Cue “Pomp and Circumstance” and start practicing your I’m-not-bored-after-listening-to-500-names-being-called face: Graduation season is upon us! And with it, plenty of invitations to graduation parties. Cash and gift cards are always a safe bet, but if you’re looking for something a little less run-of-the-mill, we have a few suggestions (and they’re all $50 or less, since […]
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Green Velvet Greek Yogurt Cake Tops (& Homemade Ice Cream Sammies!)
It has recently come to my attention that I only know two ways to bake: decadent and indulgent. Those may seem like synonyms, but trust me, there’s a hair of difference. Decadent will make you physically ill if you eat the whole thing; indulgent will not. Or so I tell myself. With that in mind, I […]
Slow Cooker Chili Mac You’ll Crave
Game day, rainy days — heck, any day ending in ‘y’ can be the perfect evening for this hearty Chili Mac. The name alone sounds horribly unhealthy, but the recipe isn’t quite the Heart-Attack-in-a-Crock-Pot you might expect. (At least, by Collegiate Cook standards.) We made a few adaptations to customize Taste of Home‘s Chili […]
Banana Pudding in Honor of Dr. Maya Angelou
Growing up, I always took the word “teacher” for granted. Sure, it’s part of the title given to that middle school substitute who turned on the TV and took a nap during biology. But as with any career, there’s the here-for-the-paycheck crowd, and those who live and breathe that title, where it’s fused into who […]
5 Colleges with the Best Food
By Mike Simmons of eCollegeFinder More often than not, college dining halls are right up there with communal showers when it comes to the horror stories produced by living on campus. You’d be hard-pressed to find a college freshman who doesn’t complain about the overpriced meal plans and underwhelming food options if given the opportunity. […]
Weeknight Orange Chicken
This orange chicken has one seriously surprising secret ingredient. In fact, when my 12-year-old brother, Carson, shared this recipe with me, I thought he might have been a prank. It gets its sweet-yet-tangy flavor from whaaaaat? Dun-de-dun-dun: Ketchup. Yes, ketchup. Stay with us. We promise it’s not as gross as it sounds. (And yes, you can totally use a […]
Baking Mistakes that Lead to Subpar Cookies
If you’ve ever wanted to throw out your oven because the “world’s best” cookie recipe was a dud the second time you tried it, you’re not alone. Sometimes, the tiniest changes can ensure you get a killer batch of cookies every single time. (And don’t worry, we won’t get tediously technical on you—maybe a […]
14 Things Everyone Should Have in Their Kitchen by Age 25
We’re all about making due with less — A wine bottle in place of a rolling pin? Sure. A shot glass to stand in for 2 tablespoons? Definitely! — but some kitchen tools just make life so much easier that they’re worth every penny. And let’s face it: At some point, you have to relegate […]
6 Books Every Recent Graduate Should Own (or Borrow)
Graduation day is coming up fast, and after years spent pouring over textbooks, every grad could use a little wisdom that won’t be on a final exam. These books will help you grow, recalibrate your mind and prepare for the world ahead. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown The Gist: In college, it’s easy […]
9 Dishes Every UTK Student Must Try Before Graduating
By Samantha Trueheart Because the University of Tennessee has the Great Smokey Mountain National Park conveniently located outside its back door, our favorite recipes and restaurants of Knoxville intertwines classic southern comfort with an Appalachia-hippie vibe. We’re the students who wear Chacos and flannel to class, and most likely know our way around Beale Street […]