A day in the life...

Cooking for One
What's on Dee's plate...

I love BLT sandwich with a cup of tomato soup on the side.
One of those meals I do not make too often...though really one of my favorites. Cooking for one, well one would be so tempted to just open a can of tomato soup....but let me suggest making homemade. Yes, I know the convenience of just opening the can...oh but the taste will indeed have you sold on homemade....I promise.

You would be surprised at just how easy it is to make your own...simple ingredients that most already have on hand. I used canned whole tomatoes, though you can also used crushed and when in season fresh ripe tomatos. I set the oven temp at 450, drain the tomatoes saving the liquid. Place tomatoes on a pan, drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper...roast away (make sure you turn your exhaust vent on for this).
Today I just roasted Tomatoes but there are those times when I also roast a green pepper...whatever your personal tastes are.

You will need a small carrot, celery, onion and garlic...diced. Saute in a little olive oil 'til softened.
Add your roasted tomatoes along with the saved tomato juice and diced veggie to a blender (this is when I always think it would be great to have a hand held immersion blender). Add mixture to pot along with a little chicken broth....cook for about fifteen minutes. Mean while cook your bacon, slice your tomato, mix your mayo and avocado together, toast your bread in the oven, then melt the cheese one slice of the bread. Now, add a little cream to the soup...arrange your BLT, pour your soup into a mug and enjoy!!!

Simple & fresh...

Whats on Dee's plate...

Cooking for one does indeed have its challenges. While there are meals I cook for one, I mostly cook a good portion or two and save for leftovers. Saving me from having to cook all of the time.

If left up to me, I would skip breakfast...and sadly...sometime I do. I pretty much force myself...something I very much struggle with.
I like to keep a few hard boiled eggs in my refrigerator, for those times I need some protein...something quick and easy.

Boxed cereal is always on hand though something I only reach for once in a while...and again, it is done for it's convenience. One thing you will not find is the heat and serve oatmeal....yuck. Too sweet, too mushy...gag. Even the old fashioned oatmeal....it really is a textural thing...I do not like mushy.

With that stated...I do keep oatmeal on hand...steel cut. It has a nutty flavor...has a bit of a bite to it...that is if you do not over cook it.
For those with a more hectic schedule then I you can make it over night in your slow cooker. I have the time to cook it on the stove...takes about a half hour or so. I make four servings...it is cooked in water....kept plain and refrigerated. Then when I want it is is reheated with a tiny bit of milk and whatever spices, fruit I happen to be in the mood for that day....all ingredients are fresh.

This mornings oatmeal had some honey....just a touch...nutmeg, cinnamon...then added about a 1l4 cup of organic vanilla yogurt...mixed then topped with chopped walnuts and banana (with a few slices of banana pushed to the side), served with half an orange on the side.
A hearty breakfast with a bit of a nutty bite on this cold winter day.

Oh...and yes....I do share a few slices of banana with the dogs once my breakfast is completed. They wait patiently until I'm done....and politely remind me if I forget to give it to them.

Breakfast for one