Some new culinary additions to my abode

So I got some new things for my kitchen today.  Or rather, I should say I was given some new things for my kitchen today.

First, one of the guys I work with, Andrew, bought me the best thing ever.....Hot Sauce!  And not just any hot sauce.....Frank's Red Hot!  And not just any Frank's Red Hot....he bought me the largest bottle in the grocery store.

We already finished a third of the bottle tonight.

My other friends, Hila and Jacob, also got me some great stuff for my kitchen.  Namely, a sweet-ass crock pot....plus a starter kit!

I know I don't look so excited,

but I am definitely excited.

I'm seriously considering making cholent stew this weekend for Shabbat.  I can already taste it (and the hot sauce.)  Beef, carrots, onions, celery, spices, barley.  (Look how mature I sound!)

Anyway, I think I went up a few notches on the "becoming-a-real-adult" scale tonight.

My own kitchen - uh oh

One major difference between living in a dorm/frat, and living in my own apartment is the kitchen.

I am definitely NOT a chef. I like simple-to-make foods, that involve easy cleanup. But I like foods that make me THINK I'm doing advanced cooking. For example, my friend Stephen Fried (edit: who originally learned this recipe from Sara Segal) taught me a great way of making mac-and-cheese using a ChefMate hot-water pot. It doesn't involve EasyMac or powdered cheese, but it's pretty simple and tastes good.

1. boil water

2. add pasta

3. when pasta is done, drain water

4. add cheese, mix

5. eat

I don't know why I am so obsessed with this recipe. It's stupidly simple, but it makes me feel like I'm doing real cooking. And I'm excited to try a few different variations, like adding salsa or marinara or BBQ sauce. Or mixing in some broccoli or tuna. The possibilities are endless, and it's so gourmet!!

Anyway, I also have a toaster oven, a microwave, and a frying pan. When I start to use these things, I will have to find some new simple, "gourmet" recipes to try. If you have any suggestions, please share!