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wrote:
> OK, as stated in another thread, I'm trying to eat "better."
> (Meaning, healthier.) I want to use as little processed food as
> possible, and am looking for recipes that I can whip up in under 15
> minutes. Although I love to cook, I don't like to fuss much if it's
> just for me.
>
> I've been doing French toast, eggs, sandwiches....but it's all
> gettiing very boring. I do make batches of stews and soups, then
> freeze individual servings, but again, I'm getting tired of it and
> would like something different.
>
> Any suggestions? I'm on disability, so need to keep the expense
> reasonable as the food budget is quite limited; I'm also
> lactose-intolerant. Low-fat is preferable, but not essential. I
> don't eat pork unless it's bacon or sausage, and I dont care for
> mushrooms or eggplant.
>
> Thanks!

It's hard to cook for one, even with years of practice. I make soups,
stews, lasagna - things I can freeze and re-heat later in single serve
portions.

Aren't you the gent who had the cube steaks? Here's an idea. Make some of
the swiss steak Sheldon (Penmart01) recommended and freeze some with the
gravy. You can skip the mushrooms suggested by another poster - I don't add
shrooms to my swiss steak. Now, make some rice - white or brown - I prefer
brown because of increased fiber but it's up to you - per the package
directions. Let it cool, then package the rice up in individual serving
sizes in freezer bags, too. It freezes perfectly well. You can do the same
with cooked egg noodles.

Some veggies are particularly good for freezing. Since you don't like egg
plant, you might look for broccoli. Good green, very fibrous and healthy.
In fact, just peruse the frozen foods vegetable section to get an idea of
what will freeze well. I don't have a large freezer (just the one on top of
my fridge) but I freeze as much as possible after cooking.

When you're ready to eat, place the swiss steak with gravy and rice or
noodles on a microwave safe plate and zap it for about 3 minutes. Voila!
Instant dinner.

You can do the same thing with grilled or broiled chicken breasts - I like
to marinade them in Italian salad dressing or just oil and balsamic vinegar
with garlic, a little onion, some basil or marjoram. Or sliced turkey
breast with some home-style dressing. I make my own cornbread to make
dressing (Southern gal, ya know) but you can buy Pepperidge Farm stuffing
cubes or cornbread crumbs and just follow the directions. This also freezes
well, but don't ask my brother about my stuffing. He'll lie and tell you my
mom hates it even though she says she's never tasted it

Good luck. Cooking for one can be a real pleasure and a challenge.

Jill