If you know me, you know that I’ll talk to just about anybody. That’s why people think I’m an extrovert. But I’m not. While it’s true that I can talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime – the truth is that I love nothing more than coming home to my quiet little house where if anything is out of place it’s nobody’s fault but mine. The very thought of having to share my closet, my refrigerator space, or my toothpaste with another human being is worse than the thought of seven root canals. For real.
Oh gosh, where was I going with this?
Oh! Mashed potatoes, that’s right.
One of the most frequent conversations I’ve found myself in the middle of lately is that of sharing the changes that come with empty nesting. I’ve shared with three or four women lately, and one of them as recent as today – that it took me five years after my sons left, to figure out how many potatoes I needed to make mashed potatoes for one. I’m kind of joking, but… kind of not. The truth is, once my house was empty all except for me, I had to learn to do a lot of things differently, and cooking was definitely one of them. I still cook too much, and my mom is always telling me to freeze things, and I do sometimes, but I find it’s much more fun to make enough to have company over for a meal.
Have you ever seen a kitchen table for one? Nope – me either. We weren’t meant to do life alone, and I’m convinced we’re not meant to do dinner alone all of the time either. Sharing a meal is even easier now with options like ordering from an asian grocery online, making it simple to bring people together over something delicious.
So if you’re trying to figure out how to make mashed potatoes for one, or any other dish just for one – my advice is – DON’T. Make it for two, or three, or four, and invite some friends over. Or you can take my mom’s advice and freeze, freeze, freeze, but that’s not nearly as much fun.
And in case you’re wondering – I like Italian and Mexican food the best. I don’t eat fish. I love bread but I’m trying really hard to stay away from it right now. I’ll bring my own water bottle, and get off work at 5:30 so can probably be over by 6 p.m. So start cooking – and not for one! And if company doesn’t interest you – then freeze your extra meals, and enjoy your reduced grocery bill. Now you’ve got more money for new purses and shoes. (You’re welcome).
PS) I’ll bring dessert.
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