The Famous Skillet
plus other kitchen essentials for the solo cook
Hello and happy Monday team,
Welcome back to Table for One, thanks for pulling up a seat!
‘What size skillet do you use?’ is by far the question I am asked most frequently, and for good reason. I think I owe a fair percentage of my career thus far to this skillet and have received hundreds of messages from people who have started their solo cooking journeys by purchasing one for themselves.
I thought it would be helpful to collate some of my favourite kitchen essentials all in one place, with links, so you have a one stop shop for the solo cook. Plus, at the end I’ve added some more fun homeware/kitchen bits to make meal times feel extra special, because a nice tablecloth and a cute butter dish really can do wonders for the soul.
Speaking of wonders for the soul, I must confess that I am a little lacking in that department at the moment. I mentioned ‘the funk’ in this video, and it’s not quite shifted yet so I apologise if this comes across in my work. BUT (there is always a but), at times like this I must return to Disneyland circa 2004. For during Disneyland circa 2004, my mum and I coined the saying ‘when you go up, you gotta go down’. Now of course we were talking about Thunder Mountain, my most favourite of all the rides, but I think the principle applies here too. The book was a huge up, and so a small down after makes sense- such is the rollercoaster of life! So whilst I’m still pootling along on a slower section of the ride, I trust that it won’t last and that there are many more ups to come. Including a new substack series starting in September! I hope you’ll enjoy it, but perhaps more importantly, I think I’ll enjoy making it.
Until then, pots and pans!!
The kitchen can be a sanctuary, so we might as well make it pretty. And if we can’t make it pretty then we can at least make it functional. So, here we go.
note this post does contain some affiliate links x
The Functional
The Skillet
I think the key thing you need when cooking for one is a pan that can go both on the hob and in the oven. This really is one of the secrets to one-pan cooking as it means you don’t have to transfer to a different dish for a different cooking method. Cast iron is very hardy and long lasting which is why it’s such a good choice. I have a couple of skillets, and the Lodge one is my favourite though it is slightly more expensive than the Overmont. In general, I’d say you want a skillet anywhere between 6.5-8inches/17-20cm.
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet 20cm/8”
Overmont Cast Iron Skillet- 7.7”/19.5cm
The Mini Always Pan
When looking for a pan that can go on the hob and in the oven, the Our Place Mini Always pan is also a good option. It is exceptionally cute in looks, though has slightly more limited cooking options (you’re not really supposed to cook at high temperatures) so bear that in mind.
Pie/Dessert Dishes
Next up is a small pie or casserole dish. An enamel pie dish (around 18-20cm) is a great all rounder, and the Le Creuset mini casserole dish is so perfect for single-serve desserts.
Le Creuset Mini Casserole Dish
Utensils
If you’re using a small pot, it only makes sense to use a small utensil as well- that’s just science! Plus it helps get in all the corners. You can see a size comparison below. Sometimes smaller is better my friends!
Other Kitchen Faves
These last few bits aren’t just essentials for the solo cook. I think ALL kitchens should have them! A microplane and a citrus squeezer will change your life. Grating garlic, ginger, cheese etc. is so much easier with a microplane, and a citrus squeezer ensures you get the most juice from your squeeze so to say.
Scales are an essential for solo cooking. When you’re working in smaller quantities, variations in weight can make a bigger difference. So be precise, plus it can save washing up!
The Pretty
Butter Dish
I found Plop Pottery on Tiktok a couple of weeks ago and immediately ordered a butter dish for myself and my sister. They are GORGEOUS and I’m so excited for mine to arrive. Plus, supporting small independent brands where you can is always a win.
I’ve ordered the yellow check, and my sister went for the brown stripe. Divine.
Tablecloth
You know what they say, the tablecloth maketh the meal. Actually I’m not sure anyone has said that before, but perhaps they should. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t always set the table for a meal I’m eating alone (frequently the table doesn’t even get involved to be quite honest) but, I do notice that when there is a tablecloth laid out it brings a serenity to the meal, and I’ll take a little extra serenity where I can find it. This one is 100% cotton so washes well and the neutral stripe means it goes with everything.
Salt & Pepper Grinders
These put the FUN in functional. Yes, maybe they should be listed in the first category but they’re also exceptionally pretty. Mainly though, it’s perhaps the best grinding I’ve witnessed in my 28 years (hazy memories of nightclubs excluded, though I can’t imagine it’s much competition, these salt and pepper bad boys really know what they’re doing). I’ve converted many family members to these, and they really do make seasoning your food much more fun.
Mugs
I fell in love with Eleanor Bowmer mugs when I saw her zodiac collection and now I fear I must buy everything she makes. I have 3 mugs now and love them. My scorpio mug is my favourite though (would you guess I’m a scorpio). Another fab option are the colourful fluted Royal Copenhagen mugs. Buy one or collect them all.
Candles
I’ve bought this Geranium & Basil candle a couple of times now for my kitchen. It’s cheap and it’s scent lasts (rare for a candle these days) and the smell of basil through your kitchen is pretty lovely. Pop into your local sainsburys and pick one up. You could buy my book while you’re there…
Caraffes
Water is kind of boring, caraffes are kind of fun! Stay hydrated in style with a lovely little glass and jug combo.
The End
Finally, a reminder that you can get 2 weekly meal plans a month if you upgrade your subscription.
Meal Plan 3 is available here.
BIG LOVE & HAPPY COOKING,
Eleanor x