Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant
July 17, 2007 | Filed Under Books
Dinner alone is one of life’s pleasures. Certainly cooking for oneself reveals man at his weirdest. People lie when you ask them what they eat when they are alone. A salad, they tell you. But when you persist, they confess to peanut butter and bacon sandwiches deep fried and eaten with hot sauce, or spaghetti with butter and grape jam. ~ Laurie Colwin, Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant
What do you cook for yourself when you’re alone?
I recently read “Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant: Confessions of Cooking for One and Dining Alone.” Edited by Jenni Ferrari-Adler, this book contains fun-to-read essays about cooking for one and eating alone. There are a nice mix authors – 26 in total - who have contributed their stories to this book.
Everything about this book (from the title to the cover to its contents) grabbed my attention. Some of the essays include recipes like Pa amb Tomàquet, Black Beans for One to Il Tost (Grilled Cheese and Ham Sandwich, Italian Style).
While reading the essays, it got me thinking about what I like to cook for myself. It’s normally something that is really, really, really simple. Something comforting. Three things I like to make are: Kelewele (ripe plantain), a bowl of white rice, or a bowl of spaghetti (or any kind of pasta). I add butter, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce to the pasta. And if there’s fresh cilantro or parsley, I top the pasta with it and enjoy my meal.
So, now, I’m curious. What do you make for yourself when you’re alone? Tell me.
In the meantime, after reading “Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant,” I’m going to buy some eggplants, go to the kitchen and make some. Just for myself. I think I’ll start with this Very Herby Roasted Eggplant recipe from Lucullian Delights.
Paz
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18 Responses to “Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant”
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I confess that I rarely cook for myself — I’ll make a salad, no matter what time of year, or a bowl of soup (which I make in huge quantities on Mondays and eat all week long).
Hi Lydia: I love salads. What a great idea to make soup to last all week long!
Paz
I usually buy pre-made stuff. This book sounds great!
Ha, ha . . . that is just what I have in the fridge to have by myself tonight! Really and that’s the recipe too!
I’ve enjoyed her books in the past and this one looks like fun also.
I rarely cook for myself - but just the other night I made a curry for myself when my husband was working late. It worked out perfectly because I was craving curry and my husband does not like it. I’m going to start making those things that he doesn’t like for myself more often when he is not home!
I eat alone quite often. Being married to a cinematographer means spending a lot of time by myself. I usually eat the same thing: a mixed greens salad with chopped chicken or turkey. And when I’m alone, I always eat on the couch watching TV. Sometimes it’s good to feel like a bachelorette again.
i have a family and rarely get to cook for myself. but i always have garlic and anchovies cooked in extra virgin olive oil on standby, which i toss with spaghetti and top with parmesan cheese for those rare occasions when i find myself alone at mealtimes. (whew, what a long sentence):wink:
Paz, I’ve heard nothing but good about this book! And of course I cook for myself all the time. People often seem amazed to hear it, but I love cooking for myself. Cooking for other people is fun too, but in a different way.
I usually cook for two and when I am alone I usually have enough leftovers in the fridge to satisfy my needs. When i lived by myself I never cooked. I have also read good things about this book and will definitely read it. This reminds me of my aunt Lucia, who lived alone and always cooked refined meals for herself. It was a tenet of her life: to cook a meal, set the table properly, and enjoy the food.
This is EXACTLY the kind of food writing/cookbook combo that I like! I have an order going into our local online bookstore, but I was just short of the extra needed for the free shipping. Thanks so much!
When I “cook” for one, I tend to do nibble stuff. I love to put together a plate with smoked salmon, cucumbers sliced thin, and round melba crackers. And I’m really bad, because if I’m eating by myself, I always end up with the company of a good book, too.
Belle
Hi Kat: How smart to buy the pre made stuff. Less work.
Hi Tanna: So, how did your meal turn out?
Hi Deborah: Welcome! Great idea to make the foods your hubby doesn’t like when he’s not there. You don’t have to worry about the menu.
Hey there, Mari: I like the sitting on the couch watching T.V. part while eating.
Hi Annettee: Welcome! I just had something similar today!!! It’s just something I threw together. Love it!
Hi Kalyn: I think it’s great to be able to cook for one self.
Hi Simona: I like your aunt’s tenet– especially the “enjoy food” part.
Hi Muse in the Kitchen: Welcome! I hope you’re able to get your book soon. I like the idea of “nibblin” different stuff. Yum! I like the idea of the company of a good book. Read any good books lately?
Paz
LOL, what a great line: “they confess to peanut butter and bacon sandwiches deep fried and eaten with hot sauce, or spaghetti with butter and grape jam.”
I do try to cook and “eat healthy” most of the time but, if I don’t feel like cooking much, my favorite comfort food is pot cheese and noodles because it’s quick and easy to make, and always tastes so good.
However, in the “confessions” department, potato chips and a cup of tea work for me!
Paz, if it is weekdays i will prepare a salad to accompany some grilled meat or fish. It is going to be a quick dish. If weekend, I will happily prepare something more laborious. This book sounds very interesting.
I have to buy this book! It sounds entertaining and being single, unless I’m entertaining for friends I’m eating alone.
That said, I tend to spend the time to cook more elaborate meals on the weekends. During the week, I’m usually going for comfort food. Do you ever do breakfast for dinner? That’s my comfort food. I love eggs. Any style. So during the week, it’s often an egg poached in extra virgin olive oil served on a lightly toasted Thomas’ multi-grain english muffin spread with whatever spread-y thing I have in the fridge – hummus, pesto, mayo, or thousand island dressing – usually with thinly sliced red onions and a sliver of asiago or Mexican cheese like Pañela and a latté. Hey, my tummy’s rumbling. Think I’ll go make that right now.
I love the Laurie Colwin quote. What a wonderful writer she was.
Home alone often begs for any veggies on hand sauteed and then put on top of a wee bit of angel hair pasta. Or, chopped fresh delicious tomato salted and sweaty topped with a squished boiled egg with mayo and scrunched saltines. Pepper generously. Stir. Eat.
Hi Kathleen: That is a funny quote, isn’t it.
Confession is good for the soul. 
Hi Valentina: I like the sound of the salads with meat or chicken. Yum!
Hi Ani: Welcome! Yes, I do have breakfast for dinner sometimes! Your egg meal sounds good. Yum!
Hi Janice: I like your meal. Simple directions. I could live with that.
Thanks for stopping by, everyone!
Paz
Paz, I like your site alot. When I’m eating alone I usually try to eat a “normal” dinner, which would be something like: steamed green veggies, riblets (soy and very delish), and a baked potato with fresh salsa fresca on it. BUT…If I’m feeling like splurging (diet-wise), I’ll make some fresh pasta (store bought!), with a dash of olive oil, butter and copious amounts of parmesean. Or, I’ll saute some garlic and onions, add a bag of frozen peas, some celery, add a can of Muir organic crushed tomatoes, and simmer…add ALOT of parm, again, and dive in! Yum.
Hi Noodle Princess: Welcome and thank you! I love the sound of your meal. It’s something that I’d love to eat.
Paz