Coming Soon: Cooking for Singles Series

When I was walking through the grocery store, I overheard a conversation between two people. They were looking at all of the meats, and they made the comment to one another about how difficult it was to cook as a single adult. I, too, had a similar issue a few years ago when I had finally emptied out my nest and had to face how to cut down my portion sizes.

How do you cook when it is only you, and you really don’t want a lot of leftovers?

My goal in July is to create recipes with single or double portions in mind instead of family meals. It is possible to cook only for one (or two) within a reasonable budget without having leftovers that never get eaten or that last for days. While I do have my favorite things that I enjoy cooking to last me for several meals, I don’t enjoy eating the same thing every single day. Meals that can be changed up into something else is fine, but not the same meal for several days in a row.

When it was just my youngest son and me, I had to learn ways that I could prepare meals that didn’t spill over into the next few days. For one, he didn’t like leftovers. Not even leftovers that were made into something different. Plus, he and I didn’t eat the same thing. I ate a lot of salads back then. He didn’t do vegetables, so I could easily purchase veggies, cut them up, and make myself something with them throughout the week.

I also purchased a smaller crockpot. The largest size they have is great for families, but if it is just you and one other person, it is best to have a smaller crockpot (not the teeny tiny one). The one I have is great for holding several pieces of meat or a small roast. I utilize it to cook roasts or meats, and then that can be divided.

I purchase bigger packets and separate that into smaller portions. For example, I purchased a huge pork loin for $24. I plan to cut it up into 2-3 roasts, plus cut it into some larger thick pork loin slices for single servings. I love pulled pork sandwiches, and I use the pork loin roasts to make my pulled pork. It makes sandwiches, or you can use it to make pulled pork nachos. Or even pork tacos with the shredded pork. A six to eight piece boneless skinless thighs can make 3 to 4 meals. Or 2 bigger meals. Chicken dumplings for one? Sure. Chicken casserole for 2? Definitely.

Buy taking advantage of sales in meats or breaking down larger packages, I was able to have a monthly meal budget of $200, and most of the time, the meat portions rolled over into the following month. The only thing that needed to be repeatedly purchased was fresh produce and dairy products.

Be sure to check out our recipes in July as I walk through the Cooking for Singles Series.