Cooking for One

It is often frustrating to attempt to plan meals that are designed for one. Despite this fact, we are seeing more and more recipe books and Internet websites that are dedicated to the act of cooking for one. Divorce and the death of spouses or grown children leaving for college are all reasons that someone accustomed to cooking for more than one would suddenly need to learn how to adjust all the cooking practices utilized before into a streamlined plan of cooking that is more efficient for one person creating less waste.

The mission, should you choose to accept it, is to make cooking for one a challenge rather than a trial. Use this opportunity to try new and exciting cuisines. Perhaps one of the greatest things about cooking for one is the fact that it isn't quite as expensive as cooking for two. This means that you have a little more money in the grocery budget with which to plan and prepare your meals.

One thing you may want to keep in mind however is that when cooking for one, if you prepare foods that are freezable. It may save more time (and in the end money) if you cook the full 2-4 servings that most recipes call for and freeze the leftovers in single serving portions for a later point in time. This leaves you with a freezer full of foods for those nights when the thought of cooking just seems beyond your capabilities. This also leaves you with doing the work once and enjoying the fruits of your efforts many times over. This is a great position to be in if you ask me.

We are finding more and more recipes and cookbooks that are designed around the concept of cooking for one. No matter what situation placed you in the position of cooking for one, there is no reason that you shouldn't enjoy great food that is exciting and pleasant simply because you are dining alone. There is no harm in enjoying a fabulous meal with a glass of wine and great music whether you are cooking for one or one hundred.

Remember you are what you eat and if you relegate yourself to boring meals that lack excitement and spice that is what you will become. However if you decide to reach out and try new and exciting dishes with every meal you prepare when cooking for one, it will show in the way you embrace life in other areas as well. While we should not live to eat, we should also not limit ourselves to eating to live. Enjoy the foods you prepare whether the portions are large or small in size.

If you do not want to invest heavily in cookbooks that relate to cooking for one, it is quite possible that your local public library will have a few from which you can find some excellent recipes tips and resources. While you are there be sure to check out their selection of exotic food cookbooks in order to spice things up a bit. You never know what treasures you may discover on the shelves or your local library. You may even find local resources on classes that center on the idea of cooking for one. If the library proves to be a bust as far as resources go, the Internet is full of recipes, tips, and hints for those who are cooking for one.

Read More>>>>>

ORIENTAL CHICKEN WINGS

Ingredients

• 6 chicken wings
• 1 sm. clove garlic
• 1 scallion
• 1/4 c. soy sauce
• 2 tbsp. honey
• 2 tsp. rice-wine vinegar
• 1/2 tsp.g rated ginger
• 1/2 tsp. oriental sesame oil
• Pinch of cayenne
• 1 tsp. sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh coriander or parsley

Instructions/Steps

Remove wing tips and cut wings in half at the joint. Mince garlic and scallion. Combine soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, oil and cayenne in a microwave safe dish. Add wings and turn to coat. Marinate at least 30 minutes, turning twice. Put larger wings at the edge of the dish. Cover with plastic and vent. Microwave on high for 5 minutes. Rotate plate and cook 5 minutes longer. Transfer wings to a serving plate. Return marinade to oven and cook, partially covered on high for 2 minutes. Pour marinade over wings and turn to coat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, scallion and coriander. 12 pieces.

Read More>>>>>

Alexander Espresso

Ingredients

• 1 c Cold water
• 2 tb Ground espresso coffee
• 1/2 ea Cinnamon stick (3" long)
• 4 ts Creme de cacao
• 2 ts Brandy
• 2 tb Whipping cream, chilled
• 1 ea Grated semisweet chocolate

Instructions/Steps

Break out your espresso machine for this one or just make really strong coffee w/ a small amount of water. Break cinnamon stick into small pieces and add to hot espresso. Allow to cool for 1 minute. Add creme de cacao and brandy, and stir gently. Pour into cute demitasse cups. Whip the cream, and float some cream on top of each cup. For looks, garnish with grated chocolate or fancy chocolate curls. Multiply proportions by six and it's perfect for a party. Serves 2

Read More>>>>>

IRISH CREAM PUDDING

Ingredients

• 1 (3 5/8 oz.) pkg. instant vanilla pudding
• 1 env. whipped topping mix
• 1 c. milk
• 8 tbsp. Bailey's Irish Cream liqueur

Instructions/Steps

Empty contents of pudding and whipped topping mix into mixing bowl. Add milk and mix at high speed until thick. Add 8 tablespoons Irish Cream liqueur and mix until thoroughly blended. Chill and serve. Will serve 6 people.

Read More>>>>>

BLUEBERRY PUDDING

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. unflavored gelatin (1 env.)
• 1/4 c. boiling water
• 10 oz. tofu, drained
• 5 tbsp. apple juice concentrate, defrosted
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp. firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 pt. fresh blueberries, rinsed, drained and divided, about 16 oz.

Instructions/Steps

Serves 4. About 2/3 cup per serving. Dissolve gelatin in boiling water, stirring until crystals disappear. In a blender or the workbowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade, blend dissolved gelatin, tofu, apple juice concentrate, vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon and 1 cup of blueberries until smooth. Pour pudding into a bowl; fold in remaining cup of blueberries. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours, or until set. Serve cold. The sweetener in this recipe is apple juice concentrate. That's a good way to cut down on processed sugar.

Read More>>>>>