Instructions: Ever walk into a restaurant alone and hear the maitre d ask, almost disapprovingly, Just one? A quick, satisfying dinner at home can be equally nettlesome because most recipes serve four. But singles can treat themselves to good meals.

Chicken breasts and lamb or pork chops dont normally come individually packaged. So break up larger packages, wrap each serving in plastic wrap and freeze them in freezer bags. Portions of steaks, chops, chicken breasts and fish fillets should be 4-6 ounces. Figure on 8-12 clams or mussels, depending on size and how they are to be used. For example, use fewer if combined with pasta.

One-pound packages of pasta can easily be doled out into 3- or (4-ounce)

portions. Consider new ideas of what goes with pasta too, whether its a simple combination of garlic, olive oil, hot pepper flakes and parsley or a more elaborate mix of meat and vegetables. Its even easier to make a single meal of couscous by steaming this pasta, then tossing it with vegetables, beans, herbs, olive oil and lemon juice.

Some produce items, such as snap peas, string beans and potatoes, are more easily purchased in individual portions than others. Staples such as onions and bell peppers are not always small enough for one. But the salad bar contains onions, peppers, celery and more, all nicely cut up. Yes, it costs more per pound than a sack of onions, but you arent going to use that much. And dont dismiss frozen vegetables. One-pound bags reseal easily with a twist tie.

As for equipment, onions, garlic and other vegetables for one are more easily chopped in a mini-chopper than a food processor. And just because youre cooking for one doesnt mean you shouldnt have good-quality skillets, pots and knives.

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