10 Recipe Websites Every Student Should Already Be Following

Image via The Kitchn

Over the summer, I officially moved into my own New York City apartment. Now, it's bye-bye to seemingly endless semesters of tiny college dorm kitchens and hello to counter space. I've begun cooking with the regularity I've always wanted. And subsequently have invested in a lovely little supply of reusable containers to bring that homemade food to class and work.

As a senior in college, I've already got a lot on my plate. Between rent, bills and school expenses, cooking saves me green for weekends out. The process is a creative way to relax at the end of a ten hour internship day. Since the beginning of my dorm days, I've amassed quite a host of sources for food inspiration.

Here are ten of my favorite recipe websites, all suitable for the busy (and budget-conscious) student:

Allrecipes

 

Search for anything you want, with any ingredients you want and Allrecipes will have it. The only catch is that everything is user submitted so some posts may be more legitimate than others. But, there are ratings to, hopefully, sort out that kind of thing. I cannot say enough; it really is all the recipes. Check out this easy shrimp scampi for a quick dinner.

Buzzfeed Life – Food

 

Although there are rarely any actual recipes posted here, the food section of Buzzfeed Life has lots of easy, quick and creative ideas to spice up your cooking life. I use the site as visual inspiration. Posts like this one on creating new workplace lunches will make me look again at the combinations in my own pantry.

Eating Well

 

For healthy, hearty meals, Eating Well has a huge selection. Recipes here are often measured out for four plus servings, so either divide it down (oh no, math.) or make it as directed and freeze the rest. I often opt for the later, dividing portions into containers for on-the-go lunches, like this wheat berry and black bean chili (vegetarian, to boot).

Epicurious

 

This massive conglomerate of delicious recipes never seems to fail. And with each one rated, your own judgement of statistics will come in handy (more math). The site often features the creations of celebrity chefs. I particularly love this pumpkin bread by Bobby Flay.

HonestlyYum

 

A food-only offshoot of HonestlyWTF, this platform is full of interesting recipes and Instagram-worthy photos. When you're feeling a bit of a creative spark, try something new, something a little bit hipster: HonestlyYum can get you there. These mint julep popsicles are a great way to cool off at an end-of-summer BBQ.

The Kitchn

 

This is my go-to for recipe substitutes, smart cooking tips and dinner party dishes. Posts like "20 Easy, Inexpensive Recipes You can Cook in Your Dorm" are perfect for undergrads while "How to Set Up Your First Kitchen for Less Than $300" is a guideline for 20-somethings (like, myself) everywhere. In my opinion, the site's best time-saving recipe is this quick stovetop polenta, a string of words you thought you'd never hear together but instructions that work like a charm.

My Baking Addiction

 

Run by Jamie, a 30-something year old mom from Ohio, this blog is perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Some of my favorite recipes for quick breads, cookies and muffins I've gleaned from the index of her self-proclaimed "addiction" to sugar. Recipes can be searched by season based on the ripening of vegetables and fruits. For a quick fall breakfast, I'm addicted to these pumpkin pancakes.

Pinterest – Food & Drink

 

Along the same lines as Buzzfeed Life, Pinterest is an inspiration board for food, rather than a direct site for recipes. It scores very highly on the "food porn" scale but broken or missing recipe links can make for a frustrated cook. Use wisely.

Real Simple – Food & Recipes

 

These recipes are just as described, real and simple. For those worried about their limited spice rack, this online version Real Simple magazine usually keeps the seasoning to a minimum (I often amp up the heat with some red chili flakes) but it's a great place to learn the basics for some good, wholesome dishes. For a quick side, check out these easy roast vegetables with a champagne vinaigrette.

Smitten Kitchen

 

This one is a little bougie, I'll admit. But, for desserts, the Smitten Kitchen does a fantastic job with simple ingredients (usually involving fruit). She's based out of a tiny New York City kitchen herself! Cook with produce that is in season for exceptional results. A favorite summer treat is this raspberry buttermilk cake. Perhaps it's a bit of hometown nostalgia for those in the scorching concrete jungle that is the city during July.