Storecupboard luxuries

The other day I drew up a list of basics to see you through your first few days at uni. But while you’re still at home why not persuade your parents to buy a few extra ingredients that will improve the taste of your meals?  It’s a good time to ask them. They’ll be feeling sad that you’re going away and worried that you won’t eat properly. They’ll do anything that might inspire you to cook for yourself ;-)

Choose from the following:

• A large bottle of extra virgin olive oil (for salad dressings and drizzling over food)

• A large chunk of parmesan (freshly grated parmesan is much nicer than the ready-grated stuff)

• A selection of herbs and spices. If someone else is paying I suggest you buy some dried Herbes de Provence, a jar each of basil and coriander paste, some garlic and ginger paste, some ground coriander, cumin, turmeric and chilli powder, some Spanish pimenton (paprika) and some five spice

• A large bottle of sweet chilli sauce (21st century ketchup!)

• A large bottle of light soy sauce

• Some sesame oil (great with noodles but use sparingly)

• Some balsamic vinegar (for salads)

• A large jar of Dijon mustard

• Some tins of chickpeas, cannellini and borlotti beans

• Jars of Italian antipasti such as sundried tomatoes, mushrooms and artichokes
• A couple of high quality pasta and/or curry sauces (such as Loyd Grossman's)

• A pack of risotto rice

• A couple of bottles of inexpensive wine “for cooking”
• Some ground coffee (and a cafetière)
• Some dark chocolate (tell them it's good for your health - which, arguably, it is)