What Do You Eat When You're Alone?
This guy I dated a long time ago was an amazing cook. I learned much of what I know about cooking and wines from him and his mother. As my mom will tell you, I couldn't be bothered with learning to cook when I was growing up.
But whenever I was away for days at at time—on a business trip, say—this guy's place would be piled up with KFC buckets and pizza boxes. What in the world?
Fast-forward to today: When The Wonderful Husband is out of town (which, thankfully, is much less now thanks to a new job), fast food isn't what I want. If we've been having a good day and she deserves it, I'll take Baby A on a "date" to a yummy local pizza place. "I'm having some Mommy time!," she'll tell everyone in sight.
But most days, after twelve straight hours dealing with Hurricane A, I prefer to feed her an early dinner and put her to bed so I can relish a little time to myself.
It's then that I cook the things that TWH doesn't like so much, dishes with Asian themes like curry and fish sauce and fresh cilantro, with tons of veggies and maybe some tofu. You can't beat a big bowl of curried noodles, especially when you're free to eat it on the sofa with full possession of the remote control and several episodes of "The Daily Show" on the DVR.
Case in point: the dinner pictured above, consisting of lo mein noodles, broccoli, scallions, finely diced sweet potato, and a home-made red curry coconut sauce with plenty of cilantro and lime juice. I wished for a little tofu or beef to add to it, but veggies were all I had on hand. Oh my GOSH it rocked. It was hard to stuff my face with it while laughing at Jon Stewart and crew, but somehow I managed.
So, no empty KFC buckets rattling around The Bungalow. Sadly, there are no curry leftovers, either.
How about you? What do you like to eat when it's all up to you? Do you reach for fast food, or would you rather cook?
Comments
That looks soooo good! Mmmm I love red curry!
When I'm alone I like to eat finger foods for dinner: veggies n dip, hummus and pita...that kind of thing.
Posted by: Stefania/CityMama | October 24, 2007 12:27 AM
I like spaghetti with marinara sauce topped with parmesan cheese. Sometimes I eat peanut butter and jelly on saltines though, if I'm not feeling all that great.
Yes, I eat like a five year old :)
Posted by: Elizabeth | October 25, 2007 10:10 AM
I always go with a steak, potato(e), big red wine, and a Clint Eastwood movie. Occasionally I'll do a sweet potato, like now in the fall.
Sounds, cliche, but it only takes 10 mins and doesn't mess up any dishes, which is important.
I always imagine that Elmer Fudd cartoon where the animals on the wall keep taking his steak.
I have learned to cook a pretty nice gourmet-type meal since I've been married. That would have been a good skill to have when dating. I'm definitely passing that information on to my son.
Posted by: Dave | October 26, 2007 10:18 AM
When I'm without kids you can guarantee I'm eating something not so good for me out of a box or even fast food junk.
Posted by: Amanda | November 1, 2007 10:54 AM