Cooking for yourself...

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?

Originally Posted by iammatt

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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.

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.

Originally Posted by Piobaire

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Breakfast for dinner, is always a good choice when alone, as it's so easy to portion.
+1 I eat eggs all the time...

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.

Originally Posted by iammatt

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...when I am alone, there is just no motivation at all. Any suggestions for dinners for one?
I have the same problem

A quick stir fry is always an option. Quick, easy and no problem to clean up.

Dinner for tonight and lunch tomorrow.

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.

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.

Tonight I made chicken kebabs with lemon and a yogurt sauce. Tomorrow I will go manly, and make hot dogs.

I always find myself making a steak when I'm only cooking for myself...

Originally Posted by jaydc7

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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.

Originally Posted by DarkNWorn

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A steak and a bottle of wine is the ultimate single man's dinner.

often followed by some single-malt whisky for the dessert

Originally Posted by DarkNWorn

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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.