Dining Alone (Almost)

Between the time when I graduated from college and when moved to L-Town, I lived alone, which means that quite often I dined alone. There was nothing pathetic about it—I often dined out with friends or shared dinner with Conservative Boy and his roommates, mind you. But living alone typically means you dine alone fairly often, and so I did a few times a week.

That's why, when Conservative Boy went off to play golf tonight (yet another evening when it's "no girls allowed" on the golf course—harumph), I decided it was time to enjoy dinner alone like I used to in my apartment. What does that entail, you ask?

1. Cooking dinner. Nothing fancy, but real dinner. (As in, no PB&J.) One of my faves this time of year (and something Conservative Boy probably wouldn't eat because there's no meat involved): Zesty Zucchini Spaghetti with a salad. It's quite easy. While you're cooking the spaghetti noodles, combine one minced chipotle chile from a can of chipotles in adobo sauce with a tablespoon of the sauce and some minced garlic. Saute in olive oil over medium-high heat for about a minute, then add a couple of cups of shredded zucchini. Saute another four minutes or so, then toss with the spaghetti once it's cooked. To complete the dish, add a generous helping of freshly grated cheese (mozzarella and lots of Parmesan are my faves), some salt, and pepper. Serve with your salad. Easy. Delicious.

2. Listening to NPR.

3. Drinking a glass of white wine (tonight, it's chardonnay).

It's the perfect way to wind down after work.

As for the (almost)? That's because, of course, when I lived in my apartment I didn't have a happy dog looking for a bite drooling all over my leg while I ate. Alas, I'll take Butter over eating alone any day, even if I do have to go wipe said drool off.