Cooking for one is not something to which I am accustomed. In fact, I wasn’t very good at it until last night. I was contemplating going out to eat since I didn’t have anyone to cook for but am usually disappointed when I do that. The dish descriptions on the menu are always more appetizing than the actual food. I decided to just cook for myself. Stopping at the grocery store I found it challenging to find a small portion of something…anything. I went to the produce section and picked out a small, ripe avocado and some baby spinach. I lingered by the fish counter thinking I’d treat myself to some scallops or perhaps a lovely tuna steak but nothing really jumped out at me. Strolling over to the dairy aisle I picked up a block of feta cheese and contemplated the contents of my cart……avocado, spinach and feta. That would make a nice salad, but I wanted some protein. On my way back to the fish counter I passed a meat case with a package of 2 center cut steaks wrapped in bacon. PERFECT! Getting inspired I found some gnocchi and headed to the check-out counter. On my way home I picked up some wine, a nice zinfandel by Ravenswood and got very excited to get cooking!
Once I got in the door I didn’t even change my clothes…just kicked off my heels and got the water started for the gnocchi. I coated a frying pan with extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper and Montreal steak seasoning and put a medium-high flame under it. I poured myself a glass of wine, cut some cheese, and sliced the avocado. When the pan was hot enough I carefully added the steaks and covered them. The sizzle was substantial and I knew I was going to get a good sear. The water was boiling and ready for the gnocchi. Just a few minutes later I flipped the steaks and recovered the pan. Snacking on my feta and avocado I smiled and giggled. Go out to eat? What was I thinking? I carefully plated the meal. A nice helping of gnocchi, steak in the center, avocado slices like flower petals surrounding it, crumbled feta over everything and a drizzle of meat juice and olive oil. Rather proud of my creation I realized that there was a second helping that would be my lunch the following day. I took my first bite and thought, “cooking for one isn’t so bad after all….oh crap I forgot about the spinach.”
