Cooking for one (Mark Two)

PasturesNew

wort wrote: »

So I sort of parcook like pots then?

Yes, just get them soft - don't toss them as they don't need to be "ruffled" like spuds.

Then you're just browning them on the day when you do the roasting bit. If you're doing long lengths, then remember that the thin ends will cook quicker, so you might like to either start with them covered in foil, or be prepared to cover them in foil part way through.

I like parsnips to be fat and moist, which is why I cut them into rounds and not strips.

I am disappointed when people cut the parsnips long and thin as they just dry out and go black/burnt at the thin end. Slice them fat ... or do rounds... keep the flavour and moistness locked in.

PasturesNew

wort wrote: »

I'm sure I heard some supermarket was going to have less turkeys and replenish so the dates wouldn't need selling off at Xmas eve!

It makes sense - plan ahead with your deliveries and dates and you can nail it "bang on" so you don't get left with any wastage...

I've noticed them doing this in recent years as I look through produce at the dates and it's been noticeable that you have to buy at the last minute to get something "in date" and then things completely span the "closed" days.

With Just In Time ordering and deliveries it's easy for a computer algorithm to fine tune all that lot to the hour! I'd not put it past them to "modify" the dates printed on the packaging so it suits their needs too, rather than being a 100% true representation of the actual lifespan of the products, this would enable them to stock/appear to stock what they like when they like without it being spotted. I bet a lot of stuff dated "by 23 December" is actually "by 26 December" but it suited them to put the earlier date on.

karcher

I can't remember the last time I cooked so decided to actually cook something this afternoon :eek:

I wanted something healthy but spicy so I made a veg chilli.

It is currently maturing in the pan for later or tomorrow, or both?

karcher

PasturesNew wrote: »

Here's a quick snap of my part-cooked roasties... to be finished on the day.

I only cooked two spuds... I'll eat about 2 pieces of this lot on the day probably.

https://s9.postimg.org/5ckqevz1b/Part_Roasted_Potatoes_450x.jpg

86nvsc17k

2 Pieces :eek:

Just 2 pieces? :think:

How restrained!

I'd eat the lot :cool:

PasturesNew

karcher wrote: »

2 Pieces :eek:

Just 2 pieces? :think:

How restrained!

I'd eat the lot :cool:

That's two spuds and I expect to eat two pieces because .... the plate will also be awash with a gazillion other great foods

I can only eat so much! I started by peeling/cutting one spud and then I thought "well, might as well cook two as you're doing it for one" - then I ate one piece, just to try it, as you do .... and the photo shows what's left. Those spuds, raw, weighed 290 grams after peeling.... they probably just look a bit smaller than they are

karcher

PasturesNew wrote: »

That's two spuds and I expect to eat two pieces because .... the plate will also be awash with a gazillion other great foods

I can only eat so much! I started by peeling/cutting one spud and then I thought "well, might as well cook two as you're doing it for one" - then I ate one piece, just to try it, as you do .... and the photo shows what's left. Those spuds, raw, weighed 290 grams after peeling.... they probably just look a bit smaller than they are

You see I just couldn't resist them.

I have no idea how you cooked them, only ate one, then stashed them for Monday..they'd be all gone by now if I'd done that here

MrAPJI

I've got a 55lb sack of spuds in the shed - only cost me £8 - it seemed like a good idea at the time

karcher

MrAPJI wrote: »

I've got a 55lb sack of spuds in the shed - only cost me £8 - it seemed like a good idea at the time

Lots of mash and beans in the new year then?

What's not to like

MrAPJI

karcher wrote: »

Lots of mash and beans in the new year then?

What's not to like

Looks like it

moneyistooshorttomention

Errrm...I hate to tell you Apji - but I can recall when it "seemed like a good idea at the time" to buy a huge sack of potatoes. Ahem....they'd started sprouting strongly by the time I got about halfway through them.

Then there was the time where I bought a large sack of rice - don't ask...

Perhaps your friend would like to share that sack of potatoes with you?

It's one of the things that takes some time to sink in as to what quantities of food to buy when catering for one - and I think we've all probably "been there/done that" about buying rather too much until we figure it out just how much one stomach can eat.:o