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Single Servings: September '08

By:   Mackenzie Schieck

More recipes and tips, another shopping list--everything you need to make cooking for one easy.

I find it funny we (you know, us human-types) never tire of expressing utter shock at the changing of the seasons. Fall, winter, spring summer…definitely on the predictable side, yet they always seem to sneak up on us don't they? And we always have something emphatic to say about it as if it's something so much more than just the simple passing of time. And while it might seem like lame filler topic you insert into times when you can't think of anything else to say, I don't think I'm alone when I say that I always mention if out of total, truly authentic disbelief. So, here it is: I seriously cannot believe it is September! And I am emphatic about it! (I'll spare you the "Where did our summer go?" line.) But it's true. September is here. So, let's just go with it…

This month's menu includes Wicked Good Veggie Chili to warm you up on a chilly fall day; Herbed Chicken Nuggets for anyone who’s headed back to school (or anyone who isn't, but still has a hankering for a classic hot-lunch inspired meal); Asian Roll Lettuce Wraps for those who can't quite let go of summer and are still after a light dinner; and Adobo Sirloin for anyone who needs a little extra iron. This has nothing to do with fall, I just personally think I need a little more iron in my diet because as Ross Geller of the TV show Friends once said, "I bruise like a peach." You and me both, Ross--you and me both. (I've been trying to work a Friends reference in here for months…too contrived? I'll argue to the end that it totally worked.)
 
Happy fall and happy cooking! 




Prep & Freeze

Wicked Good Veggie Chili: Wicked good indeed. I couldn't find the textured vegetable protein, so I used a soy protein powder instead. It sounds weird, but it did the job--gave it a thick and hearty quality. The chili alone was a very filling meal for me, but if you need a little something extra you could bake up a small pan of cornbread to serve as a side.


Two Easy Meals--No Leftovers!

Herbed Chicken Nuggets: It's back to school time. Not going back to school? Me either, but lets have a kiddie-type meal anyway. Serve these with a simple side salad.


Adobo Sirloin: I always need a little Mexican flavor to my weekly meals, so here it is. This marinade can be made in minutes--add it to your meat the morning you plan to eat it. (See sidebar for tips on freezing meats with marinades.) For an easy side, serve with some sautéed onions and bell peppers: three to five minutes over medium heat in one teaspoon of olive oil.


Cook Once, Eat Twice

Asian Roll Lettuce Wrap: Light, yet tasty! I omitted the rice and stuffed more veggies into my wrap.


Dessert Time!

Classic Peanut Butter Cookies: Why peanut butter cookies? I ask you, why not? (See how I did that? How I totally turned the tables on you? I'm kinda sly like that when it comes to getting out of answering the tough questions.)


Sunday Prep

I've clocked this Sunday Prep (that's right, I had my stop watch out) at about two hours:

  • Wicked Good Veggie Chili: Prepare completely then freeze in individual servings.
  • Herbed Chicken Nuggets: Cut chicken--refrigerate or freeze. Combine the thyme, red pepper, bread crumbs, wheat germ, basil, and ground pepper in resealable plastic bag (wait to chop and add parsley to the mixture until just before you shake it all up together).
  • Adobo Marinade: Prepare marinade completely. (You can wait to mince and add the garlic just before adding marinade to meat for best flavor). 
  • Asian Roll Lettuce Wrap: Prepare rice, turkey meatballs, veggies, and dipping sauce.
  • Wash and chop any other veggies you plan to eat as sides.


    What Say You?

    I’ve been noticing a trend in some of the emails I've been getting…those normally cooking for two finding themselves on their own here and there. What to do, what to do? When I started writing this column, it didn’t even occur to me anyone other than people living alone would find, or get use, out of this column. It’s such a nice surprise! Here are a couple of those emails:

    Mackenzie,
     I love Allrecipes and somehow ran into your column…and thank goodness I did!  This is FANTASTIC!  When my boyfriend is out of town I usually treat myself to dinner out but that gets old after awhile.  I love that you've given me recipes and helpful tips so that I can stay home and enjoy myself as well.  Plus, I'm sure it is much better for me (health-wise) to control my ingredients vs. a restaurant or fast food joint.  Thank you for the much need advice and keep up the great work!--Denise

    Mackenzie,
    Usually I am cooking for my husband and I, plus some leftovers for lunches.  But as he is away for the week, I was looking for something to eat at my solo dinners that isn't wheat thins and carrots!  Your article was just perfect--I now have some good ideas for lone lil' me.
    Thanks!--Rachel

    I'd love to hear from you too! Feel free to email me with questions, comments, or just to say "Hi!"…I'll take 'em any way they come!

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