Dinner for One: Beyond Cheese Toast and Cereal Bowls

A long time ago, a Sunday School class I attended discussed the difference between men and women. I will never forget what one guy said, "The difference is when her husband is away, a wife will eat cheese toast. When the wife is away, the guy will go out and eat a big ole steak dinner."

Wow. So true. Ever since then, I have tried somewhat unsuccessfully to not be that woman that eats cheese toast. Being allergic to wheat helps with that but then I just eat a bowl of granola or oatmeal. Sad but true.

Some of you can't imagine dinner alone. But the day will come. Everyone is sick but you or visiting Grandma or you have indeed watched all the chicks fly from the nest.

Here are some of my tricks:

Fresh veggies: Visit the local salad bar. Buy the good stuff in small quantities. Even if it is just for one meal. You may cringe at seeming to spend more than buying the raw veggies and doing it yourself, but between having greater variety and watching unused carrots and lettuce heads shrivel, it’s a money saver. There’s no law against buying one sweet potato or ear of corn either.

Most stores have great salad bars these days. Even with meat and all the add ons.

Meat and freezer-friendly veggies:  If you have a leftover chicken breast or, like ManO, extra corn on the cob, put them in individual bags (snack sized are perfect when you are trying to eat smaller portions.) The ingredients will be ready and waiting for you when you need them. No excuses.  

Why yes that's single serving of frozen custard when I need it next to the single-serve chicken breast and veggies.

Gourmet simplicity: If you are going to go with cheese toast or cereal, make it a treat rather than a martyr’s sacrifice. Get some bread from the local bakery or even the grocery store.  Broil Gruyere and apples on multi-grain farm bread. Mix up a dried fruit and nut cream cheese spread to put on a bagel. Load a bowl of plain cereal with fresh fruit from the farmer’s market and almonds. Treat yourself well.

Presentation: Set the table for yourself. Pick a flower growing in the yard and put it in a bud vase. Have some sparkling water or add lemon and cucumber to chilled water. Turn on some relaxing music and enjoy your time alone. This works well when you bring home take out.

I love my grandmother's china and my zinnias!

And just occasionally, even if you have to save up for it, treat yourself to a nice steak or whatever meal out!

So what is your go to dinner for one? Are you a “cheese toast” person? Do you indulge in all the foods your partner or family don’t like?