Trying new recipes brings the risk of a hungry night at home; sticking to what you know can get boring. What's a lazy, cash-strapped chef to do?!? Wiegand and Carreon show that you can grab whatever is handy, head to your pantry, and get to work! From the family pantry to a dorm room fridge or a first apartment, you'll find ideas to help you break out of a kitchen rut without breaking too much of a sweat. -- adapted from info provided.

Includes index.

Introduction. Who we are (and were) ; How the book is organized ; How to read the recipes -- Your first kitchen. Beginner techniques and recipes ; Basic vinaigrettes ; Amazing scrambled eggs ; Toast ; Grilled cheese ; How to cook pasta ; Baking 101 ; A family celebration dinner -- Dorm room dining. Stretching your meal plan ; Better salads ; Ramen hacks ; Microwave recipes ; Gourmet popcorn hacks ; Dorm room movie night -- First apartment dining. Helpful hacks ; The spice rack ; Intermediate techniques and recipes ; More toast ; Intermediate basking ; How to sauté ; How to pan-fry ; How to roast ; Cooking with rice ; Rotisserie chicken hacks ; Roommate food swap ; Pizza hacks and DIY pizza bars ; Salads without greens ; Dessert for a crowd ; The big game party -- First solo kitchen. Saving v. splurging ; First solo kitchen pantry ; Advanced techniques and recipes ; Fancy toast ; Crostini with salad ; How to deep fry ; First solo kitchen knife skills ; How to braise ; Fancy rise ; Exploring different cuisines ; A fancy dinner -- Afterword.