QUICK LUNCHES
Wraps
Pittas
Salad Boxes
Fresh Fruit
Snacks
DINNERS
Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry with Noodles
Mediterranean Pasta
Sausage Casserole
Filled Jacket Potatoes
Homemade Burgers and Salad
Spicy Prawns with Rice
STEP 5
How 2 Cook
We have added some recipes for you to try and more will be available by subscription (it's only a fiver!)