Get your chef on.

It’s Sunday night and you’re sitting on the couch watching Chopped, thinking “I could definitely do this.” Before you chase your chef dreams, you remind yourself that you probably need to learn how to make instant coffee or a fried egg first. Here’s how to get right to it!

The Tools:

To get started, you should have:

• Bowls
• Silverware (fork, knife and spoon)
• A plate
• A peeler
• A pot
• A frying pan
• A can opener

The Pantry Staples:

• Olive oil
• Non-stick spray
• Salt, pepper, and any other spices you love (or you can just buy one “everyday seasoning” blend)
• Soy sauce
• Quick cooking oats
• Microwaveable rice
• Cereal
• Peanut butter
• Bread (may include sliced, pita or tortilla)
• Crackers and rice cakes

The Refrigerated Basics:

• Fresh fruits and veggies
• Milk and cheese
• Eggs
• Deli meats

The Quick & Easy Recipes:

Now that you’ve got your kitchen all set up, it’s time to get cookin’ good lookin’!

1. Fried Eggs

What you’ll need:

-Pan
-Olive oil, butter or pan spray
-Eggs
-Seasoning

Directions:

1. Heat up your pan and add a drizzle or olive oil, butter or pan spray.
2. Gently crack your egg on the side of the pan.
3. Let the egg fall onto the pan and allow it to cook until the egg white is opaque but the yolk is still jiggly (about 5 minutes).
4. Sprinkle some salt and pepper.
5. Get creative – it’s delicious on top of avocado toast, a pesto quinoa bowl, Cacio e Pepe, the sky’s the limit! Well not really, don’t put a fried egg on top of ice cream or anything.

You can also cook eggs in a microwave by cracking the egg, mixing it and placing it in a microwave-safe bowl (no silver foil!). Add seasoning and microwave for 1.5 minutes.

2. Salad

To make any salad, simply combine a base, topping and dressing!

Base Options:

-Lettuce
-Kale
-Spinach leaves
-Arugula

Topping Ideas:

-Pickles
-Peppers
-Tomatoes
-Sweet potatoes
-Sunflower seeds
-Avocado
-Chicken
-Salmon

Dressings:

It doesn’t get much easier than these two recipes:

A. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil, squeezed lemon and seasonings.
B. Mix ketchup and mayo for a fabulous take on Russian dressing.

3. Pasta

What you’ll need:

-Water
-Pot
-Pasta
-Salt

Directions:

1. Boil water in pot (the water is boiling once it starts to bubble)
2. Add at least one tablespoon of salt to the water
3. Add pasta
4. Stir the pasta
5. Taste the pasta before draining it to make sure it’s not too chewy or too mushy.
6. Drain the pasta
7. Add cheese or sauce to taste

To dive into cheesier depths, here’s how to make a mean mac-n-cheese.

4. Clothes-Iron Cuisine

Who needs a grill when your clothing iron works perfectly well? Quesadillas and grilled cheese sandwiches will be ready for you in less than 10 minutes, and you won’t have to clean anything! Just make sure to keep a layer of parchment paper between the iron, food and ironing surface.

5. Guacamole and Chips

What you’ll need:

-Avocado
-Lemon
-Salt and pepper
-Cherry tomatoes
-Tortilla chips

Directions:

1. The easiest way to cut an avocado is to slice it in half, remove the pit, run vertical lines through the avocado with your knife and then scoop it out!
2. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half.
3. Mix together, then add lemon and seasoning.
4. Optional additions include cilantro, purple onion and red radishes.

If you’re still struggling with the motivation to cook or can’t find any recipes that look good to you, our previous #Hangry articles will get you off the couch (maybe) and into the kitchen! Check out School Lunch Ideas, the World’s Best Breakfasts and How to Make Incredible Nachos.

Andy Karp is a junior at George Washington University and a contributor at GlamSalad.com. From a young age, she has had a passion for creative writing, fashion and journalism. Catch her on Instagram, @foundingfoodies and Wishi, as an online stylist.

Cover photo by Atharva Lele