If you live alone, do you still do basic cooking

Camper6 said:
Nope. I never throw the brewed coffee away. Just reheat it. Never tried the cold brewed method.
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I don't like the reheated coffee, and I read that reheated coffee has some kind of oil that is bad for you, can't remember the details. I just bought a one-cup drip coffeemaker at Amazon and make it fresh 2-3 times a day. I like percolated better, but then have to throw away the rest since most percolators have a minimum of 4 cups, or be forced to reheat the other 3 cups.
 

The key to getting tofu into shape for delectable eating is to brown it in a hot enough pan to evenly flip each cube or shredded piece. EV Olive Oil reaches its smoke point at 383 F. That is NOT hot enough to properly brown the tofu outer surfaces. Canola Oil reaches its smoke point at 460 F. BINGO! That is what you want to use! So, get a great stainless steel saute pan. Hit the heat. Liberally spray in canola oil. Heat your pan just to the smoking point, not beyond. The oil will look dark brown. Cut Extra Firm tofu into cubes, or mash it with a potato masher, before your pan heats up. Put the tofu on a plate, for quick transferring to your pan. Using your splatter screen, scootch the tofu into your pan. Spray the top surface of the tofu. Immediately start flipping! Once everything is flipping freely, you've passed an important point. Your tofu won't stick, if you've done everything right. Now, have your spices at hand. sprinkle them on the tofu, spray a little canola oil, flip, repeat, repeat, etc. Lower the heat. OK, time for the EVO: pour it in the pan, slowly, just to the point where it'll sit around the tofu, a bit. Flip, carefully. Allow to cook, on low, covered, for a minute or two or three. You'll know it's done, once you experiment around.
 
Catlady said:
I don't like the reheated coffee, and I read that reheated coffee has some kind of oil that is bad for you, can't remember the details. I just bought a one-cup drip coffeemaker at Amazon and make it fresh 2-3 times a day. I like percolated better, but then have to throw away the rest since most percolators have a minimum of 4 cups, or be forced to reheat the other 3 cups.
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The oil is always in the coffee beans. And like everything else when it gets stale it affects the taste. My percolator works with one cup. Try it. What have you got to lose? Put two cups of water to get one cup through the filter and grounds.
 

I don't like to cook although I'm good at it when I do. Even though my husband loved to eat, I didn't have to cook every day. He/we ate out or part of our meal was prepared such as the Costco rotisserie chicken and restaurant style meals. Since I've joined the senior center, I wind up bringing home half of my lunches (which are really full course dinners) twice a week and eat the left overs that or the next night. When I do cook, it has to be something quick and easy.
 
I love to cook and usually cook larger quantities and freeze in single portion containers. I started eating gluten free a few years back after a surgery and it just makes it easier to pop something out the freezer instead of cooking every meal.
 
I cook most days, but simple foods from fresh or freshly frozen ingredients. Now that we're past the stretch between TG & Christmas I'll be back to full WFPB (whole food plant based) eating. I sometimes bend my rules on dairy during the holidays.

Organic firm or extra firm tofu is great for so many uses. Just press the liquid out for a couple of hours and fry it as @treeguy64 describes above. We use it in everything from salads to breakfast scrambles to stir fries. I even make tofu scampi!

Cooking with tofu was quite intimidating at first because it was new to me, but it's actually very versatile and fairly easy to cook.
 
Bonnie said:
Yes, it takes great effort to prepare meals for myself. I understand exactly how you feel.
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Thanks for replying ☺
Ive come to realise over time that many feel like we do for personal reasons. I used to think it was just my problem.

I cook during the week and struggle with this at times but do make good meals. I dont do ready meals have never taken to them despite the convenience aspect. I used to bake alot years ago but lost my mojo
On the upside I am partial to a glass of wine with my Sunday dinner at home. This Sunday a friend is coming to dinner and I will look forward to doing a nice roast
 
CrackerJack said:
Thanks for replying ☺
Ive come to realise over time that many feel like we do for personal reasons. I used to think it was just my problem.

I cook during the week and struggle with this at times but do make good meals. I dont do ready meals have never taken to them despite the convenience aspect. I used to bake alot years ago but lost my mojo
On the upside I am partial to a glass of wine with my Sunday dinner at home. This Sunday a friend is coming to dinner and I will look forward to doing a nice roast
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Having said all that, Bonnie and Radish Rose and everyone I have put my phone on the side and made a bowl of fresh fruit and custard. Fruits are pears, a tangerine and a Persimon fruit aka Sharon fruit. Natural sugars which is okay in modrration as I am diabetic 2. Its mainly Sundays I have a problem with cooking meals
 
StarSong said:
I cook most days, but simple foods from fresh or freshly frozen ingredients. Now that we're past the stretch between TG & Christmas I'll be back to full WFPB (whole food plant based) eating. I sometimes bend my rules on dairy during the holidays.

Organic firm or extra firm tofu is great for so many uses. Just press the liquid out for a couple of hours and fry it as @treeguy64 describes above. We use it in everything from salads to breakfast scrambles to stir fries. I even make tofu scampi!

Cooking with tofu was quite intimidating at first because it was new to me, but it's actually very versatile and fairly easy to cook.
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I like tofu, but Kroger doesn't always carry it. They probably don't have enough people buying it to make it worthwhile carrying it.
 
I was in my 30s before I really knew how to cook very well, and I'm still only average. I like to cook my own meals because I'm kind of picky (ok, real picky) about eating healthy. That's not to say I don't have goodies because I don't believe in deprivation ;) One of my neighbors recently told me she thought I was the only one here that cooks regular meals for myself. But I know I didn't get worn out cooking for others because I never really had a family of my own. I recently figured out how to use a meat thermometer and boy has my roasts, pork loin (especially pork) and chicken, fish, all my meats, started turning out really good, lol :) I feel sorry for anyone I ever did cook for that ate my usually, over-done foods ;)

I like to cook, and have routine, but I am not very good at baking. That might be a blessing for my waistline, but I am pretty good at chocolate chip (tollhouse originals) cookies ;)
 
Yogabear said:
I will be 62 in the summer. I am widowed so I live alone and I cook most nights. I have never had a microwave. I like the prep, and I use mostly cast irons pans. Love chopping veggies. I do like to eat so good thing I can cook!!
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Wow, I thought I'd typed that until I saw the 62, I'm beyond that now. I love the prep, especially cutting vegies!! And don't use anything but cast-iron skillets, a little one, and a big'un!! :) PS I got rid of my microwave about a year ago!!
 
I cook every day. Breakfast, which I eat closer to lunch time. I get up early but drink coffee and work on the computer. I like to cook something and then have it several days for fast food at supper time. I usually cook homemade meals but every now and then will buy a frozen pizza or pot pie. I like to make soups, chili or stews in the Instant Pot.
 
CrackerJack said:
Thanks for replying ☺
Ive come to realise over time that many feel like we do for personal reasons. I used to think it was just my problem.

I cook during the week and struggle with this at times but do make good meals. I dont do ready meals have never taken to them despite the convenience aspect. I used to bake alot years ago but lost my mojo
On the upside I am partial to a glass of wine with my Sunday dinner at home. This Sunday a friend is coming to dinner and I will look forward to doing a nice roast
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Following my last post above I still struggle cooking main meals for myself especially on Sundays as this day was the highlight of me and my Husband's week for our roast dinners and desserts and treats.

I decided to seek counselling as it has been anxiety leading to a phobia and finding it very hard to shake even after 5 years. I can and do like cooking for others especially my family when they visit but by "others" that is limited to a couple of good friends and one also has my problem and lives alone for three years after a long marriage.

I love food and have no problem eating out even on my own its just cooking at home is the problem
 
What I would do is to cook the food anyway like you were having company. Then freeze it in one or two cup containers for future fast meals. I watch the cooking videos on YouTube and get ideas for new recipes. It makes it more fun. It seems like you need to make your food preparation and cooking focus on yourself. Not on others. I cooked for others my whole life and I must say I enjoy cooking for myself more now. But I always have enough that if someone stopped by, I could invite them to eat with me.
 
I lost my appetite when my husband died, he always grilled n I made the veggies, now the only time I cook is when my granddaughters come once a week for dinner. I’ll make a pot roast in my crockpot or use the air fryer to do chicken or whatever they want, they love stir fry n also tarco‘s so easy to do.
 
katlupe said:
What I would do is to cook the food anyway like you were having company. Then freeze it in one or two cup containers for future fast meals. I watch the cooking videos on YouTube and get ideas for new recipes. It makes it more fun. It seems like you need to make your food preparation and cooking focus on yourself. Not on others. I cooked for others my whole life and I must say I enjoy cooking for myself more now. But I always have enough that if someone stopped by, I could invite them to eat with me.
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Thank you Katlupe..your suggestion is food for thought excuse the unintended pun..lol!

In 51 years I was sole cook and enjoyed it and suddenly this stopped after my Hubby died suddenly and unexpectedly.
I have never cooked more than one dinner for the day and didnt cook for another meal,just wasn't my thing and still isnt but may try this.

I cooked a lamb joint yesterday and sat and ate most of it as the meat, veg and rich gravy was tasty. The rest of the meat is ideal for a Shepherds pie so will do this tonight or do a lamb and rice curry. A sandwich will use up the rest of the meat.
 
Lvstotrvl said:
I lost my appetite when my husband died, he always grilled n I made the veggies, now the only time I cook is when my granddaughters come once a week for dinner. I’ll make a pot roast in my crockpot or use the air fryer to do chicken or whatever they want, they love stir fry n also tarco‘s so easy to do.
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I know how you feel about losing your appetite, as I did but have slowly regained it, but not my mojo for cooking at home; part of the grieving process I believe is the reason.

I like my slow cooker also steamer for fish and use them as and when. Like a nice easy stirfry but rately did them when my Husbans was alive

What is Tarco?
 
Not much anymore because I have limited freezer space and I get sick of the leftovers after a while. I get quick things to cook that are already prepared or require little prep. Toss in some canned veggies and some fruit and I've got a meal. It's either that or take out.
 
Catlady said:
I don't like the reheated coffee, and I read that reheated coffee has some kind of oil that is bad for you, can't remember the details. I just bought a one-cup drip coffeemaker at Amazon and make it fresh 2-3 times a day. I like percolated better, but then have to throw away the rest since most percolators have a minimum of 4 cups, or be forced to reheat the other 3 cups.
Click to expand...
Make yourself some cold brew, it keeps over a week in the fridge. Get a french press (12 bucks at Walmart). Add cup of ground coffee and fill with water to the fill line, stir it up until the coffee is completely soaked, cap it up and leave in fridge for 24 hours. Then press and pour into a container and enjoy, store the rest in the fridge. Entirely different brewing process than boiling it, not nearly as harsh.
 


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