Why are the recipes not always (or even frequently) “for two”?
Why are the recipes not always (or even frequently) “for two”? Yep, many have “lots of leftovers” (see sub-title of the blog). Most of the meat recipes are scalable to whatever number is needed.
Many recipes that we enjoy (two of us) or I want to try come down to one or two component that can not be conveniently subdivided. One egg. A can of beans or crushed tomatoes. Or one piece of a vegetable or fruit. It’s throwing it away or use it.
Also at times, I will do a bigger recipe since leftovers are almost required at our house due to my schedule. I’m cooking for two, and not all the recipes are for two.
I have several times considered converting to only “for two” recipes, but it just doesn’t fit our “for two” home. Also, it would severely limit the variety of recipes I could offer you.
I do have all recipes labeled with a number of servings, and I am working on a “Tips for Two” page that will help some of the issues.
All recipes have built into the recipe card area where you can adjust servings. It will recalculate the ingredients to the amount you need. It cannot adjust the instructions and you will need to handle those yourself.
The recipes
Here you will find everyday recipes mostly for two (with frequent leftovers) presented in a simple logical way. Less fuss – more results for the lazy in all of us. While most recipes will be healthy, there will be an occasional side trip in the other direction.
Many are family recipes from the family only recipe site I maintained for many years. Most are adoptions and combinations of many recipes from many sites. If there is an inspiration recipe, I will provide a link for your review.
While 101 means that I will keep it basic enough for the beginner, I hope to make things interesting enough for the intermediate cook. I will use commonly available ingredients to get the best results with the least work.
Please join me for some good food and some fun along the way.
What I modify and why?
I’m a simple guy and want to have simple and good recipes. I will eliminate what I believe to be BS in a method.
The recipes will mostly have ingredients that are simple and readily available. I will rarely use a specific sauce or commercial seasoning mix. I want to create my own, and I know you won’t have those available.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional estimates are calculated from databases and not directly measured. Also, this is home cooking, so exact measurements vary and exact ingredients vary. Take that as my best estimate, not fact. A good guess so to speak.
Chris
Sir,
First, I need to say my wife and I have enjoyed everything I have cooked from your site. I have followed your recipes and have had no need to change this or that – They have been great “AS IS”.
My only recommendation would be – Have you thought about adding a “recommended side, or what you serve with it? That might help me and a few others to have more nutritious and well balanced meal.
Just a thought… Keep up the great work.
Chris
kim holland
dr dan: i was looking for a chili recipe that would produce only enough for 2 and leftovers for another meal. i found your recipe for 2 and i was not happy. starting out with 2 pounds of ground beef doesn’t lend itself well for for a recipe for 2. that’s 1 pound for each person over a space 2 meals. i read your explanation for not making your recipes for 2 but please don’t headline them as being for 2. also it would be nice if you would say what size crockpot should be used for each recipe.
Kevin O'Brien
Dr. Dan, there is so much to enjoy on your site, all presented in a relaxed, straightforward style with great pics, both of the food and also your four-legged friends. Your “keep it simple” philosophy can be a boon, for example, to those overwhelmed by life-altering personal loss. I have become a great fan of your approach, am starting to cook real food again, and sincerely thank you for all you do.
DrDan
Hi Kevin,
Welcome to the blog.
Glad you are enjoying my “style” and that you find the recipes helpful and enjoyable. I always cook with joy in my heart and hopefully that comes through and helped with any personal loss you had.
Let me know if you have any suggestions or questions.
Dan
Elisabeth Wasslen
I have to say that I love to have something left over in the fridge from the night before if one of us wants a quick snack, or both. Yummy ! AND ready in a minute. We are empty nesting these days, but how well I remember my then teen son and three friends came over for lunch every Monday, when I was at work and cleaned up all the leftovers from the night before. The four of them heated it all. There was lots of food and they ate the lot, putting all the dishes, etc. in the dishwasher before they left. I loved that and on this day after Thanksgiving I am grateful for such memories. They would have loved your green beans with bacon. I surely did !!!
DrDan
Hi Elisabeth,
Thanks for the memory. My kids ran in packs of 6 to 12 kids and we were the hangout. Big TV, movie tapes and a popcorn maker. At any time 10 kids could arrive for dinner with no warning. I got really good at fast grilling for quick mass feedings. All the parents know we were home and would feed them and supervise things. A great way to watch your own kids.
Thanks for the note and hope you had a great holiday.
Dan