Since moving to New York City, I’ve had to adapt my lifestyle quite a bit. Before, while I was living at home, my mom and I would tag team on all of the elements of a meal – from the grocery shopping to the ingredient prepping to the recipe dividing. She would cook the main event (whether that was an oven-roasted chicken, mouthwatering soup, or delectable salad), while I tackled the side-elements.

Needless to say, I was in for a rude awakening when the meal curation was left to me, myself, and I. But that sparked something in my head: Why shouldn’t I make the most of my experience regardless of that fact that I was alone?

We all deserve to pamper ourselves…after all, we’re the person we spend the most time with in life! So, take advantage of those moments where you get to enjoy your own company. Once I adopted this mantra and began celebrating myself and my moments alone, my day-to-day experience improved ten-fold. In many ways, I find just as much joy (different joy, but joy nonetheless) cooking by myself as I do with others!

I mean, think about it. You make exactly what you want to eat every night. You clean up in a way that makes so much sense to you. And wow! Look at that! You play the perfect playlists every time. How’d you possibly know??

Moral of the story, if your situation has changed this past year like mine has, take it as a welcome challenge to grow in yourself and your routines. Cooking has transformed into something I love to do for others, with others, and alone…which I think is pretty cool.

Here are my tried-and-true tips to romanticizing your nights alone:

When you’re ready to log off, log off.

Work can be stressful, and incredibly time consuming. When you get the green light and it’s time to log off, though, take that opportunity to finalize that part of the day and move onto your next task – you time!

Grab your groceries (or plan out what you’re wanting to make).

During the workday, I love brainstorming on what I want to eat that night. For me, it’s like the carrot hanging on the stick in front of me – a promise of light at the end of the monotonous tunnel. Once I settle on a plan, I add all of the ingredients into my Notes app (which is the one app i could literally never live without) and get ready to dash to the store. Make sure you bring your reusable bags and pretend like you’re in a Nancy Meyers romcom. Every main character has to grab their produce at one point in the movie, right??

However, if it’s a night that you can’t be bothered to leave the house, there’s a solution for that too. As long as you make those initial grocery trips count in the beginning of the week and stock up on the basics, you can really make any meal. My choice? Something I like to call a “garbage pizza”. It’s a homemade pizza that only uses ingredients that I have in my fridge at the time (and they’re all really accessible).

Toss on your apron, pick a playlist, and get to work!

Aprons have become a sort of collection for me (i have two…but i consider that to be a collection), so I grab the apron that suits the mood, pop on a soundtrack that resonates with the night, and – of course – pour a glass of wine (in my insanely perfect Food52 Vintage Etched Glasses)! Finally, it’s time to cook. I love ditching the clock altogether and just letting the moment develop at it’s own pace. I slice each veggie with care and really dive into the recipe. You’ll be surprised at what wonders this will do for your stress levels!

Finally, dig in with your favorite comfort show or movie.

Usually, I’d suggest a book, but reading while eating is one of the most unrealistic activities out there. So, instead, opt for something that always puts you in a good mood while you feast. I love watching New Girl, Friends, or Queer Eye…all great for those “can tune out the world” vibes.

Enjoy your night and be good to yourself – you deserve it!

OH! Here’s the Garbage Pizza recipe…it’s pretty bomb:

Gluten-Free Alla Vodka “DIY” Pizza

Course Pizza

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, sliced thin
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp vodka
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (add more if you like it spicier!)
  • 1/2 cup parmesan reggiano, grated
  • kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • fresh buffalo mozzarella, torn
  • Parmesan-Reggiano, to preference
  • Pecorino Romano, to preference
  • basil pesto

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.

To Make the Sauce

  • In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil, garlic and onion over medium heat. Cook until soft. Add tomato paste and cook until it appears darker in color and a bit carmelized.
  • Add in the heavy cream. Add in the vodka and cook through until evaporated.
  • Remove pan from heat. Add in the red pepper flakes and stir until combined.
  • Add the parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Remove sauce from the heat.

To Assemble

  • Once risen, pour the sauce overtop the dough and spread. Add the cheeses and dollops of pesto.
  • Place the pizza in the oven for 10 minutes. If after 10 minutes it’s still not golden brown around the edges and cooked through underneath, continue cooking in 5 minute intervals until it is cooked to your preference.
  • Enjoy!

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