I am a pretty lazy cook. In fact, I used to be really intimidated by my kitchen, preferring to eat out or grab take out most nights. The dirty dishes, and long lists of ingredients always scared me away. A few years ago I started watching Jamie Oliver's cooking shows and it got me excited about trying to eat more at home and experimenting with my own combinations.
My sister taught me to make baked eggs, I got my own little cast iron pan, and I was sold! On heavy rotation in my house right now: arugula (I stick it on top of everything!), creme fraiche, eggs, avocado, clementines, Jacobson Salt and Secret Aardvark Sauce.
I love using just a few seasonal ingredients and experimenting with different combinations. And it must take only about 5 minutes to make! I've also found that when you have good salt and olive oil, just a few simple vegetables will be transformed. With these little dishes, I never have leftovers or food that goes bad. It's worked out to be really managable way to cook for one.
From top left:
1. Eggs, garden onions, chanterelles, arugula, avocado and Secret Aardvark Sauce.
2. Arugula, clementines, avocado with creme fraiche dressing.
3. Eggs, cream, mushrooms, prosciutto, and arugula.
4. Avocado toast with an egg. I mashed the avocados with olive oil, Jacobson salt and fresh pepper.
5. Eggs, onions, tomatoes, sage and creme fraiche.
6. Tomatoes, mozzarella, garden lettuce, avocado, day old bread, olive oil, sea salt, ground pepper.
Instagram photos: Chelsea Fuss.
Ooh, this all looks so good.
What olive oil do you use? Do you have different stuff for cooking vs. using on salads or breads? I find it hard to know what to buy faced with a wall of oils that all say they are extra virgin olive oil.
Posted by: Hillary | January 11, 2013 at 06:24 AM
i most absolutely love jamie oliver to pieces---he really expresses flavorful but realistic and practical cooking that makes good food from your own kitchen seem so approachable. plus he just seems like a baller person to get to know. your dishes look great, thanks for sharing!
Posted by: mary @ B&Gjournals | January 11, 2013 at 07:42 AM
Hey Hilary! I agree! It's overwhelming! I just use one type of olive oil for everything. I always buy organic, extra virgin olive oil. Admittedly, after that I choose based on the packaging designer (and price). :) I am no olive oil expert though, so I'd be curious if other people have recommendations!
Posted by: chelsea | January 11, 2013 at 11:28 AM
*design
Posted by: chelsea | January 11, 2013 at 11:39 AM
What a bunch of delicious little dishes.. my mouth is watering... and I love the idea of sticking arugula on everything!
Posted by: Christina | January 11, 2013 at 01:39 PM
Great ideas! I am typically cooking for one as well and it's always nice to find other inspiration! A big salad with a fried egg on top is one of my go-to meals.
Posted by: Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe | January 11, 2013 at 02:09 PM
How yummy! It's nice you've found a way to still eat lovely things when you are cooking for one. I now feel like avocado on toast. :)
Posted by: A Very Small Animal | January 11, 2013 at 02:40 PM
I sort of miss cooking for one sometimes. It was easier in that I got to cook what I wanted and never had to cook things that I had to worry about someone else liking. And if it went south, I was the only one I had do worry about. There was no whining about how long it took, what it tasted like, and no complaining when it didn't work.
However, I do love cooking for another person when it goes right.
Posted by: Kim of The Made Thing | January 11, 2013 at 05:12 PM
This is awesome! Sometimes I'm all home alone and don't really wanna cook at all. Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Ashley Rustad | January 12, 2013 at 05:14 PM
Gosh... I need to seriously start making baked eggs...
Posted by: Jade Sheldon | January 13, 2013 at 09:02 PM
i love baked eggs these photos are very dreamy
Posted by: shellie | January 15, 2013 at 11:44 AM