Cooking for one

  • Tuesday, January 13, 2004 9:00pm
  • Life

Did you know that nearly 60 percent of America’s households today consist of just one or two people? According to the United States Potato Board, if you live in one of these homes, you’re in the majority.

Maybe it’s time to rethink your cooking practices. Think small. Learn to avoid waste, be creative and create delicious meals with these small-batch cooking tips from the experts.

  • ?Shop at stores that offer bulk food bins, but buy small portions. Many stores feature spices, teas, and grains in bulk. Buy as little as you need.

  • ?Buy produce items available in small units. The produce department is packed with nutritious foods such as potatoes – an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium – that can be purchased one at a time. You can even mix different potato varieties and colors and still buy only a few.

  • ?Shop at the salad bar. If your recipe calls for small amounts of carrots, celery, broccoli, or greens, find them at your supermarket’s salad bar.

  • ?Don’t waste the stock. Pour unused stock into ice cube trays. Freeze, unmold and store cubs in freezer bags for future soups or casseroles.

  • ?Use today’s meal to make a new dish tomorrow. Cook extra potatoes to use later in the week. Leftover mashed potatoes can make potato pancakes or be used to thicken a soup. Toss roasted potatoes with pasta, use in an omelet, or saute with artichokes and herbs.
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