Used to be a radio, desk lamp, and bedspread were the only items a student needed to make their dorm room liveable. But today’s plugged-in students keep mind, soul, and body together with a computer, TV, CD player, and a mini-fridge and microwave. Sure, generations of college kids have made it through without the last two items, but they actually make a lot of sense. When eating has to fit into a busy schedule of classes, studying, sports, and a social life, food often takes a back seat. Then, when the hunger pangs strike, it is off to the candy machine or the nearest fast food joint, or a call is made to the local pizza place. After a few months-and often more than a few unwanted pounds-it is time to consider other options. Even kids who have a refrigerator and a microwave in their rooms often think they are just to cool soda, pop popcorn, or store and heat up leftover pizza. Suanne Beverly, a certified cook, cooking teacher and caterer, and mother of two, decided that with a little bit of help, students could be taught to put these appliances to better use. Her easy-to-follow, fun-to-use new book, The Kitchenlessx Cookbook (c 1998, $21.95, published by InterMedia Publishing, Inc., Fort Lauderdale, FL), will help anyone heading off on their own for the first time make sure they never go hungry. This magic collection of good and easy recipes is perfect for those who can’t, won’t, or aren’t able to use a full-size oven or spend more than 20 minutes to prepare delicious (and healthy) meals, snacks, or party fare. “I hope The Kitchenlessx Cookbook will give students an alternative to unhealthy fast-food joints and pizza take-outs,” comments Beverly. “Those who are left uninspired by the school cafeteria, can’t afford to become a regular at expensive, slow-moving restaurants, and who want to avoid pricey and highly processed frozen food, will be amazed at how quick and easy it is to create a delicious meal from scratch.” Imagine whipping up Creamy Ziti Bake, Tuna Fruity, Fake Cappuccino, a quick omelet or Easy Cheesecake right in the dorm room in a matter of minutes. These are just a few of the more than 120 recipes found in the book. After she created and tested each recipe, Beverly had a panel of youthful, inexperienced cooks test them too. “Only the raves got through this torture test,” she admits. There are no fancy cooking terms, and no previous skill or experience in preparing food is needed. All the descriptions and instructions are totally straightforward-a teaspoon is a teaspoon, a tablespoon is a soup spoon, and for a one-cup measure she suggests just using an empty yogurt container. All spices and other staples fit nicely in a shoebox, and what to buy for each recipe is clearly listed up front. And everything can be made using only a microwave and a blender-or require no cooking at all!. So the only thing students have to worry about is suddenly becoming the resident chef. When that happens, they can just tell their friends and house mates to go out and get their own copy of The Kitchenlessx Cookbook. $21.95 hardcover comb-bound The Kitchenlessx Cookbook is available at bookstores or directly from InterMedia Publishing, Inc. Those ordering by mail should send a check for $21.95 plus $3.95 postage & handling (& $1.95 p&h for each additional book to the same address) to InterMedia Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 291506, Davie, FL 33329-1506. |
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