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Cooking for One: Recipes for the Single Person

Cooking for one person can present a unique set of culinary challenges…you want something delicious, and maybe with leftovers, but not like A WEEK’S worth of leftovers because you’ll get sick of it.  

From my perspective as well, I don’t necessarily want to go through hours of work and a complicated recipe just for myself.  So one-person recipes have to be approached a little differently, and bring a combination of simplicity and flavor.  

These are some of my favorite one-person recipes to get you started…

  • Socca (Chickpea Flatbread) with Roasted Veggies & Goat Cheese
  • 5-Minute Breakfast Tacos
  • Roasted Vegetable & Barley Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing (great leftovers!)
  • Single-Serving Scones
  • Single-Serving Cherry Crisp
  • Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake

…or you can browse the archives below!

Single-Serving Cherry Crisp

March 8, 2015

Sometimes I get obsessed with things.

Single-Serving Cherry Crisp

Sometimes that’s just obsessed with eating something. Sometimes it’s creating something that I can’t find. Other times it’s finding the perfect version—which may mean making it a TON of times. Homemade pad thai. Black bean brownies. Dreamy scones.

This is one of those things. I love fruit crisp, but sometimes it’s not worth the effort to make a whole pan (plus, then I eat the whole pan, which…).

Single-Serving Cherry Crisp done

I first got the idea when I made a sweet dark cherry pie for Thanksgiving last year. I’d never really worked with cherries before, always sticking instead to apples, pears, and peaches. I kind of winged it (wung it?) and made up the recipe after reading a few different ones, and it turned out great. And then one night recently I was jonesin’ for something sweet, and the idea of fruit crisp hit me (I wasn’t in the mood for chocolate for some reason). All I really had, though, was a bag of frozen cherries for smoothies. I decided to give it a go, and made two—one in the oven and one in the microwave. Shockingly, I liked the microwave version and it took WAY less time.

Single-Serving Cherry Crisp finished

Since then I’ve made it several more times because I couldn’t quite get the flavors exactly like I wanted. This is a pretty fluid and forgiving recipe. You can add a little honey or sugar to the filling if you feel it needs it (or are using tart cherries), but mine is plenty sweet. Also, you could make it gluten-free by using a flour alternative like oat flour, coconut flour, almond meal, etc.  I tried a few different spice combinations in the filling and topping (cardamom, ginger, etc.), but ultimately found that simpler was better—cinnamon and some almond extract.READ THE POST

1 Comment CATEGORIES // Cooking for One, Family Secret Recipes, Foods I'm Obsessed With, Super Healthy

Balsamic Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

January 21, 2015

That’s right, we’re still on a healthy kick! And it’s delicious!

Balsamic Chicken & Brussels Sprouts

This recipe had been calling my name for a while, but getting decent brussels sprouts is kind of hard right now, and I also kind of avoid chicken when I can. Chicken’s kind of boring.

Balsamic Chicken & Brussels Sprouts done

This chicken isn’t boring at all—it’s got a richness from the balsamic, a crunch from the walnuts, and serious fiber from brussels sprouts. It came together super fast and made for great work lunches for a few days.

Balsamic Chicken & Brussels Sprouts with sides

Throw in a side of spaghetti squash and butternut squash and you’re on healthy overload! Seriously, the whole thing is a 20-minute meal, was super easy, and totally delicious!READ THE POST

1 Comment CATEGORIES // Cooking for One, Recipe Experimentation, Super Healthy

Chocolate Chip Granookie

September 15, 2014

I did it all for gra-nookie!

Granookie

Yeah, I couldn’t resist.

Basically, this is just a giant, semi-healthy cookie. One cookie. Or, if you’re super nice, one you can share with your friends. (Spoiler alert: I’m not nice)

Granookie done

The cookie base is coconut oil and a little butter, then the main ingredients are granola and whole wheat flour. So while it’s a dessert, it’s full of whole grain, fiber-y goodness and can be a nice breakfast treat to get you through the week. You can also customize it however you want—I used vanilla granola and dark chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. But the sky’s the limit. You could use banana nut granola and peanut butter chips, mocha granola and milk chocolate chips. If you can dream it, do it.READ THE POST

2 Comments CATEGORIES // Cooking for One, Recipe Experimentation

Pan-Caramelized Salmon

September 9, 2014

Salmon is one of my favorite simple, healthy dinners. It cooks quickly, is super versatile, and is such a nice break from boring chicken.

Pan Caramelized Salmon

This recipe can be made either entirely on the stove or finished off with a nice broil in the oven. Besides the salmon, everything else in this recipe is a pantry staple, and you can throw it together in like 10 minutes total.READ THE POST

1 Comment CATEGORIES // Cooking for One, Recipe Experimentation, Super Healthy

Roasted Apricot & Honey Ice Cream

August 24, 2014

I’m on an ice cream kick. I’ve tried like four different recipes in the past few weeks, all with this super easy coconut milk base. Because it’s been HAWT!

Roasted Apricot Ice Cream wiht Coconut Milk

I had seen several recipes for roasted plum ice cream, which I found super intriguing, but when I went to the store they were out of plums. And then these beautiful, firm apricots just jumped out at me.

Roasted Apricot Ice Cream

Apricot is such a strong flavor that I couldn’t think of a good spice complement (I’d planned to do cardamom with the plums), so I just kept it super simple—honey, vanilla, and a little bit of sea salt.

roasted apricot ice cream apricots

While it was a bit tart for my taste (I was trying to go easy on the honey but probably went a little TOO light), it was refreshing and delicious!READ THE POST

Leave a Comment CATEGORIES // Cooking for One, Recipe Experimentation, Super Healthy

Easy Pad Thai

August 22, 2014

I never expected pad thai to become my Everest…

Easy Pad Thai

Pad thai is such a great, uncomplicated dish. Simple flavors, not too many extras mixed in—it’s basically thai comfort food. Recipes vary, many more on the authentic route using tamarind paste, fish sauce, and other Asian staples. Others, like this one, stick to the basics. I’ll be trying the more complicated ones later [update: tried, hated, sticking with this one], but this one is a great place to start.

easy pad thai assembled

The sauce calls for only three ingredients—brown sugar, soy sauce, and lime juice. And maybe a squirt of sriracha if that’s how you roll. The first time I made this recipe, it came out pretty great. “This is so easy!” I thought. “But honestly I’d like it to have a little more sauce, it’s a little dry. I’ll try it again.”

Cue descent into madness…

easy pad thai green onions

I don’t know what was wrong with me but the next few times I made it, something went terribly wrong. First of all, I am the WORST at reading directions, so I had to throw like three different batches of sauce away because I accidentally added the oil to it instead of to the pan. (Don’t be like me, boys and girls.) And then one time I soaked my noodles exactly like I had before and when I added them to the pan they were still super tough and gross. Had to throw the entire pan of food away.

easy pad thai noodles sauce closeup

However, I finally got my act together and here you go. It really is a simple recipe, I have no idea why I had to make things so hard. So without further ado, I submit your next favorite 30-minute meal…READ THE POST

1 Comment CATEGORIES // Cooking for One, Recipe Experimentation

30-Minute Mongolian Beef

July 4, 2014

What’s a more patriotic way to celebrate Independence Day than Americanized Chinese food?  This super easy Mongolian beef is one of my new favorites and was what I was craving this year along with my fireworks.

30-Minute Easy Mongolian Beef

It’s  funny, I looked through all the recent recipes I’ve made but not posted yet, and there’s not a single one I’d classify as American.

Apparently I’ve been on an Asian kick, though. And this one’s a doozy—the most delicious, successful Asian recipe I’ve made since this super easy sesame chicken.

30-minute mongolian beef green onion

The sauce is obviously the hero of this recipe—you could switch the beef out for chicken and maybe wouldn’t even notice (update:  I did and it’s amazing!). It’s a little sweet and salty and garlicky and super tangy. It’s got bite.

I honestly don’t know that I’d classify it as a traditional Mongolian beef sauce, which I think of as a little more mellow. But no matter what you call it, it’s awesome. And as a bonus, this recipe creates a lot of sauce to soak into the rice, which is one of my non-negotiables where Chinese food is concerned.

30-Minute Mongolian Beef | This super easy Mongolian beef is the perfect weeknight dinner, full of flavor and ready in just half an hour, with ingredients most people already have. A great Americanized Chinese dish for every day. #mongolianbeef #30minutemeal #easydinner #dinnerrecipe

READ THE POST

6 Comments CATEGORIES // Cooking for One, Foods I'm Obsessed With, Main Dishes

Super Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream

June 29, 2014

Guys, this is so good. I didn’t believe that somehow simple frozen bananas could be broken down and then coalesce into a creamy, magical ice cream.

Super Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream

If I served this to you and told you it was ice cream, you’d never guess otherwise. Unless you hate bananas, and then you’d just wonder why I was trying to poison you with banana ice cream.READ THE POST

1 Comment CATEGORIES // Cooking for One, Desserts, Gluten-Free Recipes, Super Healthy

Traditional Spanish Tortilla

June 27, 2014

Once upon a time I would have called this a frittata, and I would have been wrong.  One of my co-workers is half Spanish, and for breakfast one time he brought in a traditional Spanish tortilla. While it looked exactly like the frittatas I’m so fond of, it had a few notable differences and I knew I wanted to recreate it myself. 

Traditional Spanish Tortilla | This Spanish tortilla recipe is very simple and basic, healthy and easy to make. Using only a few ingredients (eggs, potato, onion, and some herbs) you can have a delicious vegetarian meal, with great leftovers. How to make a spanish tortilla. #meatlessmonday #spanishtortilla #frittata #eggrecipe

Spanish tortillas and frittatas are very similar, though there are a few differences. Tortillas are always egg- and potato-based, while frittatas only have to have eggs.

Also, apparently the main difference is that you’re supposed to flip a Spanish tortilla on the stovetop at the end, versus finishing in the oven like a frittata. I’ll definitely be trying this method next time—I’m trying to wheedle my co-worker’s recipe out of him!

The gold potatoes are delightfully tender and add a delicate base to the dish along with the onion (this Kitchn article speaks to the technique that gets them lovely and soft).

Many also include asparagus, chorizo, and other fillings, but this one is very simple and traditional.  The recipe below called for tarragon, though I used fresh rosemary and oregano instead.

Traditional Spanish Tortilla recipeREAD THE POST

Leave a Comment CATEGORIES // Breakfast Goodies, Cooking for One, Gluten-Free Recipes, Main Dishes, Super Healthy

Honey-Roasted Peaches with Cream

May 26, 2014

Some things are perfect in their simplicity, and these honey-roasted peaches definitely qualify.

I didn’t plan to buy peaches last weekend, but when I walked into the produce section I was almost knocked over by the amazing smell of ripe peaches. They were so soft you had to hold them super gently so they didn’t bruise. Fuzzy. Juicy. Amazing.

Honey-Roasted Peaches with Cream | This easy dessert is super healthy, using fresh in-season peaches and only takes a few minutes of hands-on time.  Naturally gluten-free (#gf), very healthy dessert option, great summer dessert recipe. #dessert #peaches #glutenfree #roastedfruit

Since I was trying to eat really well this week, and already had like five things I was planning to make, I wanted something simple and super healthy.

This dessert feels fancy in a completely undeserved way. You seriously just cut fruit in half, drizzle a little honey and butter over it, and bake for a while.

And the result is a dessert that embodies summer, adds a little class to any dinner, and takes five minutes, tops, to prepare. Sign me up!

peach whole

Also, peaches. They’re the best!

Honey Roasted Peaches doneREAD THE POST

Leave a Comment CATEGORIES // Cooking for One, Desserts, Gluten-Free Recipes, Super Healthy

Ricotta, Tomato & Spinach Frittata

May 13, 2014

Simplicity, man. As I mentioned last week, I just wanted the easiest dinner possible. Something healthy, but something that didn’t require a million steps or ingredients.

Ricotta, Tomato, & Spinach Frittata | This easy frittata or egg casserole is a perfect meal when you're rushed, whether breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Makes great leftovers, perfect way to use up leftover ricotta as well. #brunch #frittata #ricotta #breakfast #vegetarian

Also, I’ve been on a weird ricotta kick. Like, eat it straight out of the carton with a spoon, maybe with a drizzle of honey. It’s getting weird. I used to hate ricotta and now look at me.

Ricotta, Tomato, & Spinach Frittata

So I made some delicious marinated grilled (well, sauteed) chicken, and this delightful frittata.

ricotta tomato & spinach frittata tomatoes spinach

Frittatas are such a great go-to meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They’re full of veggies and protein, easy, and make awesome leftovers. Basically, they’re perfect.READ THE POST

1 Comment CATEGORIES // Breakfast Goodies, Cooking for One, Gluten-Free Recipes, Go-To Recipes, Main Dishes

Dynamite Grilled Chicken

May 10, 2014

Last Sunday I just wanted something SIMPLE. I’d had a super long, exhausting week at work and even after resting up over the weekend I just found the prospect of cooking daunting.

[Updated 6/2018 with some new photos]

I didn’t want to assemble 20 ingredients or spend an hour preparing different elements of a meal. I wanted quick and tasty and healthy.

Also, I wanted ricotta, which is a weird craving but I went with it and threw together a delicious spinach, tomato, and ricotta frittata (bonus breakfast leftovers), then I added some more protein with this “dynamite” chicken.

Honestly, the main reason I made the chicken was so I’d have some leftovers for lunch, and also because I wanted to use my grill for the first time this spring. Aaaaand, that was a total fail because when I went out to grill the chicken like half an hour after turning on the grill, it was totally cold. I went to plan B (the stovetop), but still need to figure out what’s going on with my grill. [Updated photos with grilled chicken]

Oh well…it was worth it in the end, because the flavors on this chicken will knock your socks off. It’s really got some tangy bite, which was a nice complement to the more soothing, mellow frittata. Also, it was super easy, which is always a win in my book.READ THE POST

2 Comments CATEGORIES // Cooking for One, Gluten-Free Recipes, Go-To Recipes, Main Dishes, Super Healthy

Oven-Roasted Garlic Rosemary Salmon

March 9, 2014

It feels like spring! I think the weather is finally turning for good, and this weekend was truly glorious. I was tempted to pull out my grill, but instead went for a meal that was bright and happy—a garlic rosemary salmon and roasted okra.

If that doesn’t say “spring in the South” to you, I don’t know what does.

Roasted Garlic Rosemary Salmon | A simple, healthy, delicious salmon recipe that only takes a few minutes to make, perfect healthy dinner recipe for any weeknight. Great low-carb or keto recipe. #salmon #rosemary #garlic #keto #lowcarb

Bright red wild-caught sockeye salmon from Alaska is dusted with freshly-ground salt and pepper, then packed with minced fresh garlic and rosemary (from my own herb garden!) and roasted for a few minutes to bring all the flavors together.

Fast, easy, and healthy. Add a side of roasted okra, and that’s a happy Sunday night.

READ THE POST

1 Comment CATEGORIES // Cooking for One, Gluten-Free Recipes, Main Dishes, Super Healthy

Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake

January 29, 2014

Oh boy, I’ve been wanting to try this chocolate peanut butter mug cake for quite a while, but the universe kept conspiring against me.

Mostly by making me too full after my traditional Saturday night Thai food to even think about dessert. I know, life’s rough.

Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake | This amazing single-serving dessert recipe is indulgent, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. It only takes a few minutes to make and makes any night special. #mugcake #chocolate #peanutbutter #singleserving #dessert

But after our eventful snow day in Atlanta yesterday, I decided it was time for a treat.  Yet again, I didn’t prepare for the snowpocalypse. And by “snowpocalypse”, I mean 1-2 inches of snow that literally ruined Atlanta.  People stranded in their cars for 20+ hours, having to abandon them on the highway and walk to safety and warmth.  

Parts of it enforced my lack of faith in humanity (yes, I’m looking at you, asshat who knowingly ran the red light and blocked a major intersection for 20 minutes), while others were pretty amazing (thousands of people offering up spare rooms, couches, bringing food to stranded drivers).

My 90-minute drive home (vs. 20 usually) looked like a walk in the park by comparison, and while I don’t have much food at home, I do have wine and I can make this amazing mug cake.

Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake bite

Mug cake recipes are hit-and-miss, but this one was a winner for me. First, you can never miss with (double) chocolate and peanut butter, and the texture was fudgy and creamy and awesome. The fact that it doesn’t use eggs is handy as well.

It helps to start with a super cute mug. This is one of my favorites, it actually was the first mug in my somewhat-eclectic collection. Got it in Seattle at Pike’s Place Market back in college.READ THE POST

1 Comment CATEGORIES // Cooking for One, Desserts, Go-To Recipes

The Best Buttermilk Pancakes Ever

December 7, 2013

Paaaaaaancakes!  Specifically, buttermilk pancakes.  When they’re good (and not that terrible IHOP pre-fab stuff), they are one of my favorite foods. Hot and fluffy, a little gooey center, nutty whole grain taste, and slathered in peanut butter and syrup. It pretty much doesn’t get any better than that.

They’re also one of the easiest things in the world to whip up, and endlessly versatile.

I realized a while back that—while I had posted whole grain pancakes, healthy apple cinnamon pancakes, ricotta pancakes, gingerbread pancakes, cinnamon polenta pancakes, and bourbon banana pancakes—I had never posted the recipe that started it all, my awesome basic buttermilk pancakes.

The Best Easy Buttermilk Pancakes | Easy and delicious recipe for breakfast or brunch, ready in just 15 minutes. Add whole wheat flour for some extra fiber and healthy options! #breakfast #pancakes #brunch

Does anyone else put peanut butter on their pancakes and waffles? We always did it, and I assumed everyone else did.

But going to summer camp growing up, I found out that this was considered somewhat weird.  It’s so good, you have to try it! It’s my goal to convert the entire Southeast to the gospel of peanut butter on pancakes.

buttermilk pancakes make great leftovers

In all my focus on trying and posting new recipes, I’ve neglected some of my tried and true favorite recipes, so I’m working on rectifying that.  My mom’s lasagna, simple coffee cake, buttermilk Belgian waffles, chocolate chip cookies, and our family buttermilk pancake recipe.

It’s not an exaggeration to say we made these the majority of my sabbath mornings growing up. Occasionally we’d throw in some waffles, french toast, or biscuits, but mostly we made delicious, fluffy pancakes!READ THE POST

1 Comment CATEGORIES // Breakfast Goodies, Cooking for One, Family Secret Recipes, Foods I'm Obsessed With, Go-To Recipes

Omelet with Caramelized Onions, Kale, Tomatoes, & Goat Cheese

November 12, 2013

Sometimes it’s the little things, ya know??

This omelet recipe was an accidental brainchild, a dish born out of necessity.

Omelet with Caramelized Onions Kale Tomatoes & Goat Cheese

My dad was in town a couple weeks ago and I invited a friend over to spend time with us. He chose brunch, so I decided to make my whole grain buttermilk belgian waffles.

Things were pretty rushed that morning since my dad was helping me install gas logs in my fireplace and we had run into some snags (we took 5—count ’em, 5—trips to Home Depot that weekend). I knew I needed to provide some eggs with my waffles, but couldn’t bring myself to do boring ol’ scrambled.

Omelette with Caramlelized Onions Kale & Goat Cheese

My next thought was omelets, which is my go-to egg dish when serving less than 5 people (any more, and you need to upgrade to a casserole or something). I rooted around in my fridge and came up with what I thought was the perfect combination.

I had a half of a yellow onion left from dinner the night before, so I sliced it up in strips and caramelized it. Then I sautéed up a little kale, chopped up some tomatoes and goat cheese, and threw it all in an omelet.

I figured it’d be pretty good and would more than satisfy these two dudes’ palates. But wow, was I surprised at how good it was! This one is definitely a keeper. Add a little shaved parmesan as garnish, and we’re in business.  

Omelets are a fairly regular part of my dietary rotation, my go-to egg dish with company. I’ll make them with whatever I have on-hand—garlic, peppers, tomatoes, various cheese, herbs, whatever. But these were kind of a revelation.

The kale gave it some chew, the tomatoes and caramelized onions provided a sweetness, and the goat cheese melted into this creamy pool of awesomeness. It was the perfect combination of flavors.READ THE POST

1 Comment CATEGORIES // Breakfast Goodies, Cooking for One, Super Healthy

Easy Grilled Sesame-Soy Salmon

September 27, 2013

I’m having trouble accepting that my grilling season is almost over.

Healthy Grilled Sesame-Soy Salmon | This super easy salmon recipe is perfect for any occasion...a flavorful marinade, only minutes of hands-on time, and packed full of flavor. Healthy dinner recipes, grilled salmon recipes, grilling marinades and more. #salmon #grilling

Yes, I realize that the weather in Atlanta will permit grilling pretty much year-round, but it is harder to heat up when it’s cold. So I’m trying to squeeze all the grilling in that I can, and I’m on a super salmon kick.

I was so excited when my first salmon grilling (maple citrus grilled salmon) went so well, that I felt brave trying it again. This sesame-soy salmon was just as easy, but more of a savory (I always want to spell it savoury, like the Brits) spin.READ THE POST

2 Comments CATEGORIES // Cooking for One, Main Dishes, Super Healthy

Barbecue Chardonnay Chicken

August 1, 2013

I’ve finally found a way I like to consume chardonnay!

It’s no major secret that I love wine, and there are certainly ones I love more than others. But for some reason I can NOT find a chardonnay that I like. I’ve tried a bunch, and I just don’t like them. I call it chardon-NO. My mom’s not the biggest fan either, and she’d tried a bottle I had in my fridge but didn’t like it, then had the brilliant idea to use it as a marinade instead.

Easy Barbecue Chardonnay Chicken | Whether grilled, baked, or stovetop, this easy white wine and barbecue sauce chicken is crazy easy and super delicious.  Throw it in a simple marinade and dinner will be on the table in no time. #chardonnay #bbq #chicken #dinnerrecipe #weeknightdinner

We threw this recipe together a couple days after my surgery, so simple was the key word. It was actually meant to be grilled, but all the recent rain had tripped some kind of ground wire and my outdoor outlet didn’t work, so we cooked it on the stove instead. Always have a backup plan.

What was surprising was how unique the flavors were! I mean, barbecue is always good, and Sweet Baby Ray’s is the best. But you could really taste the chardonnay in there, and it added a really special flavor to the barbecue sauce—sweet without being cloying, and with that oaky depth (almost a little bite) that I don’t like in wine but somehow I really loved in chicken. Plus the sage fried up into little awesome crispy bits.READ THE POST

Leave a Comment CATEGORIES // Cooking for One, Main Dishes, Super Healthy

Grilled Balsamic Chicken

June 30, 2013

I’ve wanted a grill for as long as I’ve lived alone. In my head, a grill was all that stood between me and these awesome meaty dinners every night of the week.

Now, I can privately admit that that’s not entirely the truth—let’s not pretend I’d actually make dinner after a 12-hour day. But, I WOULD cook meat way more often, and it would open up a whole new world of culinary possibilities. Plus, who doesn’t love that freshly-grilled flavor?!

Simple Grilled Balsamic Chicken | This delicious and super fast recipe is here for you on any weeknight! Easy grilled chicken with a simple marinade, on the table in less than 30 minutes. How to grill chicken, how to use balsamic vinegar, grilling tips. #balsamic #chicken #grilled

However, my apartment complex would never let me have a grill, and my new condo complex is the same. But there’s this nice patio just begging for a grill! What’s a girl to do?

Well, I did some digging, and apparently electric grills are a thing—not a very well-known thing, but a thing nonetheless. I knew I didn’t want to go the oversize George Foreman route. I found a few that got good reviews, and lucked out at Target a couple weeks ago and found a great CharBroil one on sale. This easy balsamic chicken recipe was its maiden voyage.

grilled balsamic chicken full plate

Isn’t that an amazing plate of food?! Look at me, making dinner on a work night like a grown-up BOSS.  Ain’t she gorgeous?! Putting it together wasn’t super fun, but totally worth it.

grill patio

My patio, on the other hand, looks a little rough since my dad and I pulled up the tile a couple weeks ago…READ THE POST

Leave a Comment CATEGORIES // Cooking for One, Main Dishes, Super Healthy

Honey Goat Cheese Chicken

March 28, 2013

I’m really on a roll with these easy chicken recipes. Chicken has been kind of a “meh” option for me, I think maybe I ate too much in college or something and just got tired of it.

Also I get freaked out worrying about whether it’s fully cooked or not. But I’ve had a string of awesome, flavorful, juicy, easy chicken recipes lately, courtesy of our good friend Pinterest.

Easy Honey Goat Cheese Chicken | This easy chicken recipe is a perfect 30-minute meal, great for any weeknight. Only 5 minutes of prep will have a healthy dinner on the table fast! #chickenrecipe #30minutemeal #easydinner #dinnerrecipe #goatcheese

My family and I tried out this recipe while they were visiting a few weeks ago. We wanted something simple and fairly fast, since we were starving. Also, we were really intrigued by the combination of honey, goat cheese, and butter cracker flavors (spoiler alert—they were awesome!), but we were also surprised by how great the kick of the red pepper was. It was exactly the touch that was needed.READ THE POST

Leave a Comment CATEGORIES // Cooking for One, Main Dishes

Amuse Bouche: Grilled Cheese with Truffle Cheese & Rosemary Bread

March 8, 2013

This isn’t a “recipe”, per se, more an…idea. A discovering of two awesome things that belong together. This, my friends, is the story of how my mom and I made grilled cheese even better. Crazy, you say? Well, read on…

truffle grilled cheese1

It was Thanksgiving weekend. We’d baked and cooked our butts off Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. And Sunday I made my mom and dad a nice special meal. So by Monday night, we were pooped. Tired of cooking. But then we got to thinking…READ THE POST

Leave a Comment CATEGORIES // Cooking for One, Main Dishes

Sweet & Savory Citrus Chicken Quinoa

February 23, 2013

I know, I know. You’re thinking, “Jessica, it’s the middle of winter, we just got hit by a cold spell/blizzard/snowpocalypse and you want me to eat healthy quinoa instead of the comfort food I was craving??? Girl, you are nuts.”

I get that. It’s cold and I want a blue cheese burger, fries, and a few glasses of wine. But in a weird way I’ve also been craving something healthier, to get a tiny bit of that summer feeling. And this citrus chicken quinoa dish is also incredibly hearty and filling.

Sweet & Savory Citrus Chicken Quinoa | This healthy and hearty recipe is a great spot of bright during the winter. An easy 30-minute meal! #weeknightdinner #easydinner #quinoa

The flavors are so light and summery, a bright spot in the chilly, rainy winter we’re having. This recipe was also very easy to throw together, and great as leftovers as well. I used a mixture of both red and white quinoa since I had them both on-hand, but you could use either separately as well.
READ THE POST

2 Comments CATEGORIES // Cooking for One, Main Dishes, Super Healthy

Almond Apple-Cinnamon Breakfast Smoothie

February 11, 2013

So, we’re back to smoothies…

I’ve been doing my best, despite an insane work schedule and a house search, to eat just as healthy as I do when I have time and energy. I get to work quite early, and I’m a big believer in breakfast (plus my blood sugar can go wonky). But oatmeal at my desk can get kind of boring. So lately I’ve been jumping on the smoothie merry-go-round.

almond apple smoothie apples

This almond apple smoothie caught my eye.  The apple-cinnamon flavor combo is a winner for me, and I love how the nuts (and greek yogurt) really gave it some added protein.  It’s also super easy!

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4 Comments CATEGORIES // Breakfast Goodies, Cooking for One, Go-To Recipes, Super Healthy

Coconut Milk Smoothie With Raw Egg: Healthy, Fat-Burning Breakfast

January 26, 2013

I’ve definitely been on a smoothie kick lately, and trying combinations that are way outside of my normal smoothie-zone. This whole past week I’ve been trying an apple-cinnamon shake (recipe to come), and then today I tried a smoothie with raw egg for the first time ever.

coconut egg smoothie finished

I know, raw eggs. Lots of people have an automatic “EWWW!” response to the thought of eating or drinking raw eggs. First thing—consuming raw eggs is not inherently dangerous. The only real danger is salmonella (also a danger from raw meat and various fruits and vegetables). By the most recent estimates, only maybe 1 in 30,000 eggs has salmonella, so those odds are fairly good in my book, but for children, elderly, and those with compromised immune systems it may be safer to stay clear.

And eggs are incredibly healthy—they’re full of protein, vitamin B, and choline, and they provide lots of energy and repair your body at a cellular level. Nutritionists and scientists still argue about whether or not raw eggs are actually healthier than cooked, but they made a nice protein addition to the shake…better than weird, chemical-y protein powder, at least.READ THE POST

5 Comments CATEGORIES // Breakfast Goodies, Cooking for One, Super Healthy

Two Different Takes On Single-Serving Scones

November 26, 2012

Boy, I love scones.  They’re kind of my go-to breakfast food if I want to treat myself to something nice on the weekend.  I make plain scones, cherry almond scones, Starbucks pumpkin scones (recipe coming soon), pretty much anything I can.  But the downside is that a recipe generally makes 8-12 scones, which is way more than my poor workout schedule can take care of.  So when I saw not one but two recipes for single-serving scone recipes, I knew my life had just gotten exponentially more awesome.

2 single-serving scones recipes, using healthier ingredients | Finding Time For Cooking

I stopped eating breakfast a couple years ago, and generally on weekends I just have tons of strong coffee to start my morning.  Every so often, though, I’m struck with an intense craving for hot biscuits and honey.  That’s basically what scones and biscuits are to me—an excuse to pile on jam or honey.  You can’t say I don’t have my priorities straight.

easy single person scone recipe in food processor

healthy single-person scones recipes with tea for breakfast

These recipes are fairly similar, though the second one uses a little less sugar (and brown instead of white) and calls for coconut oil in its solid form (and seems slightly healthier overall).  I didn’t have coconut oil on hand the first time so I tried it with butter, but I made the recipe again using coconut oil (and whole wheat flour) and it was still great.  The first recipe also made a little more, I made two scones out of it.  Both also bake at higher temperatures (450 F) than all my other scone recipes. READ THE POST

2 Comments CATEGORIES // Bread Recipes, Breakfast Goodies, Cooking for One

Make-Ahead Egg Muffins With Veggies & Chives

November 13, 2012

I’ve been on a mission.  My mission is to find all of the best, easy, healthy breakfast options for work mornings.

Easy Egg Muffin Cups with Veggies | A super easy & delicious make-ahead healthy breakfast for work or school mornings.

I’ve already tried a few variations on egg muffin cups (here and here), but I liked how these guys looked. They were puffy and cheesy, and looked a little more substantial than the other ones I’d tried. Overall, I really liked them, though *cringe* I forgot that they were in the fridge at work and had to throw most of them out. It made me sad.
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2 Comments CATEGORIES // Breakfast Goodies, Cooking for One, Super Healthy

Leftover Pasta Frittata

November 5, 2012

Guys, today was a big day for me. Life’s been a little crazy, so leftovers have piled up in my fridge for the past week. My eyes were bigger than my stomach when I bought produce and I thought I would use more of my leftovers, but I was going to have to throw everything away. And then I found the leftover pasta frittata, and my life changed.

Its beauty is in its simplicity and flexibility. Seriously almost anything can go in this frittata. Leftover beer mac & cheese? Check. Orange bell pepper and spinach getting close to expiration? Throw them in.

Generally I don’t have the time or energy to cook on a work night, but this was so easy. I even got some yoga in while the frittata was baking in the oven!READ THE POST

1 Comment CATEGORIES // Breakfast Goodies, Cooking for One, Main Dishes, Pasta Recipes

Make-Ahead Mini Baked Eggs & Veggies

August 15, 2012

I’m a breakfast proponent. Not because I love eating so early in the morning, but because it’s one of the best things you can do for keeping your blood sugar and energy up all day. Normally I just go for fiber-y cereal or instant oatmeal, or the smoothies I’ve been doing lately, but I found this idea from Pinterest intriguing. I’ve seen several of my co-workers cook up eggs in a pan ahead of time and make a McMuffin-type breakfast when they get to work, but this was a little different—the egg ends up almost poached.

You can make them plain or throw some veggies or cheese in as well. I had some sweet peppers and summer squash leftover from my CSA box last week, so I used those, and threw in some spinach that was about to go bad. I forgot cheese, but would totally put a little on next time.

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3 Comments CATEGORIES // Breakfast Goodies, Cooking for One, Super Healthy

Saturday Night Dessert: Dark Chocolate Lava Mug Cake

July 15, 2012

I know I did a post on mug cakes a while back, trying out a few different recipes. And I have some new ones to try too, which I’ll get to later. But I wanted to do a separate post on this particular lava mug cake because it is awesome. It’s the best I’ve found so far, and the thing I like most is that it doesn’t taste too sweet or rich. With the dark chocolate, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, bitter, and creamy.

As I’ve established in other posts, I don’t keep desserts in my apartment, because I have an insane sweet tooth and would weigh 300 pounds. That way if I’m craving something, I either have to go somewhere and get it (which, let’s face it, I’m way too lazy to do) or make something (which takes time and energy, so I have to REALLY want it). Mug cakes fall into a dangerous area, because they only take five minutes to make, which is practically like keeping something in my pantry. But I can’t quit them.

Easy Dark Chocolate Lava Mug Cake | finding time for cooking blog

This here bad boy is my preferred Saturday night date.

Amazing that this many different ingredients can fit into a coffee mug.

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3 Comments CATEGORIES // Cooking for One, Desserts, Foods I'm Obsessed With, Go-To Recipes

Too good to be true? No, too legit to quit (Microwave Mug Cakes)

May 20, 2012

I’m one of those people who believes that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There’s always a catch.

I also love dessert, but pretty much don’t keep anything in my apartment except raw ingredients. So that way, if I’m craving dessert, I either have to make something (which takes time and effort) or go out to get something (which also takes time and effort). Probably 98% of the time I talk myself out of it by sheer laziness because I can’t decide exactly what I want, which my waistline appreciates.

A few microwave mug cakes to try

So the idea of mug cakes is both brilliant and frightening, and also makes me a little skeptical. I love the single-serving aspect, since any time I bake a batch of cookies or cupcakes I end up eating half of them. I love the idea of something that takes less than 10 minutes to make. But is it legit? I decided to try a few out and see…

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3 Comments CATEGORIES // Cooking for One, Desserts

Go-To Daily Vegetable—Literally (Sauteed Kale)

April 30, 2012

Most days, I don’t come close enough to my 5-7 servings of fruits & veggies. But I know for a fact that I get 2-3. And that’s through sauteed kale. I have a sickness, I love kale so much. I have literally had it 6 days a week for…months?

And the great thing is it’s literally a 5-10 minute dish. So buy yourself a big bag of chopped/torn kale (like $2.99 at the grocery store) or big leafy stems of kale (usually about $1.99 a bunch), and get started!

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4 Comments CATEGORIES // Cooking for One, Go-To Recipes, Side Dishes & Veggies, Super Healthy

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About Me

Welcome to my little corner of the internet! I created this blog for people who love cooking & baking but are challenged to find the time and energy to do it. Recipes run the gamut from super healthy to indulgent, but the focus is on using REAL food no matter what.

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Recent IG Adventures!

A lot of people don't realize how easy & cheap it A lot of people don't realize how easy & cheap it is to make your own kombucha at home...you can have an entire gallon for less than the cost of one bottle at the store! 

I can't even keep a bamboo plant alive, yet have managed to keep the same "scoby" starter healthy & active for well over a decade. 

Here are easy step-by-step instructions for making your own kombucha at home, & the tools you'll need to do so! Tap the link in my IG bio (@findingtimeforcooking) & click on this photo to see the whole post.
#homemadekombucha #kombuchabrewing #healthyguthappylife #scoby
I'm not generally a soup person, though I'm trying I'm not generally a soup person, though I'm trying to be more 🍜 But this Turkish corba (a spiced red lentil soup) has always been one of my exceptions.  It's CRAZY easy to make, full of veggies and the protein from the lentils, and just feels like a warm hug in a bowl!  A great vegetarian dinner idea, perfect on any detox protocol, and just a great cozy recipe for the winter months.

Tap the link in my IG bio & choose this photo to get the recipe!
#corba #redlentils #souprecipe #drcabraldetox
Today, we FANCY. But also lazy. When I first saw a Today, we FANCY. But also lazy. When I first saw a recipe for the "lazy person's kouign amann", I was intrigued...and it definitely lives up to the hype! The texture isn't quite the same as the much more time-consuming and complex authentic French pastry it's hacking, but it's darn close and absolutely delicious. 

To see the recipe, tap the link in my IG bio & click on this photo! --> @findingtimeforcooking 
#kouignamann #frenchpastries #bakingfromscratch #frenchbaking
This spiced chicken shawarma is 👌 *chef’s kis This spiced chicken shawarma is 👌 *chef’s kiss* and will make your house smell amazing! It’s super easy & healthy, and a great meal option on the #drcabraldetox or #fatlossity protocol! Pairs well with hummus, cauliflower rice, salad, & more.

See the full recipe amounts at https://findingtimeforcooking.com/main-dishes/amazing-easy-chicken-shawarma/ (& leave out cornstarch & oil for those protocols). 

#healthyrecipes #chickenshawarma #shawarmalovers #winnerwinnerchickendinner #chickenthighs #chickenthighrecipes #easydinners #easydinnerideas #foodblogfeed #equilibriumnutrition #detoxrecipes #dinnerrecipes
ONION PAKORAS!! And without a deep fryer. This one ONION PAKORAS!! And without a deep fryer. This one has been a long time coming...pakoras have been a major comfort food for me for ages, but this recipe was tricky to get right. But now when a craving strikes, I can have these onion pakoras on the table in about 20 minutes! 

Tap the link in my IG bio & pick this photo to see the (easy) recipe --> @findingtimeforcooking
#pakora #indianfoodlovers #appetizersfordinner #onionpakoda
These fig & walnut biscotti are subtly spiced, wit These fig & walnut biscotti are subtly spiced, with little crackles from the fig seeds and lovely bright orange zest coming through! 

To get the recipe, tap the link in my IG bio & choose this photo! @findingtimeforcooking
#biscotti #easybaking #biscottirecipe #foodblogfeed
Why not start the year with a perfect cold weather Why not start the year with a perfect cold weather sip? The Caribou cocktail is a cozy French-Canadian drink that's a great option for winter or fall. Shout-out to my coworker Branda for introducing me to this super easy, delicious port (or red wine) & rye whiskey cocktail! 

Tap the link in my IG bio & click on this photo to get the (30-second) recipe! --> @findingtimeforcooking 
#cocktailrecipe #WinterCocktails #redwine #ryewhiskey #cocktails #cocktail #portwine #maplesyrupseason #cozycocktails #foodblogfeed #easycocktails #3ingredientcocktails #drinkrecipes #winterdrinks
Cozy creamy curried carrot soup 🥕 (say that fiv Cozy creamy curried carrot soup 🥕 (say that five times fast!). This was the perfect antidote to the nasty winter "bomb cyclone" nonsense we just had...carrots are definitely the star, but the creamy coconut milk, bite of ginger, & warmth from the curry powder elevate it from simple to sublime 😍 

Tap the link in my IG bio & choose this photo to get the recipe for this easy 30-minute meal! --> @findingtimeforcooking
#meatlessmonday #soupseason #soupoftheday #carrotsoup
This fluffy, fragrant turmeric rice is my new stap This fluffy, fragrant turmeric rice is my new staple for any kind of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern meal. It's crazy easy and the texture is the best that I've come across...this rice with a pile of chicken shawarma or spiced ground beef is a comfort food fave! Perfect for this nasty freezing "bomb cyclone" storm we're having. 

Tap the link in my IG bio & choose this pic to get the recipe!
#turmericrice #sidedish #mediterraneanfood #ricerecipes
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