Soup for one?

[JazzZen]

I decided to try to rise above the rain today and make chicken soup. Since I've been cooking for one, I've not been able to come up with a way to make a small amount of soup. It just goes against my grain to restrict myself when it comes to adding things to soup. I tried once to start with a game hen rather than a chicken hoping I could keep it small that way. Uh uh. Didn't work. I added so much "stuff," it was as voluminous as usual, just with less meat per scoop.
I do eat canned soup, but making soup is a nurturing thing on days like today, and you can't get that from a can. Any great ideas out there about how to make a small-er amount of soup? or spaghetti?
Oh - the soup is excellent - and it's a good thing, because I'll be eating it for months to come (if I have room in the freezer!)
Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

[EngineerMike]

1) Make a lot.
2) freeze what you don't eat in 1qt. ziplocks
3) enjoy good soup whenever you want.

A family friend does this for my 102 year old granny. Works like a charm.

[JazzZen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EngineerMike 1) Make a lot. 2) freeze what you don't eat in 1qt. ziplocks 3) enjoy good soup whenever you want. A family friend does this for my 102 year old granny. Works like a charm.

Sometimes I forget to look for the easy answers :-/
I never think to freeze in ziplocks - likely because of the potential for disastrous spills, particularly where liquid is involved :-) But I could certainly make a huge batch of soup and not worry about it if I used ziplocks rather than containers to freeze the leftovers. Too late for this batch, but I'll go that route next time.
Thanks!

[Lynnvt]

How about 1 small can chicken stock, 1 chicken leg, 1 carrot, 1 small onion, 1 celery stalk and 1/8 cup of rice.

[CorsairIIAT]

I wish produce would be sold in smaller packages for singles like us. It tends to go bad before I can use it all.

[JazzZen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CorsairIIAT I wish produce would be sold in smaller packages for singles like us. It tends to go bad before I can use it all.

I do too. As if groceries aren't expensive enough as it is - then to throw stuff away because you can't eat it all?! I usually end up eating broccoli or asparagus for 2 or 3 days in a row. Gets old, and I try to change things up a bit by dressing leftovers up. Doesn't always work.
Cooking for one can be a pita. But it has it's perks!

[GOLDWINGER2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JazzZen I do too. As if groceries aren't expensive enough as it is - then to throw stuff away because you can't eat it all?! I usually end up eating broccoli or asparagus for 2 or 3 days in a row. Gets old, and I try to change things up a bit by dressing leftovers up. Doesn't always work. Cooking for one can be a pita. But it has it's perks!

Find a ranch style market and you can buy what you need. The per pound price is cheaper also.
J

[goreds2]

These work well for me.

[Lorna]

cooking for 2 recipes | cooking for one recipes |
Crock Pot Recipes for Two
Recipes For 2 People Recipes
Easy Recipes For Two People - Life123

[decodancer]

I've got a small crock pot and it's so nice to come home to a ready dinner after a busy day. A couple of chicken thighs, boxed broth and a few veggies and add the noodles at the end works fine. Even a cheap porkchop is fork tender when cooked with mushroom soup in a crock pot, add a cup of rice and canned or fresh green beans for a great meal. I usually do eat the same meal for lunch the next day

[ralper]

Why buy expensive chicken broth when some bullion cubes or packets work just as well and are eaiser on the budget ? ? ? ? ? This inquiring mind would like to know.

If your freezer is too full remember it is not too hard to put some in canning jars. Then refrigeration is not needed.

[Frank P. Martin]

We like this recipe that's usually found on the Swanson Chicken Broth can. It's called Sensational Chicken Noodle Soup. Rather than copy it (as I'm sure to leave out something), here's the link to the recpie on the Cambell's (who also owns Swanson) Kitchen website.

Campbell's Kitchen: Sensational Chicken Noodle Soup

For the chicken, we toss in a can of chicken breast that we buy in Sam's Club. We buy the Swanson Chicken Broth there too.

[JazzZen]

Great ideas and links! Thanks everyone. Tonight I'm having safeway chicken noodle soup and sourdough bread - and red wine, or course I'll try some of the other ideas soon!
Keep 'em comin'!

[ischua]

Ground or very thinly sliced meat will give better flavor. One burger turkey or beef busted up with a bullion cube to match with a packet of Birdseye "Singles" frozen veggies and a little leftover rice
If you like Oysters
small container of oysters two cups milk. celery salt and fresh ground black pepper heat (5min) but don't boil add crackersand and a pat of butter. very good on a cold day