Whether you live alone or it’s just two of you; cooking for one or two can be a challenge; most recipes are made to serve four to six people. Many of them can be reduced by ½ to ⅓ the listed amount of each ingredient; except the seasonings (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 mexed. 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 4 tablespoons. 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 2 oz dry pasta (cooked 4-5 cups water). Put the rice or noodles into a small oven-proof dish, coated with non-stick cooking spray.
- Meat or Fish: Use 2oz. tuna, drained ¼ to ½ 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, lima beans, peas, corn, carrots, broccoli or mushrooms. You’ll need ¼ cup fresh, chopped, 2 oz canned, drained, or ¼ cup frozen, thaw and drain. Spoon over seasoning.
- Sauce: ½ cup creamed soup (tomato, mushroom, celery or chicken) or ⅓ 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.
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Coffee-Cup Omelet
- 1 Egg
- 1 tbsp.water
- ¼ cup chopped broccoli
- ¼ cup chopped mushrooms
- Salt and pepper, as desired
- 1 tbsp.shredded mozzarella OR fontina cheese
- Coat 12-oz. microwave-safe coffee mug with cooking spray. Add egg, water, broccoli and mushrooms; beat until blended. Microwave on HIGH 30 seconds; stir. Microwave until egg is almost set, 30 to 45 seconds longer.
- Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Top with cheese. Serve immediately. Makes 1 serving.
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Left-Over “Fundae”
- Leftover turkey, cut into bite-size pieces
- mashed potatoes
- turkey gravy
- stuffing
- cranberry sauce-optional
Serve in a banana split bowl; place 2 scoops stuffing on each ends & 1 scoop potatoes in the middle of the dish (or 2 scoops potatoes & 1 scoop stuffing, whichever you prefer). Layer turkey pieces around the potatoes & stuffing. Drizzle with gravy. Top with cranberry sauce, if desired.
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Using Leftovers for Making Quick & Easy Meals
More often than not if you are cooking for one or two and using standard recipes you will have leftovers. I have also heard them referred to as “must-gos”. Meaning if we don’t eat them today they must go. With leftovers and a few additional ingredients you can make meal #2. Amounts will vary based on the amount of leftovers you have on hand.
- mashed potatoes
- canned tuna, drained
- egg
- Mix together all ingredients. Shape into patties. Brown on both sides in a small amount of oil. Serve with a tossed salad or vegetables.
- 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.
- 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.
- roast beef or pork
- mushroom soup
- hot cooked noodles
- Cut meat into small pieces, heat with undiluted soup. Serve over hot cooked noodles.
- roast beef of 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.
- macaroni & cheese
- pizza sauce
- mozzarella cheese
- pizza toppings
- Layer mac & cheese in a greased casserole dish. 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 eat dinner.
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.
