Pantry Essentials for Impromptu Meals When Cooking for One

Pantry Essentials

I love stocking my pantry. I suppose there's a bit of compulsive behavior involved here, maybe even a hint of hoarding. But for sure, I don't like being out of favorite pantry staples when I have to cook on the fly, something all of us who cook for one must face from time to time despite the best planning efforts. As far as I'm concerned, there's almost nothing worse than having plenty of eggs in the refrigerator and craving deviled eggs for lunch only to discover I'm out of mustard, or finding a fresh chicken at a rock-bottom price and realizing I used the last of my dried tarragon in last week's halibut in tarragon lemon sauce.

Focus on What You Like To Eat

Building a stock of pantry essentials that allow you to pull together an impromptu meal is a personal affair. You are the one who knows best what foods you like and need. But maybe you can get some tips and inspiration from how I stock my pantry and from how the folks whose photos are featured here stock theirs.

From the Toaster Oven: English Muffin Ham and Swiss Sandwich with Red Grapes

By Guest Writer Michelle PG Richardson (aka Frieda Babbley)

A simple sandwich paired with fruit can be
just what your body needs for lunch time.

In the world of lunch for one, plopping together a sandwich is a common act.  Pairing that sandwich with chips is just as common. Sometimes this is all we want or need, and that’s fine.  But we all know that it’s good to treat yourself to a sandwich that can wow you and a side that gives you a bit more than a handful of chips has to offer.  A warm homemade sandwich like this English muffin ham and Swiss with a side of grapes is sure to hit the spot and give you a variety of nutrients to boot.

What You'll Need

• English muffin - I like to use an original Thomas’ English Muffin (or you could try the whole wheat version)
• Butter and a butter knife - for spreading
• Ham - plain, smoked, honey cured, or low sodium is fine to use
• Cheese - Swiss, baby Swiss, or provolone (remember, low sodium is available)
• Fruits and vegetables as a filling or as a side - a good variety is listed below
• Dollop of your choice of condiment - mayo, Dijon, ranch or honey mustard dressing
• Oven set to 250 F or toaster oven set to toast - a toaster oven works faster, more efficiently, and uses up less energy

Chef and Writer Joe Yonan Makes Cooking for One an Adventure

Joe Yonan is Food and Travel editor for The Washington Post where he writes the column "Cooking for One." His popular book, Serve Yourself: Nightly Adventures in Cooking for One, is a delightful sojourn into the world of cooking for one, not only because of the book's recipes, sound cooking advice, and encouraging words for those of us who cook primarily for ourselves, but also because of its engaging writing and thoughtful reflection.

I learned about Mr. Yonan's book while listening to one of my favorite radio shows, Splendid Table, from American Public Media. Host Lynn Rossetto Kasper interviewed the chef and journalist and put together a short but powerful five-minute bite that led me right to devouring his book. (The April 7 Splendid Table interview begins at the 27-minute mark.)

Quick and Easy Dinner for One - Tortilla Pizza

Drive Past the Drive-through Window!

There are times, like at the end of a particularly long and stressful workday, when I just don't want any part of  preparing a meal, even if I did plan well and have all the ingredients I need on hand. I just don't want to be in the kitchen and I certainly don't want to think about washing pots and pans and dishes before I call it a night. On days like this, all I want to do is drive over to the nearest fast food window, pick up a bag of comfort food and stuff myself while I sit on the couch and watch TV. It's almost always only with a supreme effort of will that I do drive right past the drive-through window and head for home -- unless I know I have ingredients for a hot, fresh tortilla pizza.