COOKING FOR ONE

When I was a young teen, our neighbor was a widow. Several times I visited during the evening meal and couldn’t understand why she ate while watching television. Now I understand. If you enjoy cooking, you may still, as a widow, take pleasure in creating meals. The problem usually is not preparing the food; it’s eating alone that’s difficult. A variety of healthy, delicious meals will enhance your eating experience, boost your health, and even improve your attitude.

Visit your local library for “cooking for one” cookbooks. E-cookbook are available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. The Internet has lots of options.

Internet sites on “cooking for one”
http://greatist.com/health/healthy-single-serving-meals
http://allrecipes.com/recipes/15050/everyday-cooking/cooking-for-one
http://www.pbs.org/food/theme/cooking-for-one
http://www.delish.com/cooking/g1843/dinner-for-one
http://www.foodnetwork.com/topics/for-one.html
http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Healthy-Dinner-Recipes-1-Person-35561854#photo-35561854
http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/cooking-for-one/

Cooking for One Cookbooks
   Cooking for One Cookbook: Loaded With Delicious, Healthy, Quick and Easy Recipes by Pauline Ferndale
Kitchen Secrets: How To Select, Store, Prepare and Cool Fresh Ingredients for One or More by  Barbara Lowery and Tony Delroy

Tips on cooking for one
http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-08-21/friday-food-post-10-tips-on-cooking-for-one
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/cooking-for-one.htm

If you would like to have your favorite recipe included, send me an email: mim5781@gmail.com. You can also send me a photo of the dish and of your, if you like.

 

Meatloaf for One

In a small bowl blend the following until thoroughly mixed:

1/4 lb. low-fat hamburger
1 Tbs. milk
1/8 tsp. salt, pepper, garlic powder
1 Tbs. seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 Tbs. dried minced onions
1 tsp. parsley
1 tsp. ketchup or leftover marinara sauce
1 Tbs. seasoned bread crumbs

Form into a small loaf and place in the center of a microwavable dish.

Sweet Potato
Peel and cube a medium sweet potato and place in a small bowl. Add salt, pepper, and coat the potato with 1 tsp. of either olive oil or coconut oil. Place the potato around the small meatloaf.

Cook for 7 minutes on high in a covered dish. Top with some ketchup or marinara sauce.

Dinner in a packet (recipe below) is one of my favorites.

Pork Chop Dinner in a Packet
1         Pork Chop
½ T.  Olive Oil
6-8    Long-cut green beans
1/8     Onion, separated
Baby carrots sliced length-wise
Small potato, sliced
Garlic, Salt, Pepper
Sprig of Rosemary or ½ teas. of dried rosemary

Heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet. Sprinkle pork chop with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Sear the pork chop on both sides until brown. Reserve drippings.

Place pork chop in the center of a large piece of aluminum foil (about 16 inches). Layer green beans, onion pieces, baby carrots, potato and rosemary on top. (Some of the vegetables may fall around the meat.)

Stir 1 T. water into pork dripping and pour over the vegetables. Fold foil around mixture and place on a small cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Check if pork has reached the safe cooking temperature of 145 degrees. Baking time may be reduced if pork chop is thin.

Also try other meals in a packet:
Chicken and vegetables; Beef and vegetables
Chicken with tomatoes, parmesan and mozzarella cheese, seasoned with basil and              garlic