Waste not want not

[martha s.]

How are you all dealing with not having to cook for a teen and all his are her friends to just cooking for one or two? I've gone from cooking for my two teens, son in the navy and dau. in collage,and four or five of their friends, to just cooking for me and my very cautious seven year old, who does not trust anything that she hasen't tried before, or that is warmed up again. Most of the food I use to cook came from a box or can, because it cost less, but now it cost more because I end up throwing most of it away. I don't have a clue how to cook fresh food. I'm not even sure I want to learn, but I've got to do something. I hate to throw away food, although my cat's love it. I guess I could sell it as cat food, only cats don't have money.

[Hoppi aka Angie]

I only cook for two, I freeze the left overs

[Anti M]

Cooking fresh food isn't that hard to learn, start with chicken, that's easy. In the long run, fresh food is cheaper and better for you.

Freeze the leftovers. Divide the food into single meals you can reheat for just yourself. I also get things in bulk and divide and freeze. I especially like pre-cooked chicken that I can fix just enough for one or two people. The secret to freezing food is good ziploc freezer bags with all the air squeezed out.

Table scraps are bad for cats ... I won't let mine eat anything but their dry food.

[Cindy Proud Navy Mom of Rob]

I suggest watching a food/cooking show. That way you both get involved. Can't hurt to try it once right? Spagetti is a bice start too. Go shopping - let her pick out a cookbook. You choose a recipe - them let her. Go shopping for the ingredients. May just make darn good cooks out of both of you and bring you closer. Pick ine night as a 'eat out treat' night. When it was just me & 2 little kids. I picked up McDonalds and a movie and we had a 'date' night - they remember that now - years later. Take it a day at a time and it will get easier. Best wishes to your new Sailor!