*furiously looking up why she doesn't know that Judith Jones wrote a book on solo cooking*
Absolutely devoured this essay. I often cook, dine, and eat alone. I am plating breakfasts on a plate I bought 15 years ago because who needs 16-piece paraphernalia when you can enjoy a decadent sandwich all by yourself knowing how many hours of condiment research went between those slices. So glad I came across this essay!
This is a really cool piece, and I've been meaning to read the Judith Jones book for a while, so a great reminder. The book you announced, The spinster cookbook sounds fascinating too.
I so loved reading this piece. Interestingly, when I got divorced I struggled to eat at the table and now, one of my favourite ways has a sense of urgency to it. I have breakfast bar but I actually like standing at the counter a bit like you would at a market place. I cook very functional meals and sometimes rely on a lady who caters for the more intensive dishes that I grew up with. My split freed me from the tyranny of every day meals and for a long time I felt guilty about feeling. I was mixed up with the idea of how feeding oneself is seen as care for yourself. And caring for yourself in compromise seems like another of those mothering sorts of rituals that romanticise care without acknowledging the labour of it.
*furiously looking up why she doesn't know that Judith Jones wrote a book on solo cooking*
Absolutely devoured this essay. I often cook, dine, and eat alone. I am plating breakfasts on a plate I bought 15 years ago because who needs 16-piece paraphernalia when you can enjoy a decadent sandwich all by yourself knowing how many hours of condiment research went between those slices. So glad I came across this essay!
This is a really cool piece, and I've been meaning to read the Judith Jones book for a while, so a great reminder. The book you announced, The spinster cookbook sounds fascinating too.
Thank you so much! And yes, Eli’s book is excellent — if you liked this piece, you’ll definitely enjoy it.
I so loved reading this piece. Interestingly, when I got divorced I struggled to eat at the table and now, one of my favourite ways has a sense of urgency to it. I have breakfast bar but I actually like standing at the counter a bit like you would at a market place. I cook very functional meals and sometimes rely on a lady who caters for the more intensive dishes that I grew up with. My split freed me from the tyranny of every day meals and for a long time I felt guilty about feeling. I was mixed up with the idea of how feeding oneself is seen as care for yourself. And caring for yourself in compromise seems like another of those mothering sorts of rituals that romanticise care without acknowledging the labour of it.
I loved my little reading journey of your piece & the thoughts it prompted on why I plate. Thank you