Spoon University Logo
salad Photo by Bernard Wen
salad Photo by Bernard Wen
Lifestyle

16 Foods Every College Student Should Know How to Make in 2016

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at Duke chapter.

Some of us love the kitchen, others prefer delivery and dining out (or cereal with milk, if pressed to compile their own meal). Regardless of where you lie on the spectrum, here are the dishes you should master in 2016.

Eggs Every Way

2016

Photo by Megan Prendergast

Chances are you’ve scrambled an egg or two before, but there is more than one way to break an egg. Try poaching, soft-boiling or serving them sunny-side up in 2016. For a complete list of all of the ways to cook eggs, check out this article.

Brownies from Scratch

2016

Photo by Camille Reisfield

There’s nothing wrong with boxed brownies, but nothing says “I’m a badass in the kitchen” like homemade desserts, and brownies are a huge crowd pleaser. Check out these 3-ingredient brownies for an easy and delicious treat.

A Slow Cooker Dish

2016

Photo by Kendra Valkema

They’re touted as easy to make, but slow cooker meals can be, well, slow. And with delivery pizza 5 minutes away, slowly cooking food seems unnecessary. But after checking out these recipes, you’ll be running out to buy a slow cooker – call it a New Years present to yourself.

Pasta from Scratch

2016

Photo by Daniel Schuleman

While we’ve got nothing against spaghetti and jarred sauce, there’s something awesome about making noodles yourself. Test out this two-ingredient pasta and toss it into your one-pot pasta dinner.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

2016

Gif Courtesy of Samantha Ho

Actually, this dip would’ve been useful to master before you rang in the New Year, but learn it in 2016 and you’ll be set for every party ever.

Chopped Salad

2016

Photo by Bernard Wen

This is the king of all salads and it’s surprisingly easy. Mix up a summer version using this recipe.

Shakshuka

2016

Photo by Ashley Manning

If you didn’t make it in 2015, it’s time to make it now.

Chia Seed Pudding

2016

Photo by Katherine Baker

While it sounds (and looks) like a health-nut’s dessert, chia seed pudding is actually quite easy. Who says 2016 breakfasts have to be difficult?

Grilled Cheese

2016

Photo by Kylie Kinder

Sounds simple, but grilled cheese can be dressed up for a fancy night out or kept classic as a sandwich all five-year-olds know and love.

Homemade Cocktails

2016

Photo by Christin Urso

Because there is so much more to alcohol than shots and bad chasers. Check out the future of mixed drinks and find a few recipes here.

Ice Cream

2016

Photo by Karen Chou

No ice cream maker (or bananas) required. Check it out here. Bonus points if you bake some cookies and turn it into an ice cream sandwich.

Mashed Potatoes

2016

Photo by Helena Lin

Russet, red or sweet, mash whichever you like in 2016. Make them like this.

Homemade Salad Dressing

2016

Photo by Bernard Wen

Oil and acid and seasonings and you’re good to go. Pour it over a mason jar salad if you really want to impress. Check out some tasty combinations here.

Fish

2016

Photo by Grégoire Durand

Pick a fish, any fish, just not of a candy or nugget variety. Salmon – grilled, baked or smoked – is always a good option. Recipe here.

Pancakes

2016

Photo by Malia Hu

While Aunt Jemima is always a welcome member at the breakfast table, from scratch is a smidge more admirable. Try this recipe for fluffy, mouthwatering flapjacks hailing from the other side of the pond.

Sweet Potato Fries

2016

Photo by Amanda Gajdosik

Baked or fried, sweet potato fries are the second most googled recipe of 2015. So if you didn’t learn it last year, here’s how to make them now.

Happy New Year, it’s time to get cooking.

Born and raised in the Midwest, Emily has both loved and been baffled by southern food since moving to North Carolina. While okra and chicken with waffles are surprisingly delicious, her heart will forever belong to frozen custard. And, true to her Wisconsin heritage, she continues to call water fountains "bubblers."