If you live alone, do you still do basic cooking

I like to cook a proper dinner most nights. A tiny bit of meat and lots of veggies.
However I often cook enough for two nights.
I will get the odd hamburger and fries on occasion.
 

or rely on convenience or partially prepared grocery items? I prefer simple basic cooking (chop or oven roast, veggie, salad, etc.) but I keep a few few partially prepared entrees in freezer for days when not up to cooking. Trader Joe has especially tasty items that only need a little oven time.

That place is GREAT. I hate cooking & they have great ready-made salads & that "Rosemary Chicken" that's already cooked. I recently tasted a sample of "Channa Masala" & it's so good, I stock up on it. It's Chick Peas in some kind of Indian sauce - just needs heating up. Tastes like I spent hours making it!
 
I often cook for myself. First though I prepare my dog's dinner and then mine. Been trying out some ways of cooking tofu. It was on sale and extra firm which I like. It's a good protein source. Alone it doesn't have much taste just texture. I have marinated it in lite soy sauce and will be trying some bar b q marinade and other marinades I can find. It's pretty good for me, too.
 

I often cook for myself. First though I prepare my dog's dinner and then mine. Been trying out some ways of cooking tofu. It was on sale and extra firm which I like. It's a good protein source. Alone it doesn't have much taste just texture. I have marinated it in lite soy sauce and will be trying some bar b q marinade and other marinades I can find. It's pretty good for me, too.

I like Tofu, too, but Kroger doesn't always carry it. I like it fried with onions and thrown over a bed of rice, and also fried and made into a sandwich with soy sauce and lettuce. Also, I read differing opinions about it and am a little leery of it. I did read that Asian women have few menopause problems because they eat a lot of Tofu and other soy items. I'm past menopause so it doesn't apply to me, just find the info interesting.
 
I like Tofu, too, but Kroger doesn't always carry it. I like it fried with onions and thrown over a bed of rice, and also fried and made into a sandwich with soy sauce and lettuce. Also, I read differing opinions about it and am a little leery of it. I did read that Asian women have few menopause problems because they eat a lot of Tofu and other soy items. I'm past menopause so it doesn't apply to me, just find the info interesting.
I like it, too, especially with the lite soy sauce. The way you make it sounds yummy. Going to give that a try. Willing to try new ways of making it for sure. I have heard differing things on tofu and soy, too, but don't eat it all the time. I'm getting to the point of ignoring what they say about foods because later on they will have a study that says it's good...so I'll keep having it. :)
 
I like it, too, especially with the lite soy sauce. The way you make it sounds yummy. Going to give that a try. Willing to try new ways of making it for sure. I have heard differing things on tofu and soy, too, but don't eat it all the time. I'm getting to the point of ignoring what they say about foods because later on they will have a study that says it's good...so I'll keep having it. :)

I agree with everything you said. Tofu/soy can be bad, like everything else, if you eat too much of it, but it also has good health uses, https://healthresearchfunding.org/pros-cons-soy-protein/ I used to buy soy burgers but have recently decided to make my own burgers with mushrooms and black beans. I don't really like buying foods already processed, I rather know what is in it and how it's made, so making my own is the new way to go.

Decades ago I used to work for a publisher and bought one of their books about cooking with tofu because I had just become a vegetarian = "Tofu Cookery'' by Louise Hagler.
 
Very relevant topic for me. I used to prepare simple meals for myself but now it is just a chore. My neighbors go out for fast food almost every evening - burgers, BBQ, tacos, fried chicken, etc. Works for them but not very appealing to me. I have tried home delivery food subscriptions. Yes, one can get a meal on the table in about 30 minutes of prep and cooking but then you have at least 30 more minutes of cleanup. Got tired of that really fast.

Next I tried pre-prepared meal delivery. I enjoyed the food and a quick heat up in the microwave was nice but at an average of $12 a meal that got expensive (even though I only got three meals per week. ) . I've cancelled my deliveries during the holidays and probably will not resume them. Someone told me Schwann's had good "TV" dinners so I may give them a try.
 
I ate a Stouffers Chicken Ala King two nights ago and noticed how very tender the white meat chicken pieces were very unlike the chicken breasts I cook. So my question is what do they do to the meat to get it as tender as a boiled carrot? Maybe I don't want to know the answer.
 
Very relevant topic for me. I used to prepare simple meals for myself but now it is just a chore. My neighbors go out for fast food almost every evening - burgers, BBQ, tacos, fried chicken, etc. Works for them but not very appealing to me. I have tried home delivery food subscriptions. Yes, one can get a meal on the table in about 30 minutes of prep and cooking but then you have at least 30 more minutes of cleanup. Got tired of that really fast. Next I tried pre-prepared meal delivery. I enjoyed the food and a quick heat up in the microwave was nice but at an average of $12 a meal that got expensive (even though I only got three meals per week. ) . I've cancelled my deliveries during the holidays and probably will not resume them. Someone told me Schwann's had good "TV" dinners so I may give them a try.
When I was young I used to eat a lot of TV dinners. Now that I'm old, and hopefully wiser, I am wary of commercial meals full of preservatives. For now I enjoy trying new recipes, I don't know what I will do when I am no longer able to cook. I suppose by then it won't matter the quality of those meals since I'll be close to my ''expiry date'' anyway. Perhaps sometimes you can make what I call ''creative meals'' that don't require lots of cooking or prep. Like fill a plate with a piece of meat or other protein, a piece of cheese, some nuts, a sliced tomato or other veggie etc etc. At least 2-3 times a week you can enjoy a fresh and healthier, preservative-free meal.
 
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I ate a Stouffers Chicken Ala King two nights ago and noticed how very tender the white meat chicken pieces were very unlike the chicken breasts I cook. So my question is what do they do to the meat to get it as tender as a boiled carrot? Maybe I don't want to know the answer.
Do you use a meat thermometer when you cook? I find that using one helps me to not overcook chicken and turkey.
If you've found a pre prepared meal that you enjoy, just stick with having it occasionally. You could even try some of the other meals Stouffers offers.
I like Michelangelo chicken piccata, add either rice or gluten free pasta, a salad, and some gluten free French Bread. It makes about 3 adult servings, which make good leftovers.
 
I ate a Stouffers Chicken Ala King two nights ago and noticed how very tender the white meat chicken pieces were very unlike the chicken breasts I cook. So my question is what do they do to the meat to get it as tender as a boiled carrot? Maybe I don't want to know the answer.
They have to cook it and you have to reheat it, result is ''overcooked''.
 
I did post back at the beginning of this thread, when it was both Rick and I. Now I am alone, I find that my cooking style has not changed much, except I am cooling a bit less. There are times when I am not of a mind to make a full. healthy meal just for me.

I still make soup, and freeze individual containers with one or two servings. I make sandwiches a lot, and try hard to add a vegetable of some sort every day. I add a lot of vegies to my soups, for that reason, to get them into my diet.

I am getting more used to buying less at the store, especially of perishable stuff, like fruits and vegies. I was at the store the other day, and noticed the deli had stuffed cabbage rolls. I kind of like them, and went up and asked for 1. The guy said "Just one?" I said yes, that it was just me, and I was going to have it for dinner.. Not that I felt I owed him an explanation, but I wanted to. So, there I go through the check out with things like 2 bananas, 1 orange, 3 potatoes etc.

I do keep some prepared foods on hand, frozen dinners, some canned soups. But not as many as before.
 
Perhaps sometimes you can make what I call ''creative meals'' that don't require lots of cooking or prep. Like fill a plate with a piece of meat or other protein, a piece of cheese, some nuts, a sliced tomato or other veggie etc etc. At least 2-3 times a week you can enjoy a fresh and healthier, preservative-free meal.

That's the way I typically prepared a meal back when I actually cooked. I kept chicken breasts, pork chops and fish in the freezer and would prepare a meat and add a fresh or frozen veggie. In the cooler months I often made soup in the slow cooker. Always had soup in the freezer. I just got tired of my own cooking and the little bit of effort required to do even simple things.
 
I’m new at this alone stuff and while my husband was alive, all meals were cooked by me, now though, I can’t bring myself to cook. I find I’m relying on Lean Cuisine, etc or sandwiches or premade salads. Perhaps down the road I’ll go back to cooking again. There is a wonderful website called onedishkitchen.com that has fantastic recipes, easy and tasty. Recipes are for 1 or 2 servings.
Hi. Same here in a way, Debbie. With me I lost interest in cooking when my hubby died 5 years ago . I cooked for us for 51 years and loved it and he apreciated my meals especially Sunday roasts.

I have been struggling with cooking for myself and its not because I dont like my food but lost my mojo and its yet to return, if it ever does.
Yet I go out to nice diners on my own or with friends and can tuck in to a three course meal I realise its an psychological issue and anxiety when at home on my own. I cook meals for family and a friend who visits but struggle for meal prepping cooking snd sitting down to eat solo as my stomach goes into a tight knot and I end up leaving dinners.

Its distressing and I decided to seek counselling and this starts in the new year. Its part of the grieving process Ive been told.

Wil checkout that website and thanks for this info
 
Further to my last post I do make my own soups from time to time in my soup maker and enjoy them. I am hoping my lost mojo will return albeit it slowly and with help.

I used to make Christmas cakes every year but cant face making one and will buy one and marzipan and ice it but even this my stomach and mind-set goes into reverse.
Ive got to challenge myself and man-up I say to wayward mind.☺
 
I like Tofu, too, but Kroger doesn't always carry it. I like it fried with onions and thrown over a bed of rice, and also fried and made into a sandwich with soy sauce and lettuce. Also, I read differing opinions about it and am a little leery of it. I did read that Asian women have few menopause problems because they eat a lot of Tofu and other soy items. I'm past menopause so it doesn't apply to me, just find the info interesting.

What do you fry it in -- like olive oil? I would try it again, but the first time I had it was at an office potluck and, as I recall, it was kinda like chewing on an art gum eraser.

I just don't know what to do with it.
 
I am a gourmet, vegan chef, so I do 95% of the cooking for Janet and I. When we go out, I order ala carte items, and construct my own dishes at my table.

I do amazing things with tofu, but it's early in the morning, right now, and I don't want to get into details. Those who are seriously interested, just PM me and I'll let you know how to turn tofu into great dishes.

As for cooking at home: When I can no longer cook for myself, I will have reached the end of my journey in life, this time around.
 
What do you fry it in -- like olive oil? I would try it again, but the first time I had it was at an office potluck and, as I recall, it was kinda like chewing on an art gum eraser. I just don't know what to do with it.
You can eat tofu raw, cut it in cubes and add to a green salad. I just don't like raw tofu. I rinse it, dry it, wrap it with cling wrap and freeze it, it gives it more body. Then when I need it I defrost it, cube it or slice it and fry it in oil, and after it has browned I will add some soy sauce or sweet and sour sauce. That will be my ''meat'', I also add the browned tofu to green salad or use the slices for sandwich. Tofu is an acquired taste, but it's so bland that it will absorb whatever you add to it, so play with it with by adding your favorite sauces or condiments. Also, a caution, tofu is not supposed to smell at ALL, if it smells it's no good.

Note: re frying, I read that for frying it's best to use other oils, use olive oil in the raw. It's expensive and something happens when you fry it, forget what happens.
 
There’s so much controversy regarding tofu and soy products in general. It’s says that tofu contains phytoestrogens which act like estrogens so can be dangerous for menopausal women as it can increase the risk of breast cancer yet in many articles it claims to decrease the risk of breast cancer so I’ll been somewhat weary of the stuff myself but am open to learning something knew.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-tofu#diabetes
 
There’s so much controversy regarding tofu and soy products in general. It’s says that tofu contains phytoestrogens which act like estrogens so can be dangerous for menopausal women as it can increase the risk of breast cancer yet in many articles it claims to decrease the risk of breast cancer so I’ll been somewhat weary of the stuff myself but am open to learning something knew.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-tofu#diabetes
Thanks, I bookmarked your article under my ''nutrition'' file. As you read in it, opinions about tofu are all over the place. I've also read that Asian women have very little discomfort from menopause because of their frequent use of tofu and other soy products. As for me, I don't use tofu every day, just maybe once a week or even longer. I think foods can be problematic if you over use them and eat the same item day in and day out, balance is the key. Even Koalas only eat a little of each tree leaves and then move to other trees with different leaves. They know instinctively that they need to vary their diet.
 
I ate a Stouffers Chicken Ala King two nights ago and noticed how very tender the white meat chicken pieces were very unlike the chicken breasts I cook. So my question is what do they do to the meat to get it as tender as a boiled carrot? Maybe I don't want to know the answer.
They pound it with sharp needles. That breaks down all the fibres. You can do it yourself with a mallet designed for the purpose.
 


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