Quick Cooking for Two from Sunset

[oldbay]

One of my favorite cookbooks in "Quick Cooking for Two" from Sunset magazine. Sunset is a west coast magazine, and even thought I'm on the east coast, the magazine is full of interesting recipes. This cookbook is produced by them with the portions cut to two servings. Chock full of interesting recipes.

[KYHeirloomer]

Cooking just for two---or even one---is often touted as being difficult. Personally, I never understood why. But a lot of people do find it hard. So I'm sure a book like that is helpful.

There are other alternatives. Many cooking & recipe sites, nowadays, include conversion links. You put in the number you want to cook for, and the program automatically adjusts everything.

We're empty nesters ourselves. But I continue making full recipes. Then I put up our own frozen dinners. So, each time I cook, we typically get six meals.

I start with a microwavable version of foam plates. The meal gets laid out on it, and is then covered first with plastic film (squeezing out as much air as possible), and then heavy duty foil. Works like a charm, and we always have meals ready to go. Just need reheating---which is about the only use my microwave gets.

Have you noticed, by the way, the change in "serve #" amounts? Used to be that six servings was standard for recipes. Now, more and more, it's down to four---supposedly to reflect the changed family sizes in American homes.

[oldbay]

I just happen to like the creative recipes in the cookbook and often double or triple the quantities. I did, though, buy it for the two of us here at home from an offer from the magazine which I adore. Sunset Magazine offers lots of great recipes each month. Go to Borders and browse the magazine, I think you'll find they have creative recipes.

[KYHeirloomer]

I used to read Sunset, and agree with your assessment. Another great one, for the west, is Arizona Highways.

But I cut way back on my magazines, because they were threatening to drive us out. I would have needed a new house just to store them.

Now I subscribe to none. I browse the newstands, and if something appeals I buy that copy of whatever it is. For instance, I bought the September issue of Saveur because it has a great article about avocados.

[oldbay]

You're right, there is the tendency to store the magazines. If you subscribe, though, you can search the recipes online and find that recipe you love without looking for your scraps. I've done that several times.

I didn't know that Arizona Highways had recipes. Hmm. Next time in Borders or Barnes & Nobles I'll need to look at it. I thought it was a travel magazine.

Arizona is beautiful in the winter when us east coast folks are looking at snow. Went to Phoenix about 5 years ago in January and it was 75 degrees and the birds were singing in the courtyard of the hotel. Right now, it's 105 there and that's too hot for me. Plus the immigration troubles there aren't especially appealing.

[KYHeirloomer]

Let me tell you about storing magazines.

Earlier this year I finally broke down and went through 25 years worth of assorted cooking magazines, clipping the recipes that sounded interesting.

One thing I learned: What sounded good two decades ago suddenly has no appeal today.

What I did is store the clipped recipes in appropriately marked large envelopes (i.e., beef, appetizers, etc., with seafood and vegetables further subdivided). Since then I try to make at least one full meal a week using those recipes.

The ones we like get transferred to my card files.

I didn't mean that Arizona Highways was good for recipes, particularly. Just that it's a beautiful, information-packed magazine; well reading for anyone who might be interested in that part of the world.

[cooker]

I store magazines too. What I've found is sometimes I don't like the trends. Last year I stopped subscribing to Bon Appetite b/c every recipe took 3 hours to make and called for trips to specialty stores for some obscure ingredients. Whereas the 90s were a much simpler time.