Cara Frost-Sharratt

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Multi-skilled writer and editor with extensive experience in digital and print media. Author of London: The Cookbook, A Foodies Guide to London, Londons Classic Restaurants, Londons Landmarks and The Food Lovers Guide to Europe. Co-founder of WordMark. Writes food, travel and gifting titles for Octopus and Spruce.

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Articles by Cara Frost-Sharratt on Student Cooking for all Occasions and Budgets

Ten Ideas for Jacket Potatoes

Skip the beans and cheese: here are ten tastier toppings for your jacket potato.

20th August 2026

Foolproof Lasagne

Make lasagne at home with this straightforward recipe that's perfect for feeding a crowd without the stress.

14th August 2026

Host a relaxed dinner party by prepping pizza dough and toppings ahead, then letting guests build and bake their own pizzas.

Where and How to Shop Cheaply

Plan your meals and shop at discount supermarkets and local markets to cut your grocery bills significantly.

Easy party food ideas that won't trap you in the kitchen while your guests have all the fun.

22nd November 2007

Cooking for Special Occasions

Cook impressive meals for Valentine's Day, Halloween, Bonfire Night and other celebrations without stress or complicated recipes.

22nd November 2007

A Balanced and Healthy Diet

Eat five portions of fruit and veg daily and stick to regular meals to stay healthy on a student budget.

6th August 2007

Eating well on a student budget means balancing takeaways and drinks with fresh food, regular meals and enough sleep to feel your best.

6th August 2007

Vegetables and Salad

Stop letting vegetables wilt in your fridge and learn how to cook them in ways that actually taste good.

1st August 2007

Dinner in 20 Minutes

Quick weeknight dinners you can actually pull together in 20 minutes or less.

1st August 2007

Make takeaway-quality stir fries at home in minutes with simple ingredients and no complicated rules to follow.

1st August 2007

Change from a Fiver

Budget-friendly student meals don't mean skipping quality ingredients like fresh prawns and fish.

1st August 2007

Healthy Alternatives to a Takeaway

Cook simple versions of your favourite takeaway meals at home to save money and eat healthier.

Introducing the Kitchen

Help yourself in the student kitchen: simple cooking skills that beat takeaways and might impress your date.

Dinner in 30 Minutes

You can put together a tasty dinner in 30 minutes with the right prep and planning.

Frying and Sauteing

Frying and sautéing can be quick and tasty ways to cook, but you'll need the right equipment and oil to do it well without excess fat.

Tasty meals that cost just five pounds, from salmon with pesto to bacon-wrapped chicken.

Fruit makes an easy snack, but poaching, roasting and other cooking techniques unlock sweet desserts and dishes that transform what you can do with it.

Meals for £2.50

Budget-friendly meals under £2.50 that use pantry staples and stretches ingredients across multiple servings.

The Night Before

Eating a proper meal before drinking helps you pace yourself and feel better the next morning.

The Morning After: Fight the Hangover

Simple steps to ease hangover symptoms by rehydrating and eating something to restore your blood sugar and energy levels.

How to Cook Shellfish

Mussels are quick to cook and won't make you sick if you prepare them right, plus simple recipes like moules marinière taste fancy at home.

Beans and Pulses

Beans and pulses are affordable, nutritious, and versatile staples that work for any budget or diet, from quick canned options to dried varieties.

You can bake a delicious cake or biscuits in less time than watching a TV episode, plus it's therapeutic and surprisingly simple.

How to Cook Pork

Most people only eat pork as bacon or sausages, but it's actually versatile, cheap and easy to cook for any meal.

How Much Things Actually Cost

Groceries cost way more than you think, especially when you're shopping for yourself for the first time and need to watch your budget carefully.

How to Cook Beef

Basic techniques for roasting, grilling and pan-frying beef, plus a simple homemade burger recipe you can customise to your taste.

How to Be a Healthy Vegetarian

Make sure you're getting enough iron, vitamins and minerals on a vegetarian diet without relying on meat.

Keep your freezer stocked with homemade meals to save money and have something ready to eat when funds are tight.

30th April 2007

Quick snacks that actually fill you up when you're too busy for a proper meal.

30th April 2007

Baking and Roasting

Baking and roasting let you cook with more flavour using less oil, but you need to know your oven's quirks and always preheat properly.

30th April 2007

Using Other Kitchen Appliances

A food processor and other kitchen appliances can save you time on prep work and help you cook better meals with less effort.

30th April 2007

Working Out a Food Budget

Figure out how much to spend on groceries by making a list and setting a realistic budget for your weekly food costs.

30th April 2007

Stock your cupboard with nuts, cereal bars and other healthy snacks so you're not tempted by junk food when hunger strikes.

30th April 2007

Stretching Your Budget

College students living on tight budgets can stretch their money further by planning food shopping carefully and building good spending habits early on.

30th April 2007

The Quick Guide to Great Cooking

Cook better by building confidence through practice, starting simple and gradually trying new ingredients and techniques.

19th April 2007

Boiling and Steaming

Boiling and steaming are simple cooking methods that work best with proper technique to keep vegetables tender and flavorful.

19th April 2007

How to Make Basic Sauces

Master a couple of classic sauces to transform bland meals and make the most of what's in your kitchen.

19th April 2007

How to Cook Lamb

Master roasting and cooking lamb cuts like legs, chops and shoulders with simple timing and temperature guidance.

19th April 2007

Grilling and Griddling

Grilling and griddling are simple cooking techniques that work for everything from cheese on toast to meat and fish, without needing expensive equipment.

19th April 2007

Homemade bread is easier to make than you think, and the reward of pulling a warm loaf from the oven is absolutely worth the effort.

19th April 2007

Nutritious Meals from Storecupboard Basics

Turn basic storecupboard ingredients into tasty meals without a trip to the supermarket.

17th April 2007

Herbs and Spices

Start with a few key spices and herbs to add flavour and colour to everyday dishes without cluttering your cupboard.

12th April 2007

How to Cook Vegetables

Different cooking methods like steaming and microwaving help keep vegetables nutritious and flavorful instead of boiling away their vitamins.

12th April 2007

Organic food has strict labelling rules and covers how your food is grown, from pesticide use to local sourcing.

12th April 2007

Fondue parties are back in style and easier to throw than you'd think, minimal cooking, minimal cleanup, maximum fun.

Even casual cooks can master barbecuing with basic equipment and a few simple techniques for summer entertaining.

Eat well without cooking using supermarket ingredients, canned goods, and salad ideas perfect for busy students.

19th March 2007

Cook filling, tasty meals for less than a pound using simple ingredients like beans, pasta and eggs.

19th March 2007

How to make a proper Sunday roast at university without the stress or expense.

19th March 2007

Poaching is a healthy cooking method that simmers food in liquid, and it's easier than you think to master, especially with eggs.

16th March 2007

Dinner in 10 Minutes

Make a proper dinner from scratch in 10 minutes with smart prep and simple ingredients like pasta, potatoes or veggie meals.

16th March 2007

Quick and easy snacks to serve when your mates come round for the match.

14th March 2007

A budget-friendly chilli con carne recipe that feeds four people for just a few quid and takes under an hour to make.

14th March 2007

Quick and Easy Soups

Make delicious soups in minutes using whatever ingredients you have on hand, from classic leek and potato to creative veggie combinations.

Shakes and Smoothies

A simple guide to making nutritious shakes and smoothies at home with basic equipment and frozen fruit.

How to Cook Poultry

Chicken and turkey are cheap and versatile, but you need to handle and cook them properly to avoid food poisoning.

Host a cocktail night at home without breaking the bank by mastering a few classic recipes and the right garnishes.

28th February 2007

Milk and cheese do far more in the kitchen than you might think, from poaching fish to making homemade sauces.

28th February 2007

A comforting fish pie takes effort but impresses every time, and you can easily adapt the recipe with your favourite fish and ingredients.

27th February 2007

Quick desserts that take minutes to make when you want something sweet but don't have time for complicated baking.

16th February 2007

Make dinner the main meal of the day, whether it's a quick bite or a leisurely occasion with proper cooking and time to enjoy it.

15th February 2007

Fuel your morning right with quick and filling breakfast ideas that'll keep you energized through the day.

12th February 2007

How to Cook Fish

Simple ways to cook fish at home, even if you've never tried it before or think you don't like it.

12th February 2007

What you eat for lunch depends on your schedule and what's available, from quick soup and rolls to leftover dinners and filled pittas.

12th February 2007

Risotto takes patience but the technique is simple when you know the right rice and how to stir it properly.

9th February 2007

Foods for Immunity

Eat these common foods to boost your immunity and avoid getting sick this winter.

7th February 2007

Simple Winter Salads

Make the most of winter produce with simple salads that work just as well warm as cold.

7th February 2007

Food in a Hurry

Eating healthy on a busy schedule doesn't require hours in the kitchen, quick, nutritious snacks and meals can fit around your hectic student life.

6th February 2007

Skip the fancy dinner party stress and serve easy small bites your guests will actually love instead.

6th February 2007

Organising Your Kitchen

Get your kitchen organised so cooking is quick and stress-free, not a nightmare hunt through cluttered drawers.

5th February 2007

How to Cook Rice

Stop serving boring rice and learn how to cook it properly, from fluffy basmati to nutty brown varieties.

5th February 2007

How to Cook Eggs

Master the basics of cooking eggs with simple techniques for boiling, frying, and more for any meal.

5th February 2007

Skip the early alarm and enjoy brunch, a lazy weekend meal that blends breakfast and lunch with zero pressure to cook the same thing.

26th January 2007

Simple Summer Salads

Quick and refreshing salad ideas that need minimal cooking and can be made ahead for hot summer days.

23rd January 2007

Easy Ways to Eat Five a Day

Simple ways to get your five daily portions of fruit and veg without spending hours in the kitchen.

23rd January 2007

Breakfast on the Run

Quick breakfasts you can actually eat before rushing out the door, no time required.

19th January 2007

How to Be a Great Host

Make hosting dinner for new friends simple and stress-free with homemade food and genuine conversation.

19th January 2007

How to Cook Pasta

Get foolproof steps for cooking perfect pasta every time, plus the basics about different pasta shapes and what makes them work.

12th January 2007

How to Cook Potatoes

Master the basic cooking techniques for potatoes and learn which varieties work best for mashing, roasting and boiling.

3rd January 2007

Cooking in Bulk

Cook larger batches of meals and freeze them to save money and eat well all week long.

21st December 2006

Cheap Foods That Boost Your Brain Power

Budget-friendly foods like whole grains and vegetables can help you stay sharp and focused without breaking the bank.

21st December 2006

Skip the bland lunch routine with creative sandwich ideas using interesting breads and tasty fillings.

21st December 2006

Starting a Food Kitty

Split grocery costs fairly with your housemates by setting up a shared food fund and sticking to basic ground rules.

21st December 2006

Quick Pasta Sauces

Make restaurant-quality pasta sauces at home in minutes with simple ingredients and basic techniques.

21st December 2006

Winter Fuel on a Shoestring

Heat your home and boost your immunity this winter with cheap, filling meals made from seasonal veg and pantry staples.

20th December 2006

Making the Most of Your Microwave

Get more out of your microwave with practical cooking tips and techniques that save time and effort in the kitchen.

27th November 2006

General Food Preparation

Get your kitchen organized and stress-free by preparing ingredients in advance and cooking in the right order.

27th November 2006

Basic Cooking Terms

Understanding basic cooking terms like dicing, basting and blanching helps you follow recipes confidently and cook better meals at home.

27th November 2006

The Quick Guide to Kitchen Knives

Good kitchen knives matter more than fancy gadgets—here's what you actually need to cook well.

27th November 2006

Get to know your oven before cooking for friends, here's what you need to know about electric, gas and separate models.

27th November 2006

The Savvy Shopper

Save money on food at university by planning meals with housemates and shopping at markets instead of big supermarkets.

20th November 2006

The Etiquette of a Shared Kitchen

How to handle shared kitchen living without letting food disputes and conflicting habits wreck your housemate relationships.

20th November 2006

Put frozen and fresh food away immediately, store fruit in a bowl away from heat, and keep other vegetables cool and dark.

20th November 2006

Buying Food That Will Last

Stock your cupboard with long-lasting ingredients so you can always make a quick, filling meal without shopping constantly.

20th November 2006

Getting to Know Your Fridge and Freezer

Your fridge and freezer can help you save money and always have food ready, but only if you know how to use them properly.

20th November 2006

Kitchen Equipment: All the Basics You Need

Get a rundown of the essential kitchen equipment every home cook actually needs to prepare everyday meals.

17th November 2006

Store-Cupboard Essentials

Stock your kitchen cupboards with these basic pantry staples to cook simple meals without constant trips to the shop.

16th November 2006

Decide which cooking equipment is worth buying for student digs and when a wok or steamer makes sense for your kitchen.

16th November 2006

Kitchen Hygiene

A dirty kitchen can make you seriously ill, here's what actually causes food poisoning and how to keep your space clean.

16th November 2006

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