Cooking in college can be a challenge. You might not even have a microwave in your dorm room, or you might be sharing a kitchen with housemates who barely know how to use a dishwasher. Whatever your kitchen looks like, space, time and budget are limited as a college cook. We went to Mise en Place Kitchen Store in Lancaster, PA to find the essential kitchen gadgets every college student needs.
No matter where you’re cooking or what you’re drinking, these items will make your life so much easier. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Photo By Jenny Georgieva
Hydrating
Every college student needs a beverage at all times to stay hydrated or caffeinated. Get a bottle designed to infuse flavor from fresh fruit into your water all day or a portable smoothie cup for those morning classes. Or get a to-go cup for coffee or tea that fits right into a Keurig. There are so many options, you’re sure to find something that works best for you.
If you don’t have a Keurig, or if you prefer to brew your own caffeinated beverage, choose from a wide assortment of coffee makers and tea pots.
Photo By Jenny Georgieva
Snacking
For a healthy snack, popcorn is a great choice. Use one of these microwavable poppers for quick and healthy air popped popcorn that you can make in a dorm room.
If you’re a feeling a little fancier, cheese paper is a great way to not only store cheese, but also serve it. Ideal for that wine and cheese night you’ve been planning but never got around to.
For a frozen treat, Mise en Place carries several fun popsicle-making sets. Just add juice, fruit or try one of these frozen treat recipes.
Photo By Jenny Georgieva
Storing
As a student, I am always packing a lunch or a snack and eating on the go or in the library. Their wide variety of clever storage containers are perfect for just that. They’ll also come in handy if you want to store fruits and veggies in a crammed fridge. We particularly love this one that doubles as a cutting board. Two college kitchen essentials for the price of one – ’cause we’re poor.
Cutting
Everyone who ever cooks, or even eats, should own a sharp knife. Pick a versatile one that stays sharp at a reasonable price, like this Zyliss paring knife. To complement it, a compact cutting board is ideal for limited counter space in a dorm room or college apartment. Choose wood over plastic for its naturally antibacterial characteristics, because who has the time to get sick these days?
Photo By Jenny Georgieva
Boozin’
Whether you prefer a glass of wine or a nice cold beer, you need one of these corkscrews or bottle openers. Although we know there are alternatives, save yourself the trouble and a possible broken bottle (and subsequent injuries) and invest in the proper tool. It’s worth it.
Photo By Jenny Georgieva
Visit Mise en Place on Queen to pick up these and many more college-friendly kitchen items. The family owned and operated kitchen store has something for everyone – the coffee aficionado, the bartender, the baker and the everyday cook.
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