Cooking for One or Two

Cooking for One or Two

Attention: Singles, Newlyweds, Retirees, Empty Nesters...

Couple cooking

Preparing meals for one or two people can be an excellent opportunity to savor a range of ingredients while maximizing your time and food budget. However, it might be challenging for those accustomed to cooking for a large family or group.

Here are some best practices to make your time in the kitchen more efficient without wasting resources.

Plan a budget

Creating a budget allows you to manage your food supplies and expenses effectively. 

Choose Quality over Quantity 

Consuming smaller amounts of high-quality, wholesome ingredients benefits your health. 

Prepare meals in advance and set up a system to make meals ahead of time, avoiding waste of ingredients and reducing the expense of dining out. 

Be inventive with leftovers. Rice or noodle stir-fries are excellent for using up leftovers. Additionally, salads and sandwiches make for a perfect quick lunch or snack.

Shop for less

Select smaller packages. Many food retailers provide options for single or two servings, including pre-seasoned or pre-prepped packages. 

To prevent fresh fruits and vegetables from spoiling and being wasted, consider freezing them. They work wonderfully in smoothies, soups, and stews. 

Monitor your pantry inventory. Regularly check and record your supplies to prevent purchasing items you already possess at home. 

Maximize your savings by utilizing BOGO offers on your preferred ingredients, reducing the need for frequent store visits. 

Store cans for easy meals. Low-sodium, organic canned beans and vegetables are excellent for adding to a healthy meal when you're short on time. 

Monitor expiration dates. Besides nutritional details, labels offer crucial information such as expiration dates and the sourcing of ingredients.  

Cooking for yourself or for just two people offers numerous benefits. Ensure you have the finest ingredients and kitchen tools readily available to make your cooking experience enjoyable.