Gourmet Cooking for One or Two: Incredible Meals that are Small in Size but Big on Flavor by April Anderson

Gourmet Cooking for One or Two: Incredible Meals that are Small in Size but Big on Flavor by April Anderson

April Anderson, founder of Girl Gone Gourmet, has compiled a beautiful book of smaller portioned “gourmet” recipes. Photos of each dish are found opposite the instructions.

It is a pleasure to turn the pages and an even bigger one to utilize the recipes found within.

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a person in possession of excellent cooking skills, must be in want of people to eat their food.

All joking aside, I love to cook. I find it profoundly relaxing to turn on some music and start chopping vegetables or heating the oven.

Here’s my two slice sun-dried tomato and sausage lasagna from page 31!

There’s a definite rhythm to cooking- like an ancient domestic hymn. Humanity must eat. Some of us have the good fortune and privilege of eating well.

However, when you’re by yourself, it can be difficult to control the portions. Most recipes assume at least two or more people are going to eat the food. It can be problematic and wasteful.

For example, I’ve made dishes and given three-quarters of it away to family, and still have three or four meals left for myself.

Anderson has scaled back her recipes in order to amply feed one, or so she writes. She reminds readers to have fun!

“Last but not least, I want you to enjoy yourself, because I believe time spent in the kitchen cooking for yourself is time well spent.” pg 10

My pork chops were yummy!

I tried a couple dishes in here (sun-dried tomato and sausage lasagna pg 31 and pork chops with savory apple bacon hash pg 123). They were tasty, but I still had way too much food for just me.

The moderate kitchen skills are required to make these dishes. You’re putting together sauces and browning meat, seasoning and slicing.

I took my time with it and didn’t have any difficulties. Beginner chefs might be a little overwhelmed, but if you take your time, you can do it.

Recommended for foodies who can find their way around the kitchen and aren’t afraid to try recipes that might be challenging. Make sure you have some containers on hand because you will probably still have leftovers.

Thanks for reading!