Learning to cook for just one person | News - Redlands News

We all know we can’t survive without sunshine and water, but there’s one more thing we can’t survive without and that’s food.

Am wondering if you are as amazed as I am over the stacks of new cookbooks published annually, plus the popularity of all the cooking shows.

I certainly have my share of cookbooks, but most of the recipes in my collection are intended to feed four to six people. Let’s face it, most folks eat in groups or at least share a main meal with another person.

Years ago when I lived alone, I missed eating with someone else. It was such a drag I began to hate it. So today I’ve decided to focus on cooking for one, which may or may not describe you. But most of us know someone who’s forced to eat alone.

In case you happen to be facing boredom from cooking for one, you’ll love hearing what culinary columnist and popular chef Lee Burton had to say on this subject. Especially because Lee, himself, lives alone.

I had many questions for him.

“Lee,” I began, “most supermarket portions are not sized for just one person and sometimes go to waste. After all, we can’t always eat leftover food, so what’s the solution?”

He told me to consider these quick and easy techniques:

• Learn to love your small sauté pan for searing a single steak or filet of fish.

• Master the art of quick-steaming fresh vegetables.

• Top your plate with herb butter, olive oil, or flavorful sauce, and you can readily enjoy a tasty nutritious meal.

“Leftovers may be shared with a friend or neighbor,” Burton said. “Maybe they’ll remember to do the same for you.”

“Lee,” I pointed out, “It’s easy to spot the single person in the grocery store who’ll be eating alone — you can tell by the Lean Cuisine in their basket alongside a lone croissant or cupcake. What could we do so we don’t feel so alone while eating dinner?”

“First of all, enjoy yourself,” he replied. “Use your imagination.  Make the table inviting. Light a candle, use a cloth napkin or colorful placemat. Flavor your main course with a dash of wine, herbs from the farmers market or accent with a fresh salad. Make it special. If you invite a friend, maybe they’ll remember to invite you sometime.”

Next, I asked, “What do we do if we’re overcome with the desire to make a big pot of chili, just like we did during the years when our family lived at home. Can you give us some tips?

“By all means, go ahead, use your large kettle if it gives you pleasure because it’s important to do things, which bring us satisfaction,” he said. “You can always freeze extra food in one-person-meal-size Ziplock bags for future.”

At which point, I just couldn’t resist asking, “Lee, what do you like to do for fun?”

He enthusiastically responded, “Well, it goes without saying that this is a very unique town and that I love the opportunity to cater special events within our community. But over the last eight years, “I’ve felt especially privileged to be able to volunteer my time to teach cooking skills to youth groups at the Burrage Mansion. For me, that’s fun!

“I love seeing the joy on the students’ faces and their eagerness to get in and try something new.” he added.

“Food is a universal language which allows us to connect with anyone, regardless of age. Young children are like sponges. They absorb everything you show and tell them. Giving back in this capacity leaves me feeling enriched.”

“Yes,” he nodded, “I’m glad I left the corporate world behind me years ago and was led on this new and exciting culinary path.”

For Lee Burton’s favorite cooking-for-one recipes, visit https://ift.tt/2S3hIDX.

Jan Fowler is an award-winning author and columnist who was given the Southern California Motion Picture Council’s “Golden Halo Award for outstanding Literary Achievement.”