Is Cooking for Yourself Worth It? 27 Meals in One Week | NYT Cooking

[@powerofalto]

I hope that even if Vaughn gets into a relationship he continues this Cooking For One series. It’s indispensable for this single person who hates cooking for themself.

[@SinisterSaturation]

This may be me being dumb, but is a series?? I looked and couldn't find any more. Would love a single series.

[@JhoanD]

i hope im the one he gets into a relationship with

[@lemonadeslices]

grocery list for the week: carbs: - pasta - bread (toast, sourdough) - oats (for granola) - tortillas - flour (for pancakes, dumplings) proteins: - tuna - shrimp/prawn - seabass - eggs - anchovies - salmon (seared + served with capers, lemon, dill, greens, pasta salad) - whole chicken - pork chops - ham - sausages (with pancakes) veg + herbs: - shallots + scallions - onions - tomatoes (cherry, sliced) - greens? lettuce for salad; spinach (sauteed with eggs and toast) - asparagus (in lemon, old bay, pepper) - broccoli - cucumbers - celery - artichokes (steamed) - sweet potatoes (roasted) fruits & nuts & cheese + dairy + spreads: - raspberries, blueberries, lemons (compote; smoothie), lime - hazelnuts, pistachios - parm, marscapone, ricottam - almond milk - yogurt, butter - almond butter, cherry jam - honey - poppy seeds - maple syrup - popcorn - rhubarb (compote) condiments & spices - olive oil - salt, pepper - basil, red pepper flakes - mayo, hot sauce, paprika, cumin, coriander, cilantro, parsley - mustard, vinaigrette, dill - instant dashi, mirin, soy sauce - tahini - nutritional yeast - stock (chicken?) - white wine - mint - hot sauce, siracha, jalapeno - hummus (on toast!)

[@maanasadhavala3916]

bless you

[@thebridgewalker2129]

Thank you for writing up the list!❤️

[@Mkay999]

Commenting to find. Thank you ☺️

[@sertasheeps]

You forgot one very prominent ingredient... Money.. lol

[@RMGrmgryfry1024479]

God bless you

[@jonathanrubinstein5947]

I love this guy, he cooks just how I like to cook for myself: practical but without compromise

[@andersgraham6661]

Okay, so as one of Vaughn's self-proclaimed biggest fans, this is one of my favorite videos of his because, not only was it an entire journey, but the care taken in the last Sunday mean meant so much, especially considering his Nana's recent passing, and this was just the best tribute.

[@robertescobedo7335]

What an absolutely incredible human being. He just radiates authenticity and love. Such a joy to watch

[@vejrubia]

This has been one of the most helpful cooking videos I’ve seen in a long time. Love this format with multiple simple meal ideas rather than a single recipe.

[@laceymjohnson]

The dinner of dips, shrimp cocktail, and a martini is goals. Loved this!

[@danielkim7841]

Honestly this is goals. But this same dinner minus the dips and the shrimp cocktail is just good enough if u know what I mean?!

[@kellyradtke4885]

Seriously my favorite - snacks for dinner! Whenever, wherever. It's kinda how charcuterie became a thing I think 🤔

[@515aleon]

I do tapas for one. Really nice dinner of some sort of dip (mayo and paprika and or hot sauce; romesco, cocktail sauce) and about 5 or 6 things that would go in it. shrimp, cheese, roasted potatoes, small piece of sourdough, something like brocolli or asparagus.

[@weshasawi]

The “not trying to impress anyone” mindset is key 👌🏻

[@dalyriyadh2685]

Well,i like to impress me 😎

[@creak22]

Vaughn’s content makes me feel less sad about getting dumped!! My new comfort show

[@ldp0567]

Watching Vaughn cook for one while daydreaming about being his number two.

[@SeventhEve]

I was like, hey, we're both single and in NYC, you could just cook for both of us. Save you some trouble! xD

[@vparker1543]

Right? I've thought about it, but my name is Vonn... that'd be too much, right?

[@jadejaguar69]

He's freaking adorable

[@danielkim7841]

Oh no you need to get in line. The line starts around the block and cutting in line to get to the front is rude! Just kidding

[@jesusofsuburbia3675]

Sameeee

[@benl6328]

Ok. Grocery shopping is an art. Meal plan. Make a list. Learn the layout. Don't go in hungry. The best way to save money is eat everything you cook. Looking at deals is secondary but never miss an opportunity to buy items on sale that you ALREADY use! I do most of the cooking for a family of 5. We eat extremely well. Had ribs with a salad for supper to guve you an idea. 125$/person for a month. That's everything! Snacks, meals, drinks.

[@cecesvids4897]

i got emo watching this video for some reason, i can’t pinpoint exactly why. but the energy, and “aura,” so to speak, that this man radiates is just ☺️ so comforting! this video was like a really warm hug just when i needed it

[@juliaunger913]

I loved hearing Vaughn's Nanny at the end of the video. I've never had chicken and dumplings, but I love hearing about people's family recipes and how they helped them start their cooking careers. precious man.

[@Sheerambivalence]

Can we get more meals in a week by Vaughn?! Such a great series and so much inspiration in this video!

[@aigoochamnaa]

This is like the boujee-r Budget Eats in which there is no budget

[@sebeckley]

Yeah. His $20 pork chop was probably on sale for $18.

[@daisy19992]

As much as I love June’s videos, I think this video is more practical for actual dinner inspo. I just don’t see myself eating lentils and veggies doused in red pepper nice tasty 😅

[@rockpooladmirer]

@@daisy19992I will say, adding a fried egg and some chutney to lentil and veg meals makes them lush. also, cooking with coconut milk, making tasty rice like fried rice, garlic rice, coconut rice, pilau, etc. is great too! and not too pricey

[@MsYamkela]

I truly enjoy watching you Vaughn, you're officially a friend in my head.

[@tammiepulley7167]

When you started making chicken and dumplings I almost cried. It’s my favorite dish that my mom and grandma made. They called it chicken pastry but it looked exactly like what you made. “Bless your heart”. You made my day. Tammie -grew up in NC.

[@catherinegreen8440]

My heart warmed when he said “dumplins”. From NC

[@MichaelToa]

I love to cook and love feeding my friends and family, but I also feel it’s so comforting to cook just for myself. It’s a treat myself moment. I can absolutely have anything I love and enjoy eating, and no portion control lol. I feel we should be best friends.

[@marisacantu9567]

Me and my 6-year-old loved this video! She made me rewind the “Is that a buggy? It is a buggy. Hello little fella” part 5 times. Too cute!

[@nhdismeh9402]

Having a bit of Claire’s presence made my day haha

[@bengriffin5146]

Vaughn’s cooking for one series is the best thing on this channel! Is it perfect? No. Is it FABULOUS? Yes! Yes! Yes!!

[@danielkim7841]

I'm sorry but Vaughn's many girlfriend/boyfriend wanna bes will take great offense at saying he is not perfect. Fabulous is practically a step down for his admirers!

[@stephenward2743]

This was made much harder by the decision to make every meal unique in components. The most sustinable way to do something is to have base dishes that you can apply variations to that keep them interesting

[@stephenward2743]

@Foreign Policy wow what a nice thing to say

[@chloethepooh123]

@Foreign Policy or someone who knows how to shop smartly 😤

[@llm4187]

Right? Last nights dinner can be turned into tomorrow’s lunch.

[@dargosinger]

Also, just make the food in large batches. Have some for lunch. Freeze some for later.

[@corgeousgeorge]

what I love about this is how it shows us that even with a very small kitchen (that half a fridge, that half an oven!) that you can still make great food and fresh ideas.

[@GamingFoodie]

Don't know if you're editing this down for time but seriously this can be over an hour long and I will watch every minute. Want to see more of the prep of how these meals come together!

[@mikaylaoj]

I love cooking for one it’s like an act of self-love and cooking cultural foods always gives me a sense of accomplishment as well as comfort 🙂

[@annaelisavettavonnedozza9607]

That is a perfect way of explaining it! ❤️

[@MerleONeal]

Oh look! my favorite human is blessing the internet💚

[@simondoomslayer4283]

If it doesn’t work out, there’s wine... new life motto 💚

[@anonanon4310]

Non-budget eats June where u at (This man is lovely, cute, and I enjoy his vids, ty NYT)

[@danielkim7841]

His cooking skills and wallet are better than u. Or anyone of us for that matter

[@theherd5830]

Ok…The Cooking Channel needs to grab this guy..(so would I) and give him his own show! A lot of us can so relate.

[@ceciliapayseur6823]

Love this video! Cooking for one while staying creative AND minimizing waste is such a struggle sometimes. This is great inspo on keeping it interesting and fun, and most importantly, self-nourishing!

[@flowersafeheart]

I didn't "unhinged...off his rocker...hot mess" at all, just awesome, inspiring cooking fun! It looked absolutely delicious and the grandmother tribute meal was especially great. A take away for me is definitely that you can make meals feel special with citrus, herbs, fresh produce or salt!

[@user-pi2eu6uz8p]

"Honestly just gonna be like a countdown till I fully break and go get McDonald's." And shrimp chips. A man who lives in NYC and can cook but isn't a food snob. Love him.

[@lapeter100]

Vaughn you have such a pleasant personality and your so fun to watch. This gave me some great ideas for meals for my husband and I.

[@200eletide]

I legit watch this on a weekly basis. Come back, Vaughn!

[@chillarypuff]

As a single person who cooks for themself: I LOVED THIS and the chef, please keep doing this content!!

[@nicholo1]

Y’all gotta keep the text up a moment longer damn some us do read

[@santiagouribe-saenz8474]

Hahaha same. Couldn’t read anything

[@danielkim7841]

How the hell is Vaughn gonna make 27 meals if he is reading the captions all day?!? Also he is trying to find someone. Do you want to read or do you wanna go out and find someone!?!

[@SL-vs7fs]

There’s that pause button.

[@ZoeRoseHamilton]

Okay, I thoroughly enjoyed Vaughn's commentary and all these super realistic meals. I cannot wait to make some of these! What I realized is that I kept having to pause the video to process what he was was making. Like YES he is charming and we want a whole show just about him, but ALSO can we not flash the ingredients and actual closeup of the meal for only .2 seconds? I had to keep rewinding to gather the actual point of the video and it took me twice as long to finish this video lol.

[@caitlynoneil]

this was my fav nytcooking video!! we need more videos of vaughn and videos like this

[@benjaminwalcott]

All I can think about is whatever you were doing with Claire at 3:42, hahaha

[@amaz21]

I can’t believe they didn’t link that video… kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGXRp3qQiahsiKc

[@benjaminwalcott]

@@amaz21 Oh wow, it’s from two months ago?! How long do they wait to post these videos, I wonder?

[@navyboi80]

OMG me too!

[@pmo873]

This guy needs his own youtube channel~ I LOVE HIM!!!

[@willowbreeze4859]

This is how my mom expects me to be cooking for myself when I moved out!

[@nando_bk]

When you started talking about your grandma it hit me right in my heart 😢

[@caressmonet]

Vaughn is one of the few people I’m willing to watch for 20 minutes on KZbin. Such great ideas!

[@tatiaswain]

Audibly let out an “OHHH” when he sautéed the leftover lettuce. Genius!

[@araschanne1]

I've been feeling really stuck with meals and food lately, and this just gave me so much love and inspiration. Thank you :) Everything looked so delicious!!

[@pretzelsfan]

this is REAL cooking. love it. if the video/clips were longer, you would not get a simple complaint!

[@cassiesugito]

Love this video. Definitely great to see some left over ideas that aren't just reheated versions of what was eaten the night before

[@shinebabyshine.]

I see myself watching this at least 10x more. Can you all turn this into a regular series, even if modified a bit? 🙏🏽💗

[@Kayla-ok1rj]

dear NYT cooking, Vaughn is an absolute treasure!!!

[@ymb6987]

Vaughn is a delight and treasure! These meals are lovely making cooking for one's self completely worth it!

[@victoriamuir8988]

When I have leftover salad I make salad sandwiches. I mix it with hummus, cream cheese, mashed avocado or whatever other binder I can find and spread it on some good ol’ crusty toast. Whenever it resembles appetizers I call it “chippers and dippers” and, yes, a martini makes it an official dinner.

[@treescolorswizards]

Really appreciate the laid back approach to cooking for one. Please keep these videos coming. Vaughn in awesome

[@carolynhconrad]

This is so cozy!!! Any way we can get a meal plan?? Grocery list?

[@whatshername369]

I was thinking that too. I don't read fast enough let alone write as fast as the ingredients flashed on the screen.

[@danielkim7841]

If you find this cozy forget about the meal plan and grocery list, just forcibly kidnap Vaughn against his will and keep him against his wishes in your house! I think it cannot get any cozier than that!

[@roseclouds5838]

just buy one of those food boxes

[@Shelsight]

Someone did the shopping list - check out newest comments :)

[@shan22777]

@@whatshername369 pause the vid :)

[@coneil72]

He is delightful. It's frustrating that all the text with actual details about the meals flashes and disappears from the screen so quickly.

[@CityCinderella]

Funnest ‘cooking for 1’ video ever. “If it doesn’t work out, at the end of the day - there’s still wine” lol Even me who cooks for two almost every nite when working full time and commuting (ugh commuting) learned a new thing or two! Plus Vaughn is charmingly entertaining!! Thank you!

[@smallnachos]

Loved this! My favorite part of cooking for myself is making it feel special, so excited to see that here!

[@jackc5315]

One of NYT Cooking’s best videos. Right up there with Erin Jeanne McDowell and Vaughn. Thanks.

[@sarah1439]

Aw first time watching Vaughn & absolutely loved this ! More please

[@jasongans]

One tip I would add for handling a whole loaf of bread while living alone is to slice and then freeze each piece in tin foil (and ziplock). Takes a bit of time but then you just grab two slices and throw in the toaster every morning and you are good to go 👍 Another tip would be to make a large dish (a curry, a biryani) and just reheat the next day- but I believe for this exercise he wanted to avoid that 🤔

[@faureamour]

Just getting back from out of town. Finally time to watch Vaughn. Did not disappoint.

[@ABlueDahlia]

Such a fan of your's now! Looks like your future is quite bright and can I say what a lucky man to whomever gets to be by your side going forward!

[@rosevanguard]

I’ve always cooked for myself. You have to enjoy the practice and act of cooking and not have a lot of money. Also,you want restaurant quality food, but with the quarter of the cost and no tipping! Leftovers are my friend.

[@shontelhorneonline]

He’s the most adorable! And I got lots of inspo.

[@JACKeREB3]

3:46 OMG CLAIRREEEE THE LOVE OF MY LIFEEEE

[@user-fr2bj4yi6h]

So sweet, just what I needed. Keeping it real and very informative.❤❤❤❤❤

[@TheMcChelle]

This is the best video I have watched all week! Very inspiring.

I just love this guy. So authentic and funny.

[@RespectedProfessional]

I don’t watch many NYT cooking vids, they tend to lose my attention but I was RAPT for this one. I’m a new fan of Vaughn!

[@co7314]

It took a lot of trial and error for me to get in a groove for food prep for myself (I'm single & really busy). I used to pack up complete meals in special containers, but not all meals keep well or reheat well. I now do the following: Breakfast M-F is the same thing all year (oatmeal with raisins, cinnamon, & a pinch of salt, plus coffee with cream & sugar) Breakfast on the weekends is relatively special but still quick, like 2 eggs scrambled with ham & swiss, or greek yogurt with mango & almonds. For lunches & dinners T-F, I bulk prep on Monday after work & wash/chop veggies (packaged seperately), cook protein & cut into portions, make grains/rice/pasta, etc. It makes it a lot easier to put things together quickly. For me, the key to avoiding food waste was planning amounts carefully, vacuum-sealing uncooked meat that was extra in the package, and using _flavor_ (wide variety of spice mixes, salad dressings, oils, vinegars, tubes of tomato paste, minced ginger, minced lemongrass, & pesto, a medley of pickled things, nuts, seeds, etc).

[@arambehbodi8819]

This is probably one of the best videos I’ve ever watched 😭💜

[@kimFRIDAY]

One of my favorite videos you guys have done in ages. LOVE!

[@sixxy666]

I love your vibe and endurance during such a hot summer! You made it seem effortless creating masterpieces for one! Love it!

[@magicpony9]

Great idea for a video because I’ve always wondered about the cost benefit analysis of cooking for one as opposed to going to a cheap meal out. May I make a suggestion? I would have liked a cost breakdown of each meal, not only in dollars and cents but also in the “hands-on” time spent on each meal. I guess not the right video for that, but the title is sort of misleading.

[@kstreet]

Budget Bytes does that, giving cost breakdowns per ingredient/serving in recipes, plus sometimes tips to cook efficiently or get a better value out of your ingredients. Though her cooking is a little more on the practical rather than gourmet side of things, I've found excellent recipes from her that I've enjoyed time and time again.

[@moonie8830]

Yeah the title doesn't work with the content of the video, but I can't imagine that it would ever be cheaper to get food prepared by others than yourself. It it's cheap, the hidden cost will probably be in how the food lacks nutrition and makes the consumer sick if it's eaten often.

[@AdonisNesser]

I'm so excited to make all these things, it's so refreshing to see someone as obsessed with veggies and condiments as I am

[@Dana-gt7nf]

I need this to be a weekly series... Vaughn get yourself a youtube channel!!!

[@colechapman6976]

Cooking is definitely worth it. If you have the time/space in a kitchen, do it! I've been making a lot of salmon and I found that it's cheaper to make salmon rather than to just go out to eat and have a salmon for dinner. The thing is, the quantity vs. cost that you get is really good. Instead of spending 16 dollars on a salmon dinner going out, you can spend that amount on salmon at a good grocery store and get much more with that money. It also saves you the time it takes to get to the restaurant or the fees that pile up while ordering. Likewise, fast food is another budget buster. Paying 3 bucks for some gross and unhealthy sandwich every day does not make sense when you can make much more, at a cheaper rate, at home. Coffee is another area that you can make a whole lot cheaper. Buy a French press, a tea kettle, and make the coffee yourself. It takes a few more minutes but it's more efficient than having to go to a cafe every morning. Also, each cup would cost around 1 dollar, and you can make a lot of cups per bag. It saves hundreds of dollars a month to make it yourself and it probably will taste better too! All these convenience foods and lifestyles are really expensive and a good way to save would be to stop eating fast food, ordering coffee at a cafe, and going out to eat

[@omglookpoptart]

he is all those things and we love him for it

[@imianco8079]

i am sold to whatever he is making.. very relevant ! thank you & hello from milwaukee !

[@lindseybrush7322]

What an incredible video. Happy, fun, care-free, inspiring and insightful!

[@canyildiz5966]

im very busy too, but i still want to enjoy the kitchen space when im at home and eat healthy . in my schedule i somehow manage to never eat outside. here's how: first, get into the habit of having some 'food basics' constantly in your pantry. what i mean is, you should be comfortsble enough in the kitchen thst you can cook something without preparation anytime. there should always be tomatoes, always be onions, always rice, always olivoil etc. this will save u lots of money too; have a easy, core breakfast meal which consists of essentially the same ingredients everytime. so my breakfast everyday tends to look like 2 eggs, a small avocado, a piece of bread, some olives, then a banana and coffee. knowing wat you will eat everymorning is a huge saver man; my final tip is to not cook just single portions every time. if im making some rice, i will make 2-3 portions worth even if its just for me. then, i can have the core component of my next meal for the next day ready. or if im frying up some veg, i'll do extra and put it in a container. thing this will get boring? just make a different sauce the compliment it than you did last time. or new protein. finally, i make sure i really cook on weekends. i treat myself. i spend less money than everyone else on food on an average week AND i still manage to eat significantly better than 90%. this way, i dont have to compromise on good ingredients. my olive oil is top quality, my cheese is great, i dont drink the cheapest wine on the shelf, my eggs are fresh. but i want to emphasis, the key to all of this i just knowing your way around your kitchen and the ingredients you use most regularly.

[@arlenesolis024]

From the asparagus to nanny chicken and dumplings omg I drooled the whole time. I’m in love with his style..keep it simply delicious 😋. I’m working on the wedding cakes for one ☝️

[@92SammyL]

That last meal “chicken and dumpling” reminds me of Korean dish “Dak Sujebi” which is chicken and hand-picked-out dough in a soup. I reckon that your nanny had wide range of sight for cooking 🧑‍🍳

[@hummersd]

I want to visit that set someday. Love the different-colored glasses! All these foods look so delish! 😋

[@fyadub1]

Loved this series. Learning to use what you have on hand to make delicious meals. Hope to see more of this style of cooking.

[@diakim753]

what an amazing chef. everything he touches turns out amazing. would buy a cookbook if he ever published one!

[@arlenesolis024]

Omg when are you doing more episodes….I’m dying here..can’t live off granola, toast, pasta, oats an wedding single cake (which is all to die for)

[@sidneyyi151]

I would love to see more of these weekly meals videos!

[@cpp8227]

Love the leftover salad scramble:)

[@annacruz1720]

That was beautiful, especially that last meal. You’re amazing!

[@artistlovepeace]

Beautiful channel! Yep. Make those meals! It's cheap, it's affordable and you can make it how you like it and save lots of money.

[@niamhmcauliffe]

Please bring back this series!!!

[@nicholetan6252]

Can I just say that his Survivor shirt makes this video a million times better?

[@sofiasmith4513]

I’d love to see him do a travel/food series!

[@djg9394]

This is so, so many levels of fantastic. Also, "toothsome" needs to become a regular part of our national lexicon. Thanks for this video, Vaughn. -Damian

[@karinkarlsen1311]

I enjoyed this so much! it is just so great to watch an intuitive cook and I especially loved that you were just having fun with your combos and experimenting - very refreshing! You have inspired a bit of self love and experimentation in my own cooking for one journey , thank you !

[@michellesteele7326]

I really enjoyed this video. I'm doing a lot of cooking for one and I am looking forward to trying a week of this myself..

[@kbear2314]

everything is so green and fresh! really made me look at my cooking and reevaluating. thanks!

[@mikaeladonegan2430]

Don’t watch cooking shows while pregnant… I don’t have the energy to make any of these but I have the appetite to eat all of these.

[@cinemaocd1752]

The key to actually becoming someone who cooks every meal is to PLAN every single meal. Sit down once a week and plan all of your meals and make a grocery list. Write out the plan and stick to it (within reason) that way you can just walk into the kitchen and cook and not have to think so much. Also I try to limit myself to one new recipe per week, usually on a day off when I have more time. After a while you will have a repetoire of things you can make without even thinking about them. You can still be creative within this template and certainly that helps makes things fun and keeps you cooking instead of ordering takeout...There were so many great ideas in this. The toast bar? Come on that's awesome. I love the ambition of a guy making a whole roast chicken for himself and using all of it. Also love that he cared about lighting and plating etc. It's like having a little date with yourself. That's so great.

[@bkbjorn3487]

Simply adore you sir! This vid was everything. I'm looking forward to creating in here on my days off this wknd. I will treat myself and my tummy to something delightful😏