Many years ago I worked for an organization where I taught educational programs in nutrition, food safety and money management. One of the groups I worked with was Senior Citizens, most of whom lived alone or with one other person. The one question I heard often was how do I cook for just myself or myself and spouse? But these recipes and tips are not just for seniors. They are for any single person, or a couple.
Most recipes are made to serve four to six (or more) people but you can reduced the amount of each ingredient by ½ to ⅓. When it comes to the seasonings and spices, just season to taste. Cooking times may need to be shortened and smaller dishes and utensils used.
What about eggs?
Beat one egg with a fork until the whites and yolks are just mixed. Measure a standard tablespoon. Use only half (or third) of the total measurement for your recipe. Depending on the size, one egg usually yields about 2-3 tablespoons, when beaten. Of course, you can always use egg substitute.
When dividing a recipe, it helps to translate amounts into equivalent measures. For example; one-third cup can be halved most accurately when you know that it equals 5 tablespoons, plus 1 teaspoon. Half of ⅓ cup would then be 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons. Carefully divide measurements before you begin and note the halved (or third) figures in the page margin for further reference.
Measuring Equivalents
- 1 tsp = ⅓ Tbsp. = ⅙ oz
- 3 tsp. = 1 Tbsp = ½ oz
- 2 Tbsp. = ⅛ cup = 1 fl oz
- 4 Tbsp. = ¼ cup = 2 fl oz
- 5⅓ Tbsp. = ⅓ cup = 2⅔ fl oz
- 8 Tbsp. = ½ cup = 4 fl oz
- 12 Tbsp. = ¾ cup = 6 fl oz
- 16 Tbsp. = 1 cup = 8 fl oz.
- 2 cups = 1 pint
- 4 quarts = 1 gallon
- 2 pints = 1 quart
- 1 liter = 34 fl oz
- 16 oz = 1 pound
Recipes
Create-a-Casserole
- Rice or Noodles: Use ½ cup cooked rice or 1 cup cooked noodles. That’s about ¼ cup uncooked rice (cooked in ¼ cup boiling water) or 1-2 oz dry pasta (cooked 4-5 cups water). Put the rice or noodles into a small ovenproof dish, coated with non-stick cooking spray.
- Meat or Fish: Use 2oz. tuna, drained; ¼ to ½ cup cooked or canned beef, pork, chicken or turkey (if using canned meat remove excess fat). Layer over rice or noodles.
- Seasoning: Choose one or more of the following: 1-2 tsp. chopped onion, green pepper or celery. Spoon over meat layer.
- Vegetables: Choose one of the following: green beans, peas, corn, carrots, broccoli or mushrooms. Approximately ¼ cup fresh, chopped, ¼ cup frozen, thaw and drain or 2 oz canned, drained. Spoon over seasoning.
- Sauce: ½ cup creamed soup (tomato, mushroom, celery or chicken) or ⅓ cup cream sauce.
- Crunch: Sprinkle cracker crumbs or crushed flake-type cereal, such as corn flakes over sauce.
- Oven Method: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Skillet Method: Put all ingredients; except crunch in a skillet. Add milk if it gets too dry. Heat and stir 10 minutes. Pour into serving dish and top with crunch. Makes 2 servings. The amounts of ingredients in casserole recipes can vary, based on what you have in the cupboards.
Coffee-Cup Omelet
Coat 12-oz. microwave-safe coffee mug with cooking spray. Add 1 egg, 1 Tbsp. water, ½ to 1 Tbsp. chopped vegetable of choice* and ½ to 1 Tbsp. chopped, cooked ham, bacon or sausage and ½ to 1 tbsp. shredded cheese; beat until blended. Microwave on HIGH 30 seconds; stir (until egg is almost set). Microwave approx. 30 to 45 seconds longer. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Serve immediately. Makes 1 serving.
*broccoli, mushrooms, onions, red or green peppers, whatever you like. Also use whatever cheese is your favorite. I like using sharp cheddar.
Thanksgiving “Sundae”
Although not just for Thanksgiving, this is a fun way to eat Thanksgiving dinner* it may even get those picky eaters to enjoy it. Good way to use those leftovers too!!
Using a banana split dish take 2-3 scoops of potatoes or stuffing; a combination of both, or maybe a scoop of potatoes, a scoop of stuffing and a scoop of sweet potatoes. Top with diced turkey, then top that with gravy. You can even include cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, carrots or corn.
*You can use this same technique with chicken dinner, roast beef dinner or any meal where you serve meat, potatoes, vegetables and gravy.
Using Leftovers for Making Quick & Easy Meals.
More often than not there will be leftovers when you are cooking for one or two and using traditional recipes. Here are a few suggestions. By using leftovers and a few additional ingredients, you can make some interesting meals.
Growing up I watched my Gramma (a.k.a Buscia) cook; I don’t think she even owned measuring cups or spoons. A lot of her recipes consisted of a handful of this, a dash of that and then some more of that. Which is (partially) why the leftover recipes below don’t have measurements; just use what you have on hand.
Tuna Patties
- mashed potatoes or prepared stuffing
- canned tuna, drained
- egg
- Mix together all ingredients. Shape into patties. Brown on both sides in a small amount of oil
Stir-Fry
- roast beef, chicken or pork
- frozen mixed vegetables
- lite soy sauce
- hot cooked rice
- Stir-fry meat, vegetables and soy sauce until hot. Serve over hot cooked rice
Meatloaf
- bread stuffing
- ground beef or turkey
- tomato sauce
- Mix all ingredients. Press into a loaf pan. Bake @ 350°F for 45-60 mins. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting.
Beef & Noodles
- roast beef or pork
- mushroom soup
- hot cooked noodles
- Cut meat into small pieces, heat with undiluted soup. Serve over hot cooked noodles.
Beef/Chicken Roll-ups
- roast beef or chicken
- gravy
- onion, minced
- biscuit dough
- Grind meat. Combine with onion and gravy. Spread over rolled out dough. Roll up jelly roll Bake @ 350°F until dough is golden brown. Slice and serve with additional gravy
Pizza Mac & Cheese
- macaroni & cheese
- pizza sauce
- mozzarella cheese
- pizza toppings, of choice
- Layer mac & cheese in a greased casserole dish, mac & cheese serves as the crust. Top with sauce, cheese and toppings. Bake @ 325°F until heated through and cheese is melted.
Serve dinner with a glass of fine wine. That’s not required but it’s my favorite way to enjoy dinner.
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You can find additional recipes for One or Two for Beef & Pork; Ground Beef, Chicken; Fish & Seafood and of course. Dessert.
The information here is for persons in good health. If you have an illness or condition that requires a special diet, this information may not be appropriate for you.
