Klancy Miller, pastry chef and contributor to Food Republic and Recipe for Success, hopes Cooking Solo will "encourage you to spend a little quality time with yourself, regardless of your age or station in life." Over brunch one day, Miller asked a few friends what they most enjoyed about being single. Answers ranged included "freedom," "never having to compromise" and "the opportunity to have space and time to myself." Miller realized these qualities reflect many of the joys of cooking solo, too: "Preparing a meal for yourself is a special exercise, an unpressured act of creativity, self-care, and validation."
While Miller's love and background in French cuisine is evident throughout Cooking Solo, most of her recipes can be prepared in 30 minutes (or less). To expedite the cooking process, Miller begins with the section Stocking Your Larder, covering staples such as salts and oils, grains and pasta, and flours and meals, to name a few, as well as basic equipment essential for any home cook. Miller's personality shines through her recipes; for instance, Chocolate Pancakes with (Oh My Gosh) Ganache and Emerald Elixir (Going Green in the A.M.); Grilled Blue Cheese with Curried Red Onions (When You Need a Hug) and Roasted Chicken Sandwich with Mango Chutney on Rye (The Tina Fey); Pasta with Kale (The Easiest Way to Eat a Superfood) and Milk Chocolate Sorbet (Bonjour Happiness). Cooking Solo celebrates the uncompromising freedom that so many singles relish, one meal at a time. --Kristen Galles from Book Club Classics