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Cooking for yourself...

post #1 of 42
8/15/09 at 9:52pm
Thread Starter 
So, my wife is out of town for a week, and whenever she is, I feel stuck trying to make dinners for myself. It isn't like I don't cook, I do most of the cooking for the two of us, but when I am alone, there is just no motivation at all. What do you guys do? Any suggestions for dinners for one?
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post #2 of 42
8/15/09 at 9:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by iammatt View Post
So, my wife is out of town for a week, and whenever she is, I feel stuck trying to make dinners for myself. It isn't like I don't cook, I do most of the cooking for the two of us, but when I am alone, there is just no motivation at all. What do you guys do? Any suggestions for dinners for one?

Breakfast for dinner, is always a good choice when alone, as it's so easy to portion.
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post #3 of 42
8/15/09 at 10:07pm
Like he said ^ breakfast for dinner is always an option, but if you want real dinner, simple pasta is my favorite option. Pesto pasta with a small chicken cutlet is a regular for me.
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post #4 of 42
8/15/09 at 10:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Piobaire View Post
Breakfast for dinner, is always a good choice when alone, as it's so easy to portion.
+1 I eat eggs all the time...
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post #5 of 42
8/15/09 at 10:28pm
When cooking for one, for me it's a matter of speed and easy cleanup. Alton Brown's steak recipe here works great for this purpose. The steak is done in less than five minutes. Roasted herbed potatoes round out the meal.

Another fast, easy idea: Make a large crepe and fill with goat cheese and a liberal amount of hyssop. Drizzle with good olive oil and fold closed, heating through. Delicious and remarkably filling. Can add some leftover chicken if you have it and feel like it.

Pan-seared pork tenderloin is quick and, to keep it simple, I like to eat it with steamed rice and soy sauce. Sort of like a healthier version of fried rice. Tasty with soft, fresh rolls.

The breakfast idea is good, too. If you're feeling indulgent, I like Ian Fleming's scrambled eggs as an unhealthy treat. Sounds gimmicky but tastes good, in a very buttery sort of way.

For multiple meals, I like a fresh corn/black bean salad with some lime and chicken. Nice in that it can become a side if necessary.
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post #6 of 42
8/15/09 at 10:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by iammatt View Post
...when I am alone, there is just no motivation at all. Any suggestions for dinners for one?
I have the same problem
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post #7 of 42
8/15/09 at 10:47pm
A quick stir fry is always an option. Quick, easy and no problem to clean up.
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post #8 of 42
8/15/09 at 11:43pm
Dinner for tonight and lunch tomorrow.
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post #9 of 42
8/15/09 at 11:44pm
I make comfort food I love but that she refuses to eat. That translates loosely to ramen, with all the trimmings - a boiled egg, some thinly sliced beef or pork, lots of sambal oelek, nice stock, scallions.... mmmmmm. Dinner in a big-ass bowl that feels like I've lined my stomach in lead. Cooking for one is brutal. It's impossible to make a small portion and you end up going back til you've eaten a full 2-3 portions.
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post #10 of 42
8/16/09 at 12:01am
Funny you mention this: Mrs. Thomas is returning home this evening from a trip. I've done the omelette and leftovers idea, but what I'm more apt to do is make the dishes I've never made before, or experiment with other dishes, knowing that there will be leftovers.

For instance, I stewed up some leftover veggies with some leftover beef and did up a rum raisin rice pudding, just to see how it would turn out.
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post #11 of 42
8/16/09 at 12:22am
Thread Starter 
Tonight I made chicken kebabs with lemon and a yogurt sauce. Tomorrow I will go manly, and make hot dogs.
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post #12 of 42
8/16/09 at 12:53am
I always find myself making a steak when I'm only cooking for myself...
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post #13 of 42
8/16/09 at 3:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jaydc7 View Post
I always find myself making a steak when I'm only cooking for myself...

A steak and a bottle of wine is the ultimate single man's dinner.
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post #14 of 42
8/16/09 at 7:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkNWorn View Post
A steak and a bottle of wine is the ultimate single man's dinner.

often followed by some single-malt whisky for the dessert
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post #15 of 42
8/16/09 at 9:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkNWorn View Post
A steak and a bottle of wine is the ultimate single man's dinner.

Works great on those lonely nights with just you and Grey's Anatomy.
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