"---" wrote...
>
>> Welcome to the world of cooking on a tight budget. If you are like most
>> students you are probably eating a lot of snack foods like potato chips
>> and
>> chocolate bars, and drinking a lot of soft drinks. Banish them from your
>> diet.
>
> Yes, these were my curse this year...it's amazing how addictive they are.
>

First thing, go to a used book store and buy a copy of Joy of Cooking,
available in hardcover and paperback. This is a basic reference manual and
updated slightly more often than the OED. Most of the recipes in there are
a bit on the dull side---remember, this is a reference manual---you will
want to use your imagination once you get a basic grasp of the fundamentals.
When it comes to ground/bottom, I think this is your best source on basic
cooking. You'll kiss it off when you become a "gourmet/gourmand", but at
this time it will give you some good basic information on cooking
techniques/styles and general information. It explains terms like braising,
sauté, etc, and cuts of meats and this and that.

Pam