Going Solo in the Kitchen by Jane Doerfer
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Book Reviews of Going Solo in the Kitchen
Book Review: New and experienced solo cooks rejoice!
Summary: 5 Stars
Even without a single recipe--and there are more than 350 of them if you didn't notice--this book is a wonderfully enjoyable tutorial for solo shopping in family-sized stores, managing food until it's prepared and served, varying the ingredients to match your tastes (or pantry) and finally, suggestions for leftovers right there at the end of the recipe, where they belong--sort of a thesaurus cooking concept. I love that.Jane is nutritionally aware and savvy, with a good background in both gardening and using the stuff that comes out of one and into the kitchen to taste advantage.
But wait! There's another important dimension to this book: Jane Doerfer was not *always* a solo cook, nor was she wearing the latest in apron and kitchen gadget-fashions when she typed the manuscript (shameless plug for Le Crueuset, aside). Instead, I suspect she found herself "suddenly solo" and needing to make the best of it--which she clearly does.
This book is a good mix of earthy "touchable" and "do-able" meals and ingredients and what I might call evening bistro fare. I also found it uplifting, inspiring, and an excellent reminder of the many silver linings to be found beneath the cloud of finding yourself unexpectedly dining alone--a cloud which drives so many souls to accepting food passed through a rolled-down car-window even though they may know better.
The recipes and ideas are great and they work. The book was so well focused to my interest that I read the entire thing in a couple of sittings, taking pantry-stock notes, and folding page corners as I went along.
The hardcover is already out-of-print I see. If you are a solo cook, buy this book now, while it's still available, in stock, and in print and you will join me in thanking Jane for troubling herself to write these things down.
Book Review: Excellent resource for single cooks!
Summary: 5 Stars
How refreshing to enjoy a realistic approach to cooking for one! Ingredients used throughout the cookbook are those that the average person has on hand, unlike most cookbooks on the market. In the rare event that a special ingredient is called for, an explanation is provided on how to shop for the ingredient and how to store it for maximum shelf life. Realistic freezer space is also considered, which gives this book an edge over others.I greatly appreciate the modifications at the end of many recipes indicating what other ingredients may be substituted effectively (eg: to use chicken instead of shrimp, do this...). To me, learning a cooking technique has become more valuable after reading this book than simply memorizing a recipe. Offered suggestions for modifications illustrates the intention of each recipe (the specific process used, if you will). People say that cooking is not a mystery; it is simply a skill acquired through learning a few cooking methods and adjusting them creatively. This book helped me learn the basics so I can Finally begin to do my own exploring.
I have searched for years for a practical cookbook such as this. Since I began experimenting with recipes found in this text, my friends absolutely rave about my cooking! And for me, I have found myself declining invitations for fast food or pizza in favor of trying a new recipe in my own kitchen using a few leftovers from the previous day. I'm eating healthier, losing weight, and saving money. What could be better? Thank you for this book! Bravo!
Book Review: Wonderful Cookbook for Single People!
Summary: 5 Stars
I am tired of eating yogurt and frozen meals every day. However, as a single woman, the idea of cooking all my meals is a little overwhelming too. Luckily I was referred by Amazon to this cookbook and I ordered it the same day.
I also purchased Serves One by Toni Lydecker and Healthy Cooking for Two (or Just You) by Frances Price. This one (Going Solo in the Kitchen) is my favorite of the three.
The first chapter is called 'Getting Started' and she talks about how to best stock your kitchen with the correct utensils and pans, etc. She has some wonderful ideas about shopping that I had never thought of. It's a great primer on getting back into the swing of cooking.
The recipes are for food that I would eat. They look very executable and I'm looking forward my weekend where I will go to Bed Bath and Beyond for kitchen supplies and then onto the store for groceries.
The only drawbacks I see - there are no calorie counts on the food and there are no pictures of the completed products.
Book Review: "How to Cook Everything" for Singles
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this book about a month ago so I could have a general reference cookbook for single-sized portions. I have found it exactly that; I just made the roasted cornish game hen tonight, and was very impressed. The other recipes in the book sound excellent, and solve a lot of the portion issues I get with other books.
That being said, a few caveats. I bought the book a reasonably experienced cook; this is an excellent reference, but not the best one to learn how to cook from. Also, the recipes are on the simple side; I use another cookbook, Solo Suppers, for more 'fancy' type dishes that better utilize the ingredients available in my neighborhood.
But if you wanted that pot roast or roast chicken or spaghetti and found dividng the recipe by four didn't quite work, this is the perfect book.
Book Review: #1 COOKBOOK FOR THE SINGLE PERSON
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of my all time favorite cookbooks. I've bought several as gifts to everyone from recent college grads to believe it or not, my 85 year old, widowed grandma. She loves it too. For me, it helped me eat healthy in my home and not waste food. The author gives advice on grocery shopping and buying fresh meat. My grandma loves it because after 60+ years of cooking for at least two (and having leftovers) she is able to follow recipes and try new things and not waste food. I've found that most recipes are usually two portions, but the author gives great ideas on what to do with the leftovers so you are not eating the same thing two days in a row. No longer being "solo in the kithchen" I've been able to easily adapt my favorite recipes to feed my growing family.