6. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Things will happen. Your best friend will show up with a new gluten-free, vegan diet, your decorative candle will get knocked over and scorch your table linens, or your cousin will bring a guest without any prior warning. For better or for worse, these are all a natural part of the entertaining process. If you laugh it off and move on, we promise your guests will too and be more focused on your overall awesomeness than any flubs. The one thing you won’t have to worry about is your food turning out great—we’ve got that part of it covered.

Moving on your own for the first time can be tough. Not only do you have to figure out how to use a washing machine on your own, but you also have to fully stock the place with all the essentials a college student needs. When you’re trying to get ready for the big move and a new school year, it’s easy to forget things, so we’ve come up with a list to make it easier:

1. Pots and Pans: A staple of any kitchen, pots, and pans should be one of the first things you buy for your first kitchen. You don’t need anything too fancy or extensive, just a few sizes of each.

2. Can Opener: Living with your parents for the first 18+ years can lull you into a false sense of security that there will always be a can opener close by. It’s disappointing when you get home from your first trip to the grocery store and you can’t get into any of your canned goods without the proper equipment.

3. Slow Cooker: Class all day and studying all night can leave you with little time to cook. Don’t resort to eating fast food for every meal. A Slow Cooker will save you time and hassle and money (those burger runs add up). Just throw your ingredients in before classes, set your temperature, and come home to a prepared meal.

4. Measuring Cups: Cooking is a lot easier when you know how much of everything you’re putting in. Measuring cups don’t have to be fancy, in fact, you can usually get them at the dollar store.

5. Basic Cooking Utensils: Spatulas, mixing spoons, a set of knives, and a pasta spoon will do wonders to make your life in the kitchen easier. These also don’t have to be anything extravagant (just make sure that everything is heat-resistant).

6. Vacuum Sealer: College students are busy, meaning you may not have time to cook with all of the groceries you buy. Don’t let them (and the money you spent on them) go to waste by vacuum sealing everything. This will also help keep your refrigerator clean and free of moldy, spoiled food.

7. Mixing Bowls: Large bowls come in handy for more than just mixing food. They can also be used for serving, holding fruit, or soaking small dishes without blocking the sink. Metal or glass will last a lot longer for just a little more money.

8. Pizza Cutter: Don’t be caught without one. It can only lead to disappointment.

1. Add water to NESCO® Pressure Cooker. Place chicken breasts on wire rack in cooker and set regulator knob to PRESSURE. Set Cooker to HIGH temp for 5 minutes and press START. Timer will not begin counting down until ideal pressure is reached.
2. Ensure that internal temperature of chicken reaches 180°F for doneness. When finished, release the pressure but leave chicken in cooker to keep warm.

1. In NESCO® 8 Inch Electric Skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until onions slightly are browned about 10 to 12 minutes.
2. Stir in chili powder, brown sugar, cloves and cook for 2 minutes, continuing to stir.
3. Mix in tomatoes, cocoa powder, peanut butter, and water. Let simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, or until desired thickness is achieved.

Mexican Rice

1. Preheat skillet to medium-high and add oil. Reduce heat to medium, add rice, stirring constantly until lightly brown, about 3 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic, cumin, salt, tomato paste, and water. Raise heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Cover and cook until rice is tender.
3. Add peas and carrots, and cook for another 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.