It’s probably been years since you actually flipped through the pages of a cookbook, and not without good reason. The cookbooks that I remember as a child were huge, with 100 ingredients and required a whole afternoon to complete one recipe. Flash forward to college and I feel like there’s no time to make diverse and delicious meals.
However, I’ve discovered a selection of cookbooks that have completely changed my mind. They contain an amazing range of recipes definitely created with this generation of foodies in mind. You can get lost in sweet and savory meals that only take a mug and a microwave to make, test out 30 ways to cook with Nutella or even try your hand at The Taco Cleanse by consuming your weight in vegan tacos. The possibilities are endless.
Thug Kitchen Party Grub: For Social Motherf*ckers
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With a title that aggressive, this cookbook has to be a winner. This is the second cookbook in the Thug Kitchen series. The first book, Thug Kitchen, was #1 on the New York Times best selling list (prestigious AF). This cookbook is filled with more than 100 recipes that you won’t believe are healthy. It also includes cocktail recipes so you’ll be set for an entire night of hosting and, of course, eating.
Meal in a Mug
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This cookbook is genius because of how easy the recipes are to make and how little clean-up is involved. Plus, when your parents ask what you’re making for dinner, you can casually say, “Thai Beef Noodle Salad, Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna, and Strawberry Baked Cheesecake for dessert.” That’ll surely distract them from asking how your last exam went.
#SpoonTip: You can bake a pie in a mug too – who knew?
The Mac + Cheese Cookbook
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We’re going to start this list of cookbooks out with a bang because why not? This one should be a staple in every college kid’s kitchen for obvious reasons. It’s filled with 50 easy recipes for mac and cheese creations that you didn’t even know were possible. Some of which include: Jalapeno Popper Mac, Breakfast Mac and even Vegan Mac. They don’t skimp on the classics though, so don’t worry. As a bonus, there are even dessert and side recipes included.
#SpoonTip: For a completely college take on mac and cheese, try this recipe.
The Taco Cleanse
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This cookbook comes with a slogan: “The tortilla-based diet proven to change your life.” This cleanse breaks all traditional cleanse norms. Instead of depriving your body of the foods it craves, it gives them to you in the form of tortillas, refried beans and guacamole. There are more than 75 vegan recipes included that were created by a group of vegan taco scientists from Austin, Texas. : who knew that there was such thing as a taco scientist and can they come cater
#SpoonTip: Who knew that there was such thing as a taco scientist and can they come cater our next Taco Tuesday?
Stoner’s Delight
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This cookbook maps out your entire day and manages to completely fill it with weed. Kick off your morning with a breakfast Space Muffin and end your night with the classic Hash Brownie. But the recipes aren’t only limited to sweets. There are also recipes for other snacks, teas and cocktails included. Pretty dope.
#SpoonTip: There’s no need to utilize your own supply. Restaurants have picked up on the trend too by creating their own gourmet weed-infused dishes.
Whip It Up!: Over 75 Fast, Fun and Easy Recipes
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Broke chefs who are also beginners, listen up. This cookbook includes more than 75 easy recipes that are perfect for helping any aspiring chef get their footing in the kitchen. Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, pizza from scratch and ice cream are only the beginning of this awesome book.
Nutella: The 30 Best Recipes
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This cookbook is a serious wake-up call for people who think that eating Nutella straight out of the jar is the only way to do it. There is so much more that can be done with this condiment. Just imagine how delicious a banana and Nutella milkshake would taste. Or, how amazing Nutella truffles and mousse would be. All of the recipes are must-tries.
#SpoonTip: If you’re trying to seduce someone, Nutella is a major key to success (it has sex appeal).
Bacon 24/Seven: Recipes for Curing, Smoking and Eating
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Better known as Ron Swanson’s Bible, for everyone who believes that bacon is its own food group this cookbook is an essential. The perfect meal of Pasta Carbonara, Pork Belly Hash with Kale and Sweet Potatoes and Apple Pie with Bacon Strudel is born as a result of this cookbook. There’s even a Bacon-Infused Manhattan recipe… Wtf.
#SpoonTip: If you need your bacon fix right now here are 30 mouth-watering recipes that are guaranteed to satisfy your craving.