Welcome to another Running with Spoons Thinking Out Loud link party where stream-of-consciousness is the name of the game! Thanks to Amanda for hosting!
Being single definitely has its perks, but one of the things I struggle with sometimes is cooking for one person. If you looked in my fridge or freezer, you would probably think I was feeding a family of four.
Case in point: I made this pumpkin turkey meatloaf the other night (recipe coming soon). It was great, except for the fact that I’d purchased a 29-ounce can of pumpkin from Fresh Direct, when I only actually only needed a ½ cup. Whoops. As you read this, I am still finding ways to incorporate pumpkin into all kinds of things: oatmeal, yogurt, hummus, soup, sauces…
I really hate to overdo it on any one ingredient, especially one that turns my palms orange. I also hate wasting food, so I am determined to use all the goddamn pumpkin. I’ve actually been having a really stressful week, but being aware of the fact that too much pumpkin is a good dilemma to have keeps things in perspective. If there’s room in my brain for me to be consciously annoyed about it, I’m really okay in the grand scheme of things.
For better or worse, when I’m stressed out, I cook, typically things like soup, chili, or staples like roasted vegetables or dried beans. I go into this weird “preparation” mode, though I couldn’t always say quite what I’m preparing for. Stocking the fridge and freezer just makes me feel calmer. It certainly comes in handy when I get home from a crazy day and want to spend my energy on cuddling with the puppy or catching up on reading Glamour instead of on cooking dinner.
Only problem is, I am officially out of freezer space. Guess I’ll have to start cleaning my feelings instead of cooking them for a while.
What do you do when you’re stressed out?
I clean when I’m stressed. I find it helps keep my mind occupied and make me feel like my life is less of a mess 😆 And I can definitely relate to the pumpkin woes… I try to stay away from the huge cans just so I don’t have to worry about using up the leftovers. You can always freeze it!
good call with the freezing!
I cook and clean when I am stressed! It usually starts with some kitchen cleaning then the next thing you know I’ve got the oven on and I am making a banana bread! oOo or pumpkin bread..off I go 🙂
sounds great!
I love to bake or cook when I’m stressed, focusing on something creative is always helpful. I wish I cleaned – gosh I would get so much done. I’m not sure if you still have pumpkin to work through but can you make pumpkin muffins for coworkers/friends? It might help fix a few of your stresses at once 🙂 Just don’t freeze them! Or take a frozen dish from your freezer to a friend that you know is having a tough week?
What an awesome idea!
I usually make a big pot of something when I need to decompress: soup, stew, chili, beans. Instead of eating the same thing all week, I make “TV dinners,” although they are usually for work lunch. It is very calming to know I have options for those days when I’m too busy (or lazy) to make something. Plus it saves so much money that I can enjoy the expensive NY restaurants instead of wasting it on lame sandwiches or $10 salads.
I wish I was like Amanda and could clean when Im stressed. I bite my nails and eat haha.
Make a pumpkin protein pudding- I did it when I had an abundance, pumpkin + protein powder + cereal + nuts.