How often do you eat alone? If you live alone, it’s probably quite a lot; but even if you live with other people, there are times when cooking for one becomes a necessity.
I hear from my single friends and clients that they hate cooking for one. They hate it so much that they find themselves defaulting to less-than-optimal food choices more often than they’d like. (Cereal for dinner, anyone?)
What if cooking for one was just a party in disguise? Here’s what I do to make my solo cooking adventures just that.
- Play. If I’m trying a new recipe, I’ll often do it on a solo cooking night. Most recipes require some degree of “doctoring” to get seasonings to your taste. And if you’re new to cooking, cooking for yourself first gives you a chance to practice before subjecting your creation to scrutiny. Use this time to play around and get it just right…or not! Either way, your home cooked meal will make a far more satisfying dinner than a bowl of granola (which, by the way, is a perfectly acceptable option on occasion!).
- Decompress. Light a candle. Pour yourself a glass of wine. Make your cooking time “you time.” Playing with food can be quite the zen experience if you allow it to be.
- Add a soundtrack. Crank some tunes (especially the ones that your boyfriend/husband/partner always tells you to turn down). Or be a total NPR geek like me and listen to podcasts of Radiolab, Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me, or Fresh Air on your iPhone. Every good party has a soundtrack.
- Make more than you need. Since this little cooking party isn’t practical every night, maximize your time in the kitchen. “Cook once, eat three times.” is my mantra, i.e., always make enough for leftovers.
- Set the table. That’s right. Just do it. Even make it pretty with place mats, a candle, some flowers, and real silverware if you like. Why shouldn’t you get to enjoy a lovely dining experience simply because you’re on your own?
- Be grateful. For time to yourself (even if you don’t always want it). For reconnecting with the great pleasure of making food just the way YOU like it. For the healing power of fresh, home cooked food, music, and a little vino.
Party on.
xo,
