One and two person households are a growing sector in Minnesota and the United States. The U.S. has more than 61 million one- and two-person households. They all have something in common: They need to eat.

With a little planning, you can enjoy healthy and delicious meals whether you’re dining alone or with a companion. Sometimes, cooking for one or two may seem like it’s not worth the trouble; however, everyone needs a variety of foods to stay healthy. Homemade meals usually are more nutritious, better tasting and more economical compared with restaurant meals. Nutrition and physical activity play a vital role in maintaining good health.

Finding inspiration may be one of the biggest challenges when it comes to cooking for one. Fortunately, you can find a multitude of cookbooks about cooking for one or two people. Some even provide practical advice on such things as selecting healthy foods, planning menus, shopping and reading food labels.

Don’t be afraid to mix things up and try a nutritious snack instead of a traditional meal when you’re short on time or energy. For example, spread a brown rice cake with ricotta cheese and fresh strawberries or herbed goat cheese and sliced olives. Other snack-turned-meal ideas are corn muffins served with apple and cheese slices, or fat-free refried beans mixed with salsa, a small amount of low-fat sour cream and baked tortilla chips.

Friday, Feb. 24 at 3:30 p.m., come to the Senior Center learn and share tips for eating balanced meals. Ruth Neil will be teaching a class on shopping and cooking for one or two. You will sample a salad, skillet meal and a smoothie. The focus will be on how to make new meals with yesterdays leftover. We will be handing out healthy recipes for you to take home. Sponsored by the University of Minnesota Extension Office. Please sign up a head of time so we know how many to prepare for. Call 433-2370 ext 0 to sign up.

 

Upcoming Events

Monday: Blood pressure, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Evies Exercise, 1 p.m.

Tuesday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; SilverSneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4 p.m.; Zumba, 5:30 p.m.; movie, “Forest Gump,” 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Wood Carvers Club, 8:30 a.m.; Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Cribbage), 12:30 p.m.;

Stitching Bees, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.

Thursday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Bingo, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; Computer Class, 2 p.m.; Silver Sneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4 p.m.; Zumba, 5:30 p.m.

Friday: Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; Cards (Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Cooking for one or two, 3:30 p.m.

 

Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

Feb. 6, two tables

1st Dave Solomonson, 2nd Betty Jorgenson, 3rd Bud Higgins, 4th Jaynard Johnson, 5th Shirley Knowlton

Pinochle

1st Dave Solomonson

Tuesday Duplicate Bridge

Feb. 3, four and a half tables

1st Lorraine Lippert, 1st Dave Solomonson, 2nd Russ Vaale, 2nd Mabel Vaale, 3rd Gene Muchow, 3rd Ron Peters, 4th Joyce Crowe, 4th Arne Lang, 5th Connie Johnson, 5th Betty Jorgenson

Tuesday”500”

Feb. 10, three tables

1st Jenny Downing, 2nd Beulah Luthe, 3rd Gene Rauen, 4th Eddie Hall

Weekly “500”

Feb. 7, three tables

1st Wayne Chilson, 2nd Carol Rieken, 3rd Hilton Henschen, 4th Barb Dickman

Friday Bridge

Feb. 10, three tables

1st Ron Peters, 2nd Judy Burgum, 3rd Betty Jorgeson, 4th Arnie Lang, 4th Mary Johnson

Weekly Cribbage

Feb. 8, three tables

1st Dorothy Schloo, 2nd Loretta Prantner, 3rd Barb Dickman

Weekly “500”

Feb. 7, three tables

1st Wayne Chilson, 2nd Carol Riecken, 3rd Hilton Henschen, 4th Barb Dickman

 

Semcac Daily Meals

Monday: Chicken breast

Tuesday: Swiss Steak

Wednesday: Kielbasa

Thursday: Chicken ala King

Friday: Tuna Casserole