Time to learn a few cooking skills

A couple of my teenage clients are heading off to college. Either for the first time or they’re moving into their first off-campus apartment—exciting times either way! Even if your kiddo has a meal plan, it’s time to learn a few basic cooking skills.

Knowing how to boil pasta, scramble an egg and make salad dressing out of pantry staples will take them far. None of this needs to be fancy but your almost-adult will be grateful for their ability to pull together a snack or meal. It will save money (by skipping fast food options), give them a boost of self-confidence and just may impress their roomate or other important person in their life;).

Making salad dressing is easy and can be used other ways than just dressing—dip pepper strips, cucumber rounds, mini carrots or cherry tomatoes. Mix with cooked pasta for a flavorful substitution for marinara sauce.

Here’s the basic recipe: To an empty jar, add 2-3 tbsp. olive oil (or canola oil) + 1 tbsp vinegar (or lemon juice) + salt & pepper. If you have mustard, add 1 tsp before you shake. The mustard acts as a binder to keep the oil & vinegar from separating. If you’re fancy, add some dried herbs, minced garlic or maple syrup.

No matter how you spice it up, this easy vinaigrette dressing is one to keep on hand!

Snack Idea:

Popcorn & fresh berries

Reach out at Karen@CoastalFamilyNutrition.com or call the office at 603-674-2479.

Please feel free to share this with someone who may like to learn more about feeding kiddos!