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

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

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.