Need a gift for a new graduate? Interested in helping your international students eat when the caf is closed? Teens and college students are HUNGRY - and don't always know how to make food while in college. Enter a new book by Christine Nelson, entitled Recipes Every College Student Should Know.

Christine, inspired by frequent “help me make dinner” calls from her four college-aged children, wrote this delicious book - and created MommaNelson.org, where she shares recipes, tips, and advice for everyone learning to live on their own.

This book may be small, but it packs a big punch - full of recipes, advice, and tips about cooking in a dorm or your first kitchen. In it, you'll find:
* Cooking 101
* Tea, Coffee, and Quick Breakfasts
* To-Go Lunches
* Cook Once, Eat Twice
* Dorm-mate Dinners
* Date-Night Dinners
* Sweets and Snacks

This is, by far, the best guide for college students to learn to cook I've ever seen. It is clear, interesting, and has tasty, filling, healthy recipes. I also love that it teaches what you would want to learn from a mom - an intriguing description, useful portions (especially important in small spaces - you don't need a plethora of leftovers in a dinky fridge), and HOW to use kitchen tools and appliances. It is the perfect gift for a new grad or a hungry college student (perhaps include a bag of groceries or grocery store gift card?!). 

We were lucky enough to catch up with Christine, and ask her about her new book, inspiration, college dorm cooking facilities, tips, and more. She also gives an easy recipe - oatmeal in a mug! Here's what she had to say...

Please tell us about your new book, Recipes Every College Student Should Know...
It is a collection of simple recipes that taste better and are better for you than prepackaged food reheated in the microwave.  Each recipe was created for cooks with little to no experience.  

What inspired you to write this book? 
My four young adult children inspired me to write this book. When they went away to college, eating at the dining hall was at first considered a treat, but quickly turned into a chore. Trudging outside in the rain or cold for every meal became work. They wanted to be able to make simple meals in their dorm room on their own schedule, even if that meant snacks at 1 am.

What might students (and their parents) be surprised to learn about cooking in the dorms? 
There is a lot of variety in dorm room cooking facilities today, other than a hotplate (which usually is not allowed), from a microwave and refrigerator combo to a full kitchen. Using these simple recipes, you can make something tasty and inexpensive for every meal. I’ve even included meals large enough for you and your friends to share.

Best tip for students? 
If you have never cooked before – start small. Try making tea or coffee. If you make your own coffee every day instead of buying it, you can easily save $15 a week. To continue learning how to cook, try making a single ingredient recipe like eggs or oatmeal. Once you have some confidence preparing those recipes, the key is to keep trying new recipes that appeal to you.

Oatmeal in a Mug Recipe

Surely you’ve heard that oatmeal is a great source of protein and fiber. It also makes a filling breakfast that will satisfy you until lunchtime. Cook it in the microwave or on a stove — there’s no difference in taste or texture. Customize with mix-ins to your taste.

1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats 
1 cup milk or water
2 teaspoons sugar, or to taste 
Pinch of salt

1. In a microwave-safe mug (bowl), stir ingredients together to combine. Microwave on high power for 2 1/2 minutes.

2. Continue to cook in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until oatmeal rises to top. Oatmeal is done when almost all liquid is absorbed and the mixture looks creamy. Cool slightly before eating.

Stovetop Option:
In a small saucepan, stir ingredients together. Cook over medium heat until mixture starts to boil (about 3 minutes). Lower heat to medium-low and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until most liquid is absorbed and mixture looks creamy. Remove from heat and let cool before eating.

Mix-Ins
• Apples, bananas, nuts
• Cinnamon and raisins
• Peanut Butter (add in step 1)
• Diced fruits
• Seeds (sunflower, chia)

Learn more:
Website: MommaNelson.org
Twitter: @Momma_Nelson_
Facebook: MommaNelson.org

All photos courtesy and copyright Christine Nelson