The College Cookbook: An Alternative to the Meal Plan

I actually have a much earlier edition of this book (1977) and 30 years later still turn to it when I want good, basic food made from scratch without a lot of complicated ingredients. I never felt the book was targeted at dorm cooking (a microwave lifestyle), but more for students sharing an apartment, house, or living the Greek life (i.e., kitchen available). 6-9 ingredients is too much? Boy, I guess that's a sign of a generation commited to convenience cooking because I don't think these recipes require expensive or unusual ingredients--just enough of them to make a decent dish. I would definitely buy this for a young person or couple starting out because I think it's good, basic food that is both budget and nutrition conscious--but even better, results in tasty food.

This is one of the few recipe books I have gotten and kept over the years. I like it because it has simple, filling meals that aren't your typical condensed soup fare. They have some imagination but are all pretty tasty. And they come from real students.

From the Ivy League in the east, through the Big Ten in the heartland, to the Pac-10 Schools in the West, Geri Harrington has gathered an absolutely lipsmacking-good collection of recipes from college students. Parents, put this book into the trunk next to the stereo and the computer as you head off to campus with your young adults. The inexpensive, nutritious recipes meet with the approval of this chef-alias-mom with three decades of kitchen experience. Written with a brisk, light-hearted tone throughout, this book is an excellent volume for those who like to peruse cookbooks just to read. Try some of the offerings and you'll be surprised at how quickly and easily you can put together a good meal! Kudoes to Geri Harrington for this popular book.

This is a wonderful resource for the beginning cook, particularly one who is on a budget. The book has a very handy glossary at the beginning of common cooking terms, plus a glossary of herbs and spices and what they go well with. There's also tips for stretching a food budget and what kind of cookware is best to buy.The recipes are submitted from college students all around the country and are arranged by category, with a helpful quick list of main ingredients by recipe so you can tell at a glance whether you have what you need. The recipes are generally pretty quick and simple to throw together, and all the ones I've tried have been very tasty!All in all, a wonderful resource for the beginning cook--highly recommended.