I have way too much fun cooking for one.
Coconut Curry Shrimp. Cilantro-Ginger Brown Basmati/Wild Rice. Sesame Snap Peas. Hermann J. Wiemer 2008 Dry Gewurztraminer. 
At the end of the day I want three things: sweat pants, a glass of wine and a good meal. Typically I am cooking for one. All the more reason to be fancy and treat myself to some good cookin’!
So what is the key to cooking for one? I have three tips:
1) Use fresh ingredients. Fresh ingredients and flavors make meals exciting! A healthy and fresh meal is the best gift you can give to yourself. It’s worth the splurge!
2) Be fearless. Try new dishes! If you find a lasagna recipe meant for 6 servings, MAKE IT! Life is too short to pass up on your cravings.
3) Have fun. Cooking is a release. An opportunity to relax and be creative. Even if you set the fire alarm off and create a disastrous dish no one has to know 
. Live and learn.
In other news: I am obsessed with sesame seed oil and ginger. I thought of a million new things I HAVE to make while eating dinner tonight. I also had a brief moment when I contemplated making coconut-curry encrusted French toast. The coating on my shrimp was composed of coconut, panko, egg and curry. The “crust” reminded me of French toast. Maybe for dinner one night…I’m seriously debating the French toast idea, it was really good.
I’m off to search for a dessert to eat while watching Glee.
Planning New Meals,
Nora
Do you make fancy meals if it’s just for you?
Your three wants match mine exactly! I love putting on my sweats the minute I walk through the door. I also love treating myself to a nice meal. I light a candle, play some music and take time to savor each bite! Your shrimp dish looks delicious!
I love this entry! Cooking for one can be fun. I wanted to suggest a cookbook for one I just came out with you might enjoy, “Table for One: Perfectly Portioned Meals for the Single Chef.” In the back in an ingredient index for you to reference when you have leftovers of a certain ingredient and want to maximize your store dollar. But seems like you got the right idea. I like your three suggestions. Bon Appetit!
http://www.amazon.com/Table-One-Camille-Funk/dp/1599554321/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1280267769&sr=8-1
Mmm yes I love using sesame oil in my stir fry sauces. It also tastes amazing combined with orange juice, soy sauce, and maple syrup for marinades!
You are saying the magic words with sesame oil, ginger and cilantro! Seriously, I’ve mentioned those are easily my favorite “go to” seasonings/flavors.
I haven’t lately, but I’ve always cooked nice meals when it was ‘just me.’ I like food, wine and cooking to much to not do it for myself. Although the past few weeks when I’m alone in the evenings (maybe once a week – tops) I roll with a glass of wine and either do leftovers or just wine and dessert. It’s kind of like my little night off, all to myself to catch up on gossip magazines, tv or blogs. That said, the next day I’m charged up and usually do extra cooking.
I don’t usually do much of anything special when I’m just cooking for myself. I just eat what I’m craving, and usually try to make something that isn’t too time-intensive.
Yay Glee! Enjoy!
i LOVE sesame oil and ginger too. especially with garlic..mmm such intense flavors!
garlic+sesame oil+ cilantro+lemon juice+ginger= coating in my rice