For years when I had to cook just for myself (before and after the house full of kids), I just made scrambled eggs and toast. It wasn't that I didn't know how to cook, but rather that eggs were fast, cheap, filling, and used one pan and one plate. Ok, you could even eat them out of the pan. I had spent so much time cooking for other people that when there was just me, I wanted to spend my time in other ways, i.e. breathing.
This is one of the first sorts of things I cooked just for myself. A fish salad. Walleye Salad if you're in Minnesota. Make a nice salad while a piece of fish cooks in a pan. Gee. Real rough? But it was a watershed moment. You know how often you hear someone say, "Too hard to cook for just me." I changed that for myself. I set the table, lit the candles, turned on the music, and lived. |
The day I walked in a store, wandered around lazily and bought one beautiful 6 oz piece of salmon (some for dinner and some for lunch) was an eye-opening day. It's amazing what you can cook for one person, I thought. I was almost embarrassed at how liberated I felt. And one of the true beauties of cooking for one is you get exactly what you want exactly how you want it. One rare lamb chop with creamed spinach. A plate of broccoli with cheese (and nothing else) made in the microwave while you crank up a movie or grab the novel and pour a glass of wine. Double veggie burger. Yes, I loved making veggie burgers. Still do. They're not something Dave eats, so when he travels, I'm eating veggie burgers.
Having eggs and toast? Make coffee first. Then have your plate ready with your jam before you begin to cook. |
fried bread with egg skillet for one
- 2t jam
- 2t butter
- 2 small slices bread or 1 large piece cut in half
- 1 egg
- salt and pepper
Have fun cooking and taking care of yourself,
Alyce
on other fronts ...
I happened to see a great recipe for Pizza for One on The Perfect Pantry; check it out!
Right now on More Time at the Table:
Alyce's Tortellini Salad Goes to Denver, but Misses Olivia's Birthday:
This reminds me of an episode of The Naked Chef with Jamie Oliver where he made a complete English breakfast fry-up in one pan. It's a lovely idea and a great way to make the morning (or dinner!) feel special even though it is easy.
ReplyDeleteIt's a small meal, but luscious. Leave the toaster alone! I actually like fried bread better than toasted.
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