Cooking for One

Recently, I've gone through a breakup. I moved out of my exes and in to my own, one bedroom condo. I like my place, but I've found that I'm cooking a LOT less.

Don't get me wrong, I still LOVE to cook (& eat!). But, now I cook for fun and not for a chore. I no longer feel like I have to have dinner on the table every night or so many nights a week. If I want to have snacks and wine for dinner then I do it.

I still very much so value a nice, family dinner. But, for now, I more so value my independence and the ability to listen to my body. I eat when I'm hungry. I don't eat (or cook) because it is dinner time. This is having such a positive affect on my body weight, feelings and life. Rethink dinner some time!

Cheat Meals are the BEST Meals

I like to eat healthy as much as the next person, but I love a good cheat meal. If you're hung over, it is just that much more enjoyable. My go-to-favorite bad meal is alfredo. Here's how I make it:

1. Boil a bag of cheese stuffed tortellini  (typically 6-8 minutes). I add garlic salt and olive oil to my water.
2. While tortellini is cooking, I chop very finely (in this order), half an onion, two bell peppers and 1 tomato.
3. I sauté my onions and bell pepper in one heaping spoonful of butter for 3 minutes on low.
4. Then I add my tomato and one tablespoon of minced garlic and continue to cook on low for one more minute.
5. Lastly, I add 1/2 a small container of cream cheese and 1/2 a small container of sour cream. I cook on low/medium low till everything is melted and liquidated; roughly 2 minutes.
6. I strain my noodles and add them to the sauce and top with 1 cup of shredded parmesan cheese, crushed black pepper and blackening seasoning.

All in all, this meal probably takes 30 minutes and $20. It is DELICIOUS. It pairs great with chicken, shrimp, bread and wine. It is also very yummy reheated. I've made this with multiple types of noodles and have even frozen/reheated it before.

Be bad and be good at it:)