Question:
How can I avoid having to cook meals each night for just one?
Food-splatters in microwave
To avoid splattering food in your microwave oven, place a coffee filter over the plate/dish/bowl. Handy when you don't have a lid!
How to cook frugally for one-#1
Cooking frugally for one: invite friends for dinner, fix large pot roast, plenty potatoes, carrots, and plenty of gravy. Utilizing a large roast allows for two or three meals for ourself later in the week. Slice some of the roast and heat in some gravy for open-face hot-roast beef sandwich; serve with left-over potatoes mashed, and some green peas.
More cooking for guests
If planning on feeding a large group, a simple and easy meal would be a spaghetti-and-sauce meal that would feed many. You could make meatballs ahead and freeze, then warm in sauce. Serve with salad and garlic bread(s). Leftovers can be frozen into 1 or 2-meal size containers or zip-lock sandwich bags if not left in freezer too long.
Cooking for Guests
Most of us Seniors have plenty of practice cooking for more than just 2 people. This is a reminder for us, and also for others. One-pot-meals are much easier to fix: large pot roast, potatoes, carrots; with enough juices to make a gravy. Serve with a green or fruit salad. Easy clean-up afterwards. Got leftovers, see cooking for one for ideas how to use.
Use the Microwave oven
On hot summer days, especially, that marvelous invention, the microwave oven, is a God-send. Don't overlook the use of this to avoid heating up the kitchen, and oursleves. There is such a great variety of foods in the frozen-food section of our grocery stores. Not just of foods, but of quantity: for one, two, or a large group. If you do dare to use the oven or stove, cook enough for two or three meals, then properly freeze the leftover (2 or 3 separate containers) for future micro-waving meals. It's summer, it's hot, it's 'Kool Cooking' time!!
Keep cool when cooking
During summer months, do you really want to heat up the oven to cook? Not me! I try to 'outdoor-grill' as often as I can, even if it is just for myself. I grill hamburgers, chicken breasts or de-boned thighs, a lean steak (once in a while!); even veggie-kabobs (see tip #57937 - Veggie-kabobs for recipe)! I used to use the charcoal grill, but now have a gas grill; it is really so much easier and faster for my needs. Even a small charcoal grill is oftimes adequate. If you don't have an outdoor grill, start thinking about getting one; you'll really enjoy not heating up the oven/range AND your kitchen!
Senior Frequently Asked Questions
How can I avoid having to cook meals each night for just one?
How can I avoid heating up the kitchen when cooking?
What soil should I use for my Container Garden?
How can I enjoy beautiful plants/flowers without all the work?
How can I avoid HIGH seasonal utility bills?
What can I cook for a large group that is simiple?
Are you in need of grief counseling
How can I avoid fuel pump problems on my car?
What is the best detergent to use in my laundry?
How can I make inexpensive steaks taste great?
What is an easy, microwaveable candy recipe?
How can I make my own bookmarks for gifts?
How can I avoid all those ATM charges on my checking account?
How can I keep my car engine from overheating
How should I ´plan´ my container garden?
How can I avoid my car locks from freezing?
What should I be aware of when investing my money?
How can I change my ´button´ clothes to using velcro?
What are more ways to save on utilities?
What is a fun craft to make and give as a gift?
How can I aviod car engine problems?
What are more ways to avoid heating up the kitchen when cooking?
What´s a tip to better my relations with family and friends?
How can I protect my wood furniture in wintertime?
What is a good gift most anyone would enjoy?
Can you give me an inspirational scripture to help me through grief?
What kind of pet should I/we get?
How can I prevent mildew from forming in my shower?
How can I save time, money, wear on my shopping trips?
Where can I learn about craft making?
How important is it to have good blades on my windshield wipers?
What can I serve at a Holiday get-together?
How can I easily, and safely, pay my bills on time?
Is there a way to pay bills directly through my bank?
What are good, easy party gifts to make?
How can I get cash without using the ATM machines?
What is a suggestion to keep from being so lonely?
How can I keep my home from becoming ´cluttered´?
Should I keep fluid in my cars windshield washer reservoir?
How can I prevent theft of newly purchased items?
How can I avoid last-minute rush of a Holiday Dinner?
How can I avoid a messy stove-top when cooking?
How can I avoid counter-top clutter when cooking?
How can I use plants in any wire basket?
How can I plant flowers in a wire hanging basket?
What size containers should I buy for my C-Garden?
How can I keep my tableware items sanitary?
How can I best wash my paianted walls and wood trim?
Should I start from ´seeds´ when making a container garden?
How can I keep my vegetables fresh and longer-lasting?
What´s a good,..ha,..Great! way to grill vegetables?
What is a good recipe for a brunch?
What should I wash with what??
What are the food types I should be eating?
How can I lower my long distance calls to fam. a short distance away?
How can I store my out-of-season clothing?
How can I keep good contact with friend/former co-workers?
How can I avoid clogging my drain pipes?
How can I easily decorate outdoors with lighting?
Are there coupon savings other than for groceries?
How can I easily ship candy/cookies as a gift?
What´s an easy way to keep track of my Christmas Card list?
Are my prayers really answered?
What are some good thoughts on ´giving´?
What type of crafts should I make?
What kind of party can I give?
What is a nice Christmas decoration for a gravesite?
What type should I use for hanging baskets for plants?
How can I eat ´out´ and save money?
How can I avoid so much smoke in my wood-burning fireplace?
How can I add more warmth & color to my rooms at Christmastime?
How can I get more relief in summer heat?
How can I avoid ´sugaring´ of honey?
How can I freshen AND brighten my carpet?
How can I ´jump-start´ my Holiday dinners?
How can I make my turkey have moister meat?
Who do I contact for appliance repairs?
Why do I feel eye-strain when reading?
How can I raise the pile of my carpet?
Does my car need checking for antifreeze/coolant?
How can I make candy/cookie making easier?
How can I easily remove tarnish from my silverware?
Why can´t I see as good as I used to?
Why don´t my friends write to me?
How can I start my mornings off with inspiration?
Are there specialty places where I can buy unusual foods?
How can I become more organized?
How can I save on grocery bills?
Why do I have trouble with my gas heater/furnace?
How can I be sure my gas heater/furnace is safe?
What other meal can I make with left-over roast?
How can I remember what I need when grocery shopping?
What is a good cheese-ball recipe?
What if I can´t continue to decorate a Christmas tree?
What makes for ´healthy teeth´ for my pet?
What is a guideline for how I should live?
How can I brighten up rooms for guests at Christmas?
How can I avoid streaked windows when I wash them?
What is a good recipe for sausage lovers?
How can I keep my seasonal decorations organized?
Should I look for an older or young pet?
What can I do for myself to relax?
How can I make lump-free sauces and gravies?
What can I do with over-ripened bananas?
What can I do to remember things to do the next day?
How can I make meal-preparations easier to clean up?
Can you give me a recipe for a quick, light meal?
How can I avoid messy spills when entertaining?
How can I keep reminders from last year´s calendar?
What is necessary to maintain my heater/air conditioner?
What are some types of plants to grow in containers?
What´s a suggestion for relaxation?
Is it safe to drive with gastank on ´empty´?
What is the right food for my pet?
How can I make my back yard more safe?
Where can I buy books at a savings?
How can I communicate with friends and family at Christmastime?
How do I know what to give people as gifts?
What can I make as favors for a party?
How important is drainge holes in containers/pots?
What is a convenient way to travel with my small pet?
What can I do if my purse/wallet is stolen or lost?
What is the difference between ´annuals´ and ´perennials´ plants?
How can I overcome the ´want´ of being needed?
How can I save on my auto/home insurance?
What type of ribbon should I use for gift-box bows?
How can I make those ´streamer´ bows for gift packages?
Are you now lacking in that feeling of love?
What´s a good recipe for eggs and sausage?
Will hibiscus plants do well in containers?
What should I check on my car battery?
How can I maintain a healthy environment in my home?
Where can I find the right sized mailing boxes?
What is a good side dish for a brunch (or any time)?
What type of wreaths should I make?
How can I make multiple-use door wreaths?
How can I get a good ´uplift´ in my mornings?
When is the best time to do grocery shopping?
Is there a possible danger in filling my auto gas tank?
What is a good safety precaution for icy wooden decks?
How can I lessen soot build-up in my fireplace?
Where can I get coupons for my groceries?
What´s this...a mortgage-burning party?
Will it help to overcome my grief by getting a pet?
Should I take precautions when driving my car?
Should I allow stranger(s) in my home in an emergency?
How can I quickly dry my wet boots/shoes?
How do I keep rice or pasta from sticking together when cooking?
How can I deodorize shoes and sneakers?
How do I prepare a good corned-beef dinner?
What can I serve for St. Patrick´s Day dinner?
What is a good Crock-Pot dessert?
What should I be eating for my heart/cholesterol condition?
Does every retailer give discounts?
Where do I go when I have car trouble?
Can I plant chile peppers in containers?
Can you tell me what might have been good about the ´good-old-days´?
How can I keep my container-garden plants healthy?
Should I take caution with telephone solicitations?
How can I eliminate dust from settling on my venetian blinds?
Where can I find a counselor for my grief?
How can I make an inexpensive Easter wreath.
I´m having a ´blue´ day....can you help?
What is a great carrot recipe?
What is a great Holiday vegetable recipe?
How can I safely thaw my turkey?
How can I keep from ´burning´ the edge crust of my pies?
What is a good thermostat setting in wintertime during the day?
How can I sleep ´cozy´ on cold nights?
What is a good spinach recipe?
What are other simple meals to cook for large groups?
What is an inspiring Irish Prayer?
Should I use my full name on a mailbox or in phonebook?
Is it necessary to leave a light on inside & out while I´m gone?
How can I let my family and friends know ´who I am´?
Is it possible to make my own greeting cards?
Is it important to have my car radiator ´flushed´?
What do I do if the home requires a contract?
What is an unusual food to try when eating out?
What can I do with my old, tin funnels?
How can I decorate a sloped roof for Christmas?
Why am I getting so much smoke from my fireplace?
How can I get gum out of my carpet?
How can I keep shelled nuts fresh?
How can I use sphagnum moss in crafting?
Why is the 12-1 lunch hour so crowded?
Why do I get so tired when I clean my home/apartment?
Should I consider immune shots and neutering/spaying for my pet?
Is it ´bad´ for me to continuously speak of my lost one´s death?
How can I prevent my home´s foundation from cracking?
How can I make my own cranberry sauce?
What is an easy cranberry sauce recipe?
How can I make Christmas poinsettias special for a gravesite?
What is a special Christmas gravesite flower?
How can I relax and learn at the same time?
Should I buy plants for sun or shade exposure?
How can I keep my feet dry on rainy days?
What is a tasty, yet unusual cookie, easy to make?
What is a ´different´ cookie the whole family will enjoy?
What is a good, warm ´toddy´ for cold nights?
How can I make my own spiced apple cider?
My beans or stew is too salty, what can I do?
What is an easy ´punch´ drink to make for entertaining?
Would I really enjoy a ´mystery´ book?
What precautions should I take about engine belts and hoses?
Why do they always want my advice, then don´t heed it?
How can I inspect a prospective nursing home?
Where can I find activity ´day care´ for parent living with us?
How can I make better relationships with my neighbors?
How can I keep from sliding on ice or snow?
Where can I put my winter clothes in summertime?
How can I get tile, floors, cabinets ´squeaky´ clean?
How can I keep celery crisper in my refrigerator?
How can I use my sweet basil herbs?
How can I best grow tomato plants in containers?
How can I best gro green peppers in containers?
How can I get a refreshing scent for my bed linens?
How can I freshen the air in my home?
How can I remove marker/dye staines from my counter tops?
What is a good recipe for a Fruit Salad?
What is a good Citrus Salad Dressing?
What might be an inexpensive, afternoon get-together I can have?
Where can I buy supplies for crafting?
What services are provided by the homes?
What needed supplies are provided by the nursing homes?
What is an easy ´snack´ recipe?
How can I ease the burden of cooking for a large dinner?
How can avoid needing use of more burners than there are on my stove?
What is an easy-care, beautiful plant for hanging baskets?
What is an easy cookie for guests or gifts?
What goes good with hot spiced apple cider?
Can I grow garlic in containers?
How can I grow my own garlic plants?
How can I know if what I´m eating is nutritional?
What is a good cleaning pad for outdoor grills?
How can I avoid my bathroom mirrors from becoming ´foggy´?
How can I save time when preparing a large dinner?
How can I use pressed flowers for easy gift?
Why should I remember birthdays?
What detergent is best for my automatic dishwasher?
How can I get my grandchildren to write to me?
How can I be sure I took my medications for the day?
Should I stay in my home or move to a smaller location?
Where can I find information on caring for my parent in my home?
How can I find out about the cost of my Utilities?
