I have cooked three meals a day for 5-6 people for over 30 years. As the numbers decreased, guests’ special requirements increased–no gluten, vegan, no sugar, diary free, or keto only. Before long, I found my interest in cooking was gone. I only knew how to cook large meals to meet the demands of three growing sons. All of a sudden, there were only two of us. I didn’t want to mess up my clean kitchen and I’d much rather go out to eat.
Marita posted creative, interesting meals she was cooking and I was jealous of her dinners.
As we discussed our different situations, we both agreed that we need a section with recipes for two people. It is a completely different style of cooking than I’d ever done.
Meal Services
I discovered that meal services such as Hello Fresh or Blue Apron work well for me. They arrive with all the necessary ingredients in the correct portions and there is virtually no waste. I get to choose the meals and Randy and I learned we like the flavorful and ethnic meals the best. If I need two tablespoons of Red Pepper Jam or Hoisin sauce, it is included. My husband and I divide the prep duties. He usually cooks the rice or pasta and the meats, while I chop and sauté the veggies, and make the sauces. Teamwork, and its quick.
Here, through the “Food/Entertaining” category, Marita and I, plus others, will offer recipes that work for 2–or 4 with leftovers the next night.
Have you found you struggle with the same issues? What have you done?

Through her speaking and writing, Lauren encourages people with her heartfelt messages and practical presentations. She is the author of The Art of Helping – What to say and Do When Someone is Hurting. Lauren and her family are active in both church and community choral groups. She lives in Redlands, CA.
Just when I plan a meal for two, that’s the night we have guests drop in… Good thing salads can go a long way! ha
My husband and I get Blue Apron too Lauren! We love it. But, there are times I want to cook because I too raised boys, (and later a stepdaughter and stepson) and just miss the nice, big dinners and having them say they want more! When I do get in the cooking mood, I cook larger portions, just like I used to, and freeze them for my family when they come to visit, for my husband to take to the hunting lease, when I need a meal for a friend or neighbor, or for us to use later. I think it is important to keep our creativity and our mind active. By following a recipe, baking and cooking meals, I find that it can be fun, a challenge and rewarding at the same time!
I struggle with this as well…
Have tried delivery- BUT- not a big fan
Thank goodness we live blocks away
from great restaurants – which is a plus
since we Dont like to cook & mess up the kitchen for Two 💕
Since you can walk to our house, I’ll have to have you over more often!
Darn! I thought this was a neighbor of mine, saying they’d have me over more.