Cooking for One: Part 1-Groceries

Sometimes cooking for one can seem annoying, but falling into a slump of meals consisting of only take-out and frozen meals can do a number both on our health and our bank accounts. Cooking is not difficult and can be a fun way of self exploration, discovery, and accomplishment. It does take some time to master things, but this article from Marie Claire helps you set it up with the right ingredients and purchases and gives you great single serve recipes so that you can eat well and be proud of what you are doing for yourself.

Cooking for One, Chic Recipes for the Single Girl

By Katie Lee Joel

You all know her — or maybe you are her: the woman at the grocery store pushing a cart filled with Lean Cuisine meals, Pria bars, kitty litter, and a box of Tampax. She might as well be wearing a neon sign that flashes, "Alone, alone, ALONE!" Sure, cooking for one doesn't sound like fun - have you ever tried making a single serving of coq au vin? But there's an easier way. Stockpile these basic ingredients and you'll have a few weeks' worth of cool meals at the ready.

Pantry:
Don't leave costco without them.
1. Jarred tomato pasta sauce
2. Dried pasta
3. White rice
4. Low sodium chicken broth
5. Peanut butter
6. Canned beans (such as chickpeas, cannellinis, kidneys)
7. Dry breadcrumbs
8. Extra-virgin olive oil
9. Dried herbs and spices
10. Onions

Refrigerator:
There's room — just toss the pizza box.
1. Fresh herbs
2. Eggs
3. Butter
4. Plain yogurt
5. Milk
6. Cheeses (such as cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella)
7. Lemons
8. Condiments (such as Dijon mustard, ketchup, bbq sauce, mayonnaise and soy sauce)
9. Jams (such as strawberry, raspberry, and apricot)
10. Salad greens

Freezer:
Beyond vodka and eye packs.
1. Ginger root
2. Bacon (divide into individual servings)
3. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I like to leave some whole and cut some into strips and others cubed for easy use.)
4. Ground beef (divided into one pound portions)
5. Boneless pork chops
6. Frozen vegetables (such as spinach, broccoli florets, peas, and mixed vegetables)
7. Peeled and deveined shrimp
8. Pizza dough
9. Frozen fruits (such as strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, and mango)
10. Ice cream