The Best Cooking for Two Cookbook

The Best Cooking for Two Cookbook

The Best Cooking for Two Cookbook

 

Over the course of several months I tested 9 recipes from “The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook.” With over 650 recipes scaled for two servings and pages of tips for shopping, storing, using leftovers, tools, and ingredient prep in the kitchen of a smaller household, I am convinced “The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook” is the best cooking for two cookbook available.

More Cooking for Two Posts:

Crockpot Meals for Two

20 Recipes for Two

Tips and Tricks to Make Cooking for Two Easy

 

The Best Cooking for Two Cookbook 1

The Best Cooking for Two Cookbook

 

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The best cooking for two cookbook is The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook from American’s Test Kitchen.

Breakfast Recipes for Two

The Best Cooking for Two Cookbook 2

Coffee Cake Muffins

The book includes an entire chapter on quick breads scaled to cooking for two. This recipe made 4 muffins. They were light and fluffy and have a cinnamon streusel layer inside. Tips were included about muffin pans including busting the myth that you have to fill the unused cups in a 12 cup muffin tin with water. Turns out 4 muffins will cook just fine in a 12 cup muffin tin!

The Best Cooking for Two Cookbook 3

Buttermilk Pancakes

There are many recipes in the egg and breakfast section including this pancake recipe. It made about 6 pancakes with nice golden crusts. Other recipes in the egg and breakfast section are for quiches, frittatas, omelets, and smoothies. They are some of the recipies that make this the best cooking for two cookbook.

Fish and Shellfish Recipes for Two

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Salmon with Asparagus and Herb Dressing

People either love fish and shellfish or hate it. I am in the LOVE category. We probably have salmon once a week. While you don’t need a recipe to cook 2 salmon filets, the herb dressing is phenomenal! I also love asparagus, so win-win!!

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Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits may be the best southern dish ever invented. Nice to have a grits recipe that does not make enough for a church dinner and it is included in this best cooking for two cookbook!

Other Dinner Recipes for Two

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Lasagna

I love this lasagna recipe. There is enough for lunch the next day, but not so much that you are eating it all week. It is one of the best tasting lasagnas I have ever tasted.

The Best Cooking for Two Cookbook 7

Chicken Vesuvio

Chicken Vesuvio is a one dish dinner made on the stove top. It is quick and easy to make and quite tasty as well.

The Best Cooking for Two Cookbook 8

Slow Cooker Easy Pulled Pork

The cookbook contains an entire slow cooker section. I tried the easy pulled pork. It uses country-style pork ribs instead of a pork shoulder because it can be easily bought in smaller quantities. It made a great filling for a barbecue sandwich.

Dessert Recipes for Two

The Best Cooking for Two Cookbook 9

Chocolate Cupcakes

Sometimes you want a sweet, but if there are only 2 of you, making 12 cupcakes is not on the menu! This recipe made 4 chocolate cupcakes. They are a “grown up” cupcake – not quite as sweet as other chocolate cupcakes. They are made with bittersweet chocolate – perfect for serving with a glass of red wine or coffee.

I also made the Chicken and Rice recipe from the chicken section, but failed to take a picture of it!! A great comfort food for two!

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“The Complete Cooking for Two” cookbook is the best Cooking for Two Cookbook available. It is published by America’s Test Kitchen. Every recipe has been tested and scaled for two servings. “Cooking for Two is a lot more complicated than dividing by two,” they say in the preface. Some amounts do not divide exactly by two and cooking times and temperatures need to be adjusted. This book would make the perfect gift for a bridal shower or a newly empty-nested couple.

Let me know your suggestions for the best cookbooks for two in the comments below.

Tips and Tricks to Make Cooking for Two Easy

Tips and Tricks to Make Cooking for Two Easy

Tips and Tricks to Make Cooking for Two Easy

 

 

Cooking for Two can try your patience. Most recipes serve at least 4 people and finding small amounts of perishable ingredients can be difficult. Cooking and eating at home is cheaper and healthier than going out, but no one wants to eat a pot roast 5 nights in a row. The Tips and Tricks to Make Cooking for Two Easy will have you in and out of the grocery store with just the right amount of food and help you reduce your favorite recipes to more manageable amounts. Great for Empty Nest Cooking for Two!

For some recipe ideas for Cooking for Two see:

The Best Cooking for Two Cookbook

Crockpot Meals for Two

20 Recipes for Two

 

Tips and Tricks to Make Cooking for Two Easy 11

Empty Nest Cooking for Two

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see the full disclosure in the foot bar.

 

How to Find Small Amounts of Ingredients:

  • Check the salad bar for small amounts of fruits and vegetables. (An added bonus: they are already chopped).
  • Purchase individual-sized servings of things like cottage cheese, yogurt, soup, fruit, etc.
  • Check the bulk bins and measure out the amount you need of the ingredient.
  • Buy frozen produce. Frozen produce is just as healthy as fresh produce and may be “fresher” because it was frozen right after harvest. It is easy to measure out the amount needed and place the bag back in the freezer.
  • Buy your meat at the meat counter. Only need two chicken breasts, then you only have to buy two chicken breasts.
  • Get over calculating the unit price for your purchases. It does not save money to buy a larger quantity if much of it will be thrown out.
  • If a recipe calls for fresh herbs, use what you need, then dry the remainder. Fresh sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, mint, and marjoram may be dried for future use. Lay the herbs in a single layer between 2 paper towels. Microwave 1-3 minutes until dry and brittle. Crumble, discard any tough stems, and store in an airtight container for 3 months. Use 1/3 of the amount called for in a recipe using fresh herbs.

 

How to Freeze Ingredients and Leftovers:

  • Purchase and use freezer quality containers to avoid freezer burn. I have never liked bread stored in the freezer. It gets freezer burn and has hard spots, but it is challenging for two people to consume an entire loaf of bread in a week. In my research I have learned that bread can be frozen without these side effects in heavy duty aluminum foil.
  • Label everything with what it is and the date you placed it in the freezer.
  • Many ingredients will freeze without issue. You can freeze chopped onions. Butter will safely freeze for 4 months.

 

How to Divide Recipes:

  • To divide a recipe with 3 eggs, use 2 eggs, but remove 2-4T of other liquid from the recipe.
  • Add seasonings gradually. Half of the amount of seasoning from the original recipe may be too much.
  • A 9″x2″x13″ pan holds 14-15 cups. For a half recipe, use an 8″x8″ square pan or a 9″x2″ round pan.
  • When using a different pan size, try to keep the depth the same.
  • Check for doneness 5-10 minutes earlier than the original recipe.

Do you have any Tips or Tricks to Make Cooking for Two Easy?  I learned quite a bit when I was researching empty nest cooking for two and would love to learn some more. Looking for a great cookbook? Try America’s Test Kitchen’s: The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook: 650 Recipes for Everything You’ll Ever Want to Make

 

20 Good Recipes for Two

20 Good Recipes for Two

20 Recipes for Two

 

 

One of the challenges of the newly empty nest is learning to cook for only two people again. One of the awesome things about cooking for two people is that you can try new things and sometimes eat healthier because you no longer have to satisfy the tastes of children. These 20 Recipes for Two are a collection of healthy recipes, chicken recipes, beef recipes, vegetarian recipes, and more (even some desserts). They are perfect empty nest recipes!!

Also check out 5 Weeknight Recipes for Two

For even more recipes for two: Crockpot Meals for Two

You will also love: Tips and Tricks to Make Cooking for Two Easy

and The Best Cooking for Two Cookbook

20 Good Recipes for Two 12

Empty Nest Recipes

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see the full disclosure in the foot bar. 

Thank you to the amazing food bloggers who shared their recipes for this post!

 

Beef Recipes for Two Main Dishes

Southwest Steak Salad with Spicy Avocado Dressing by Low Carb Yum

Slow Cooker Chili Lime Beef Tacos with Mango Salsa by The Fit Blog

Asian Beef Salad by The Petite Cook

 

Chicken Cooking for Two Main Dishes

Chicken in a Lemon, Rosemary, and White Wine Sauce by Emma Eats and Explores

Pressure Cooker Apricot Glazed Herbed Chicken Thighs by This Old Gal

 

Fish Cooking for Two Main Dishes

Tilapia with New Potatoes, Peas, and Pesto Mayonnaise by Sidewalk Shoes

Smoked Salmon Salad with Avocado by A Lady in France

Thyme Rubbed Salmon with Cauliflower “Risotto” by Sidewalk Shoes

 

Shrimp Cooking for Two Dishes

Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Cilantro Lime Sauce by Pepper Bowl

Tomato Salsa Shrimp and Rice by Happy Foods Tube

 

Other Cooking for Two Main Dishes

Fried Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon by Savory Tooth

Pressure Cooker Super Simple BBQ Pork Spare Ribs by This Old Gal

 

Vegetarian or Side Cooking for Two Dishes

Barrata Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette by Geeks who Eat

Creamy Buttermilk Pasta by Pepper Bowl

One Pot Spaghetti Aglio e Olio by Savory Tooth

Cooking for Two Desserts

Irresistible Petit Gateau by The Cookware Geek

40 Layer Tiramisu for Two by The Starving Chef

Mini Chocolate Layer Cake by What the Fork

 

Breakfast Cooking for Two Dishes

Cinnamon Swirl Mug Muffin by Wholesome Yum

Fresh Fruit Smoothie Bowls by Organized Island

 

Recipes for Two on Almost Empty Nest

Crockpot Recipes for Two

5 Weeknight Recipes for Two

 

I love cooking for two. It has become one of the best things about empty nesting. I love being able to buy quality ingredients. Another thing I love about cooking for two is eating the leftovers for lunch the next day. Some recipes make slightly more than portions just for two and allow just enough for a good quality and tasty lunch the next day.

Thank you to the bloggers who shared their recipes for 20 Recipes for Two. Be sure to visit their blogs for more recipes and check out my post Crockpot Meals for Two for more recipe ideas. Do you have favorite recipes for two? Where do you find them? What are they? Drop them in the comments below.

Crockpot Meals for Two

Crockpot Meals for Two

Crockpot Recipes for Two

 

I have started reworking some of our favorite recipes into crockpot recipes for two people instead of five because my husband and I are finding ourselves without our kids at meal times more and more. This used to be such a rare occurrence that we went out to dinner when they were not with us. But now it is happening once or week or more. I cannot remember what we ate for dinner before we had children, but it probably was not anything I wish to duplicate now!

 

For more recipes: 20 Recipes for Two

You will also love: Tips and Tricks to Make Cooking for Two Easy

and The Best Cooking for Two Cookbook

Crockpot Meals for Two 13

Crockpot Recipes for Two

 

 

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see the full disclosure in the foot bar.  

The convenience and ease of a slow cooker is not something I want to give up even if I am not cooking for a crowd. Below you will find my adapted recipes for Beef Stroganoff, Chicken Tacos, and Chili.

 

I am currently cooking my way through: “The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook: 650 Recipes for Everything You’ll Ever Want to Make.”  This cookbook contains 20 Slow Cooker Favorites adapated for 2 people.

I have a 6 quart All-Clad Slow Cooker. It handles smaller recipes great!

 

5 from 2 votes
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Beef Stroganoff for Two


Course Main Course
Keyword Beef Stroganoff for Two

Ingredients

  • 1 lb cubed beef stew meat
  • 1 10.75 oz can condensed Golden Mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • wide egg noodles
  • 2 oz cream cheese

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in the slow cooker except noodles and cream cheese. (If you desire, you can brown the meat first, but it is not necessary.) Salt and Pepper the meat.

  2. Cook on low for 8 hours. (Or on high for 4 hours).

  3. Cook about 1/2 the noodles according to the package directions. Save the remaining noodles to cook and eat with the leftover meat.

  4. Stir the cream cheese into the meat sauce just before serving.

  5. Serve the meat and sauce on top of the noodles.

Recipe Notes

Recipe adapted from All Recipes

 

5 from 2 votes
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Chicken Tacos

Course Main Course
Keyword Chicken Tacos for Two

Ingredients

  • 2 Chicken Breasts
  • 4 oz Zesty Italian Dressing
  • 3/4 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 packet Ranch Dressing mix
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground cumin
  • Taco shells
  • Taco toppings

Instructions

  1. Place everything but the shells and toppings in the slow cooker. Stir the ingredients a little to combine.

  2. Set the slow cooker to the low setting and cook for about 5 hours.

  3. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board. Shred the chicken.

  4. Cook the taco shells according to the package directions.

  5. Put the meat and toppings into the taco shells.

Recipe Notes

Recipe adapted from Chef In Training

5 from 2 votes
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Chili for Two

Course Main Course
Keyword Chili for Two

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/8 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp + 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 can Beans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown meat and onion with the salt and pepper. Transfer to a slow cooker.

  2. Add tomato sauce, beans, and spices. Add broth from cooking meat to thin to desired consistency.
  3. Cook on low 6-8 hours.

  4. Serve with toppings of your choice. (Ideas: Fritos, crackers, shredded cheese, purple onion)

These Crockpot Recipes for Two are great, not only for empty nesters, but also make great college student recipes. I modified the chicken tacos and beef stroganoff instructions for those with very little cooking experience for my son when he moved into his first apartment. Those recipes can be found in my First Apartment Care Package post.