Table for One
By Whitney Saupan
As a single woman, I don't really enjoy walking into a sit down restaurant and asking for a "table for one" all the time, it's like going to a movie solo, not my favorite thing. So as a result I find myself eating fast food or searching through my empty cupboards or pantry in hopes of discovering something edible, much more often than I would like.
It's not that I don't want to cook a meal for myself, but it seems like such a hassle to cook for only one person. I always end up with way too much food, that generally doesn't get eaten, and I have a big mess to clean up. Sometimes, most of the time actually, I feel like it's not worth the effort. But, recently I have discovered that cooking for one person isn't as difficult as I had pictured it being. I've gathered a few single serving recipes below. Whether you're looking for a quick, simple dinner or you want something a bit more fancy there's a recipe for you. These recipes have opened my eyes to a world where I don't have always be that girl asking for a "table for one".
Grilled Ham and Cheese with Pineapple
Who doesn't enjoy a good grilled cheese now and then? This grown up version of the classic sandwich is easy to prepare and will give your taste buds a treat.
2 slices sandwich bread
2 slices Swiss cheese (or any cheese if you don't like Swiss)
2 ounces thinly sliced ham
2 thin pineapple slices
3 fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon butter
Directions:
Step 2: In a skillet over medium-low, melt butter. Add the sandwich, cover and cook until golden. This takes about 2 or 3 minutes
Step 3: Flip the sandwich, cover and cook until the cheese is melted.
https://www.delish.com/recipefinder/grilled-ham-cheese-pineapple-recipe-mslo0710
Recipe formatted with the Cook'n Recipe Software from DVO Enterprises.
Okay, so maybe you don't want a sandwich for dinner. Maybe you want to feel a bit more sophisticated, if so, try the recipe below.
Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry with Peanuts
This meal for one takes about 15 minutes to prepare, it's healthy and you don't have to pay someone to deliver it to you.
1 teaspoon peanut oil
1 6 to 8 ounce boneless skinless chicken breast half, thinly sliced crosswise
1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 jalapeno or serrano chile, thinly sliced crosswise
4 ounces snow peas, stem ends trimmed
coarse salt
ground pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon chopped roasted peanut
1/4 cup basil leaves, torn (optional)
Directions:
Step 2: Add garlic, chile, snow peas and 2 tablespoons of water; cook until the chicken is opaque throughout, about 3 minutes. Season with the salt and pepper, stir in the lime juice, peanuts and basil.
https://www.delish.com/recipefinder/spicy-chicken-stir-fry-peanuts-recipe-mslo0710
Recipe formatted with the Cook'n Recipe Software from DVO Enterprises.
Anytime Eggs
Do you have eggs in the fridge? How about some onions or potatoes? Any other vegetables? Did you answer yes to any of those questions? If so, try this delicious, single serving recipe that can be enjoyed anytime of the day.
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 to 3 cooked potatoes, sliced
handful cherry tomatoes, sliced
2 spring onions, sliced
1 egg
basil leaves
Directions:
Step 1: Heat the oil in a frying pan, add the potato slices and fry on both sides until brown
Step 2: Add the tomatoes and spring onions and fry for about 1 minute or until softened
Step 3: Season with salt and pepper and then make a space in the pan.
Step 4: Gently break the egg into the cleared space and fry until cooked to your liking.
Step 5: Scatter over the basil leaves and serve.
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/4764/anytime-eggs
Recipe formatted with the Cook'n Recipe Software from DVO Enterprises.
Maybe you don't want dinner; maybe you just want a single serving of dessert. Here's a recipe to help with that!
5 Minute Chocolate Fudge S'mores Mug Cake
Does this even need a description? The name says it all-fudge, s'mores, and cake! What could be better? This recipe is a bit more in depth but it makes a delicious, single serving dessert!
2 to 3 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs
3 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose flour)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
1/12 ounce milk chocolate chips (or chopped milk chocolate)
marshmallow fluff, marshmallow creme or actual marshmallows
Directions:
Step 2: In another bowl, combine remaining melted butter with 2-3 tablespoons of graham cracker crumbs and stir until moistened.
Step 3: Press graham crumbs into the bottom of your mug.
Step 4: In a bowl, whisk egg, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add in flour, baking powder, salt and cocoa stir until a thick batter forms.
Step 5: Stream in melted butter and chocolate, mix.
Step 6: Fold in remaining chocolate chips.
Step 7: Add half of the mixture on top of the graham crust, and then throw on a scoop of marshmallow fluff/cream/marshmallows.
Step 8: Add remaining batter on top, and then pop in the microwave for 1:20-2:00 minutes. (Note that microwave times vary so you might have to do a trial run to get it right)
Step 9: Remove and top with additional marshmallow if desired. Place in microwave for 5-10 seconds to melt the marshmallows. Add graham cracker crumbs and enjoy!
https://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/02/5-minute-chocolate-fudge-smores-mug-cake/
Recipe formatted with the Cook'n Recipe Software from DVO Enterprises.
https://www.delish.com/recipefinder/grilled-ham-cheese-pineapple-recipe-mslo0710
https://www.delish.com/recipefinder/spicy-chicken-stir-fry-peanuts-recipe-mslo0710
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/4764/anytime-eggs
https://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/02/5-minute-chocolate-fudge-smores-mug-cake/
