You're in your first (maybe second?) year of college when the first opportunity arises where you're in charge of a party, book club, housewarming or any other event where food is generally expected to be provided by the host/hostess. That's when you realize it. Your cooking skills don't stretch any farther than cereal and microwave Easy Mac. Even then you sometimes to forget to add the water to your instant noodles... What are you going to do?
Have no fear! Here are some recipes that are positively fool-proof.
1. Creamy fettuccine Alfredo
How delicious does that sauce look? Yum! Don't let a fancy word like 'fettuccine' scare you. They're just noodles, I promise.
2. Beef stir-fry
Honestly? Half the time I'll throw whatever I want into a pan and call it "stir-fry." If you want to be technical, you'll need a wok pan. But no one has time (or money) for that!
3. Kale and apple salad
Munch like a rabbit once in a while! Toss in a few apple slices, drizzle with dressing, toss and serve!
4. Cheese tortellini in light broth
This four ingredient soup look insanely impressive, but is a snap to make. Invite your boss over for dinner to discuss that new raise. You've got this in the bag!
5. Hummus and grilled vegetable wrap
Appease your vegan and veggie-friendly friends (not to mention your mother's worry about your diet) and serve this fresh and quick alternative to the classic PB and J!
6. Watermelon and cucumber smoothie
Having your book club over for brunch? Serve this refreshing smoothie and earn a review better than the book under discussion! Add a cute cucumber or watermelon wedge on the side for that extra little something.
7. Pasta with tomatoes and peas
This recipe takes no longer than a pot of boxed mac-n-cheese, but your soul and stomach will thank you for making the switch!
8. Carrot cake yogurt bowl
This couldn't get any easier! With just olive oil plus spices, you can fancy-up any store bought salad with this lovely dressing and a sense of accomplishment! Make it by the canter and never have to buy dressing again.
9. Enchiladas
Who needs Taco Bell or Mighty Taco when you can make your own spicy enchiladas at home? Using this recipe and in under an hour you could be enjoying the most delicious cuisine you've ever tasted or made!
10. Chocolate mug cake
That's right! You can make cake in a mug, using your microwave! Share this trick with your dorm floor during your first weekend and you'll have friends for the rest of the semester.
11. Mason jar oatmeal
Make this the night before class and eat it (discreetly) in the back of your 8 a.m. literature class!
12. Mug pizza
This has to be my all-time favorite mug recipe EVER. Mini mug pizzas aren't only cute and adorable, but incredibly delicious. Enjoy one of these savory treats when pulling an all-nighter for some last-minute energy!
13. Cookie balls
Sorry not sorry, but anything in mini-ball form automatically gets five stars from me. Convenient, cute and delicious, these cookies are the perfect go-to for snacking on the go!
14. Snickers cream cheese
Looking to sweet up your breakfast? What better way than with a mock-chocolate bar spread? Skip the Nutella and head straight for this sweet treat!
15. Spinach quinoa stuffed peppers
Sometimes you just need something quick and filling to tie you over for that three-hour night class you swore was a good idea during registration. This is it!
16. Chili macaroni casserole bowl
This is an adult's mac-n-cheese. Skip the powder and hit the veggies for a bowl of warmth, comfort and adulting! (OK, it has wagon-wheel pasta, but that's not the point!)
17. Chocolate chip cookies
When all else fails, stick to a tried-and-true classic recipe! This was so easy our grandmothers used to let us do most of the work, and lick the spoon. Go on, I know you want to.
