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Original poster

Looking for decent student cookbooks reccommendations

20 replies

PollyPocketLucyLocket · 30/12/2019 18:44

We bought DC1 a student cookbook as one of his Christmas presents. It had good reviews online, and a few photos of different toasties and pasta bake etc.

However, I've had a flick though the book today, out of interest, and I think it's not anything he'd be interested in cooking that much. Has recipes for Sloshed mussels, Prawn feta & quinoa salad, fancy blue cheese mushrooms on toast, mushroom & herb filo rolls etc etc.

Nothing wrong with that food, DC3 and I would eat them, just it's not him. Plus he can currently only manage bacon sarnies or noodles / similar.

Can anyone recommend a decent, realistic cookbook please?
DC1 is living at home, with plans to head off to uni in the next couple of years.

Disclaimer - my younger DC cook with me, and make numerous meals. DC1 has never really been interested, beyond making cakes.

OP posts:
Slazengerbag · 30/12/2019 18:51

How about the Jack Monroe book. The first one is great and it uses basic ingredients. It’s also budget friendly.

NotTheChef · 30/12/2019 18:56

Jamie Oliver ministry of food is a good book for beginners. There are sections in mince, curries and stews with out hundreds of ingredients

Original poster
PollyPocketLucyLocket · 30/12/2019 20:31

We have the Ministry of food, and I think it's brilliant. Looking for much simpler than though, for now.

Haven't ever picked up one of Jack Monroe's cookbooks, though now may be a good time to have a look through one.

I learnt how to cook, many years ago, through How to boil an egg. Was a fantastic book. Not in print anymore though, I don't think.

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Books General food
DragonUdders · 30/12/2019 20:36

Bbc good food website and similar.

Justonemoremojito · 30/12/2019 20:36

MOB kitchen or Miguel Barclays £1 meal books?

BertieBotts · 30/12/2019 20:39

I bought this many years ago (different cover then) and it's done me very well. Everything is easy/simple and appealing, nothing weird in there at all. The recipes are basic and tend towards pasta/baked beans but they are nice enough. I still make things from it even today.

www.amazon.co.uk/Really-Useful-Ultimate-Student-Cookbook/dp/1760634212/?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

BertieBotts · 30/12/2019 20:40

It's also a paperback and not massive or heavy. Although TBH these days I'm more likely to google a recipe - if he's similar it might be of limited use?

StandUpStraight · 30/12/2019 20:48

I’d be tempted to go for a Women’s Weekly basic cookbook. Their recipes are always well tested and very clearly explained with no waffle. Maybe this one: The Basic Cookbook: With Step-by-Step Photos ("Australian Women's Weekly" Home Library) www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0949128295/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_AhMcEb28C9NTF?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

If he was very thick of skin I might give him The Silver Spoon for children. Good basic Italian food very well broken down into steps, but unfortunately styled very much for children. Smile But I can highly recommend it for your younger ones!

SummerintoAutumn · 30/12/2019 21:01

A Girl Called Jack - good budget recipes.
My son is using it quite a lot at uni.

Seeline · 30/12/2019 21:10

I got my DS one called Nosh this Christmas in preparation for uni later this year.

It has the basics including boiled eggs, suggestions for sandwiches and baked spud fillings.

The actual recipes just use a mug to measure - no scales needed. It even explains what the different spoon sizes are, suggests basic equipment, what to have in store cupboard and how to keep food safely.

DeltaAlphaDelta · 30/12/2019 21:14

Have a look at the cooking for blokes books. Quite simple recipes but decent enough meals.

CMOTDibbler · 30/12/2019 21:21

How to Boil an Egg is still in print, and if he is not an adventurous eater might be a really good starting point as it assumes no cooking ability at all.

As a student I had 'cooking in a bedsitter' which was brilliant for recipes that assumed no cold storage, needing to buy one persons portion and not a lot of ingredients, and even though it was dated then, I'm glad to see it still in print as well

AvocadosBeforeMortgages · 30/12/2019 21:23

Beyond Baked Beans is an excellent trio of student cook books. Technically out of print nowadays, but available for 1p + P&P on Amazon.

They assume no real knowledge, little equipment, little time and little money. I took one backpacking with me ten years ago (!!! - but if it taught me to cook in the kitchens of backpackers hostels it can teach anyone to cook) and it saw me through my student days too. I've still got my copies.

LittleMissnotLittleMrs · 30/12/2019 22:55

I love these. They're each less than a fiver and you can pick by food type or diet type of even food budget. Love them

https://www.waterstones.com/books/search/term/good+food/category/2286/format/17/minprice/0/maxx_price/5

Panticles · 30/12/2019 23:02

Just to second Nosh for students. They have a basic book for veggie and gluten free that are really good too.

RhymingRabbit3 · 30/12/2019 23:04

Usborne Beginners Cook Book
Step by step with diagrams for lots of basic recipes like spag bol, roast chicken, apple crumble.

Dictionariesandpictionaries · 31/12/2019 00:01

I third nosh for students, it's great

Anthilda · 31/12/2019 00:02

Nosh. Really easy to follow but tasty recipes

Ginfordinner · 31/12/2019 00:25

I'm glad that you are preparing him for independent living. DD is in halls and can't believe that some students have no idea what an oven is used for. What were their parents thinking?

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