by Cyndi Galley

Created on: October 13, 2008

Do you have what it takes to cook up a dish at the drop of a hat? While most married friends of mine would say "of course," I'd have to say that I've got plenty of single friends whose kitchens are barer than a plate of already-eaten bones followed by the feasting of dogs (and I'm just not talking in a "Bachelor pad", either). That being said, the answer to my original question would have to be no! The thing with singles, is were just happy to host parties, because although we may live or be alone, we really are a fun group of people and love the sounds of other humans in our homes! I've been invited to homes where my single friends were forced to "make shift" in order to create the simplest of dishes-whether for grilling or even a simple saute, although the ingredients were there to eat, the goods needed to cook them on, were not...this ought not be so.

I think it's easy to overlook the importance of these staple utensils for many reasons-some singles eat en route to work, for some, their first meal of the day is lunch, which is generally eaten away from home. For others, dinner is something that takes place at a restaurant of choice with other friends, who, like them, are avoiding the daunting task of cooking (and eating) solo. What single wants to spend their hard-earned dollar on household items to cook with? "It's bad enough eating at home alone, but to have to invest in kitchenware, too? I'd rather buy shoes!" (Okay, Carrie Bradshaw...with a room full of shoes and no home to show for it). Yes, I've heard this all too many times before-coming from my own mouth, in fact. What a narrow-minded and pitiful attitude I had...no wonder I'm still single!

Well now that I've slightly matured, one of the things I enjoy most about cooking for one, is the downtime and reflection that happens when I've got something on the fire! However, if I would have never decided to "step out" of my comfort zone, I could never have figured this out. How can you know to do something you've never done? Now mind you, I finally decided to step out into the cooking realm after hearing year after year (from my family) how much they loved that oh-so-abused and not-even-a-little-gourmet Green Bean Casserole that I make for Thanksgiving. Granted the recipe is a cinch, but it was after hearing it time and time again, and after receiving a colander from Dean & Deluca from a client that I decided to give it a go! If you don't already have these items, a quick list needs to be made:

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