Eating Alone

In my house eating alone means eating with one or two other people. The concept of eating absolutely alone is mind boggling, but wonderful. I began to read a book called Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant edited by Jenni Ferrari-Adler which is about how different people feel about eating alone and what they eat by themselves. All these writers put together little tiny chapters about their experiences and the food that they love. 

Of course, it's impossible to get through a full essay before something happens to get you away from the book. I imagine that it would be perfect to read while at a restaurant alone. I dream of congee, an Asian rice porridge with spicy, sour, smoky, salty toppings. Plenty of broccoli, peanuts, chilies, and garlic over the top of the creamy, delicious base. That's what I would eat alone! The book took me into that world for a few minutes. My whole being relaxed and the stress of the last few years melted away. I strongly recommend it.

My congee with all it's delightfully not child-friendly toppings (at least I don't know any kids who like pickled or spicy veg on top of rice porridge) takes several hours of simmering to make. As if it needed to be a further dream, less of a possible reality. So when I actually eat alone (without friends or children or any family members or other people at all, just me) I make chili. I start with a can of vegetarian chili, probably hormel unless I chanced to splurge on organic at the health food store, and I don't buy it with extra veg because I'll add my own. It can be served over left over corn bread or rice or with saltine crackers or however you like your chili. Eat it exactly how you prefer yours. Use the recipe as a template, not a law. This is all about personal preference without worrying about others, so take it where ever your taste buds tell you to. Enjoy alone and savor.