Recipes for Bachelors

Most bachelors are self-sufficient, (aside from the occasional trip back to mom's to do laundry,) but some absolutely thrive on codependency in one major facet of their existence: sustenance. While carrying on a love affair with the pizza deliveryman may be the fantasy of Samantha Jones ["Sex and the City" vixen], it's not really practical (or cheap) for the single, working man. So, here are some quick and easy recipes that even bachelors can put together to feed their bodies and souls.

1. Italian Chicken ~ 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup Italian salad dressing. Preheat oven to 350°F. Marinate chicken in salad dressing (for at least an hour.) Place chicken in baking dish and spoon leftover marinade over chicken. Bake for 35-40 minutes until no longer pink. Serve over rice ("Boil In Bag" or "Minute Rice" will do.) Add a side of pre-made "bagged" Caesar salad for a well-balanced, healthy meal.

2. Pork Chops ~ 4 bone-in, thick cut pork chops, 1 cup flour, salt & pepper to taste, 2 tbsp canola oil, 1 can tomato soup, ½ cup French fried onions. Heat skillet with oil on medium-high heat. Coat pork chops in flour, place in skillet and sprinkle with salt & pepper. Brown chops on each side and turn heat down to medium-low. Spoon tomato soup (straight from the can) over each chop. Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes until no longer pink. Top each with French fried onions right before serving. Favorite side dish with this one is a bachelor staple: Macaroni & Cheese. Add a side of canned corn and you're done.

3. Teriyaki Steak ~ 2 New York strip steaks or cut of choice, 1 cup teriyaki sauce, ½ cup minced garlic. Marinade steaks in teriyaki sauce and garlic for at least 2 hours (ideal is overnight.) Broil or grill steaks to desired doneness. Serve with baked potato and green beans.

4. Tuna Casserole ~ 1 can drained tuna, 1 cup pasta of choice, cooked and drained, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup peas, 1 cup shredded cheese. Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix tuna, pasta, soup, and peas together in casserole dish. Top with cheese and bake for 5-10 minutes or until cheese bubbles. Serve hot.

5. Baked Ziti ~ 16-oz box of ziti, cooked and drained, 1 jar pasta sauce of choice, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix cooked ziti and sauce together in baking dish and top with cheese. Bake for 10 minutes until cheese is melted. Serve with "Bachelor's Garlic Toast," which is sandwich bread toast coated in melted or soft butter and sprinkled with garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, add some chopped zucchini to the pasta sauce and your vegetable is covered, too!

Bachelors are a primitive species. They come and go as they please, leave the cap off the toothpaste, the toilet seat up, and they answer to no one. But being a bachelor (by choice or by fate) doesn't mean you have to surrender your palette or your money on fast food or take-out. It also doesn't mean you're stuck eating Cheese Whiz and Spam every night, either. I won't even begin to tell you what my bachelor father-in-law (love ya', Pop) cooks...think "hot-dog-surprise soup!" On second thought...

Making the adjustment without your Tuesday night visit from Domino's can be like detox, but many times it takes longer to wait on a pizza than to whip up something tastier and cheaper! Plus, you don't have to cut your delivery buddy from your life completely… he can be your best man if you decide to [dare I say it?] give up bachelorhood. Stranger things have happened.