The Dorm Room Gourmet

As the new chef of the dorm room, you will require a few basic tools. There are a few extras that I recommend as well but these may be added to your supply list as your skill level grows and your budget allows.

* Hot Plate - A single burner hot plate is all that is required but two burner models are available, making it much more convenient for larger meals.

* Toaster Oven - Toaster ovens are wonderful things. You can get them in a variety of sizes to accomodate almost any appetite. Make sure to choose a toaster oven that comes with a baking pan at the very minimum. Though the smaller toaster ovens work fine for making most meals, if you plan to graduate to King of the Dorm Room Chefs, you will want one of the bigger models. After all, you can't cook the Thanksgiving turkey in that wimpy little toaster oven.

* Sauce pan - One of the basic components of dorm room cooking is the sauce pan. A versatile little pan that can be used for boiling water, deep frying and browning meats. While only one is an absolute neccessity, having a spare is always a good idea.

* Skillet - This pan makes cooking things like fried eggs or a hamburger much easier. Non Stick is the way to go.

* Spatula - This tool is going to be your best friend. After all, using a spatula sure as hell beats grabbing eggs out of hot grease with your bare hands.

Now for the Non Essentials that make the experience better:

* Whisk - From beating eggs to beating roommates, a whisk is a great accessory for the dorm room gourmet.

* Mallet - You might just want to tenderize that steak or threaten the guy who's guitar solo just made your souffle' fall.

* Cutting Board - This tool might save your damage deposit. Plus its a great way to make sure you have a clean solid surface to work with.

* Candles - To set the mood or toast a marshmallow for 'Smores, candles are a great thing to add to your gear.

* Skewers - Skewers are a great way to add some flair to your cooking. They hold things together very nicely and provide that professional chef look to the meal.

Other accessories and kitchen tools can be added to your collection as needed for specific recipes or as your talent and interest in dorm room cooking grows. If you don't have the right tool for the job and can't afford to add it to your collection, remember that neccessity is the mother of invention. Many kitchen tools and accessories can be used for multiple purposes.

Most of all, remember to have fun with your new toys and check back often for advice, tips and recipes from The Dorm Room Gourmet.