5-Ingredient Cooking for Two: 100 Recipes Portioned for Pairs

by Robin Donovan

Simple and flavorful 5-ingredient meals―tailor-made for your table of two

Small-batch cooking is a great way to save time and reduce waste―and with just a few ingredients, you can truly let the natural flavors of your dishes shine. This cookbook simplifies cooking for two, highlighting wholesome, healthy recipes requiring only five everyday ingredients.

You’ll find 100 delicious two-person meals, from Breakfast Quesadillas to Blueberry Clafoutis, as well as budget-savvy shopping lists, tips on meal planning, and easy cooking techniques to elevate each flavorful dish.

Enjoy wholesome meals made for two

Tasty variations―Make your dishes special with elegant garnishes and pairing tips.Quick and easy recipes―Spend less time in the kitchen with 30-minute meals that can be made in one pan or one pot, or make-ahead freezer-friendly options.Tips and tricks―Reduce cook times and cost with advice on making your own spice blends, buying in bulk, and minimizing food waste.

Scale down your recipe yields without sacrificing taste with this delicious couple’s cookbook.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Nonfiction, Reference, Culinary, Food

271 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 26, 2020

About the author

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Reviews

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great recipe book for when you want to scale back on portions but not flavor. This book is packed full of simple and delicious meals for two!

Not only does this book contain yummy recipes but it also has shopping tips, storage and freezer tips, kitchen essentials and the must have pantry keeps!! This book also has many cooking hacks, such as spice blends, kitchen shortcuts, and simple ways to jam pack your dishes with flavor.

This book has TONS of recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert! Each recipe has optional finishing touches, storage tips and even shows the calories etc per serving!!

Seriously a recipe book worth sinking your teeth into! Lets get cooking!!

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Renee Knoblauch · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard cooking for two. Most recipes are 6 to 8 servings and I prefer not to have to eat the same dish all week long. For me I’m cooking for one as the rest of my family is picky. I like variety to my meals.

The book has shopping information for two and some items that you should and shouldn’t buy I bulk. Information is provided on storing foods, freezing food, kitchen tools, and stocking your pantry. My favorite section is the kitchen hacks that covers spice blends and short cuts. She goes over different cooking methods to add more flavors like caramelizing, searing, and other methods.

The recipes are labeled for things like: 30 Minutes or Less, Feeling Fancy, Freezer-Friendly, and One Pan/One Pot. Tips, substitutions, and variations are throughout the many recipes. All dishes and meals are included from breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, desserts, sides, and staples. The 5 ingredients do not include spices, oils, butters, and herbs in the recipe. It’s the 5 main ingredients.

A nice variety of recipes like Raspberry Overnight Oats with Toasted Coconut and Almonds, Taco Chicken Wrap, Watermelon and Feta Salad, Greek Turkey Burger, Chocolate Lava Cakes, and a Vanilla Flan.

If you are looking for a cookbook for two people this has a nice variety of easy to make recipes.

I received a copy of this product in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review.

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Discounted | I've cooked a couple of things from this and they've turned out well. The first was a soup that would have easily served five, which really annoys me in small yield cookbooks, but it was still tasty.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since my kids are grown up with families of their own and it’s just my retired husband and I, I thought it would be time to return to small easy recipes. The recipes are marked by time needed, fancy, freezer friendly or one pot. Plus they are pages of hints on how to scale down other recipes, buying in bulk, how to store and freeze foods, etc. I probably did about half of them, since I had to skip those that included ingredients we either didn’t like or were allergic too, etc. Some of those I just made 1 serving. Here’s my honest opinions on what I made, whether I really liked it or if it was harder to make than the recipe indicates.

First off, a lot of these recipes have more than 5 ingredients and I’m not just talking salt and pepper.

Breakfast: To start out with, I had the PBJ smoothie and while putting peanut butter in a smoothie sounds kind of odd it wasn’t too bad. Raspberry Overnight Oats. I prefer my oatmeal hot, thank you. No maple syrup on Applesauce Pancakes: too sweet. The Sweet Potato Hash recipe doesn’t tell you when to add the goat cheese.

Soups and Sandwiches: Cheesy Potato Soup: too bland. I added bacon and pepper. Chicken Pasta soup: Fancy chicken noodle soup.

Salads: Crunchy Apple & Cabbage Slaw: delicious, just like my mom’s. So good I made it for our church Christmas parties.

Vegetarian Entrees: None

Seafood: Honey Garlic Shrimp: Yumm! Italian-style Oven-baked Fish: Make sure to drain well.

Poultry: Rosemary Chicken with Potatoes: good, but needs S&P on the potatoes. Spiced Chicken with Tomatoes: Okay, but weird with the cinnamon and don’t really to cook that long.

Meat: Beef Stroganoff: Delicious, but I’d triple the sauce. Beef and Bean Chile: Exactly like I’ve been making for years. Great for camping. Hungarian Goulash: Nice and filling. Sausage with Caramelized Cabbage & Onions: okay, but I’d prefer a ’sauce’ that stuck to the sausage, instead of just making a mess in the pan.

Desserts: Chocolate Lava Cakes: Yummy, but turned out more like a chocolate brownie/cake. Would be good with walnuts. Cinnamon Bread Pudding: I made it with the packaged cinnamon bread, doubled it and put in all in one 9x9 pan. Great for a Christmas morning brunch. Blueberry Clafoutis: Yummy, but next time I’d double the pancake mixture to cover the fruit. Lemon Butter

Cakes: I love the taste of lemon, but it didn’t rise. I added an egg and a splash of milk. No-Bake Ginger-Lemon Tartlets: In order to have enough gingersnap mixture to cover the sides of the bowls I had to double the recipe. VERY tart lemony. The crust gets really hard so let stand out for a while. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pesto & Parmesan: ok, but didn’t care for the very chunky sauce.

Snacks, Sides and Staples: Parmesan Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Yummy and fu, to make, Barbecue
Sauce: I used this on stew meat in a slow cooker.

[Danielle D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect cookbook for a party of two! There are a wide range of recipes to pick from which are simple and easy to put together. I had almost everything I needed at home and prep and cook times were included so I knew exactly how long the recipe would take. I also loved the fact that I could make a recipe and not have a ton of leftovers. My husband and I really enjoyed the Honey Garlic Shrimp, Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Cups and Roasted Red Pepper Hummus.

One thing I would have liked is more photos. I am a very visual person so when I am finished with a recipe I really like to refer back to a photo to make sure I looks “right”. Nonetheless, I enjoy this book and I have numerous recipes which I have marked for future meals.

I want to thank NetGalley, the author and publisher for the e-ARC of this cookbook. Opinions expressed in this review are honest, my own and left voluntarily.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

5-Ingredient Cooking for Two by Robin Donovan

I used to pickup those cookbooks in the checkout aisle at the grocery store and then be so disappointed after reading when I get home!
I can tell you that this cookbook is a wonderful cookbook!!!
I made at least 3-4 recipes in each section except snacks I only did 3! They came out tasty and were enough to feed the 3 people in my home. The recipes were easy to follow and I might have beefed up the hot spice in a couple because we like our food spicy, but overall this is truly the real deal!! I personally plan on buying my own copy and my daughter who does not cook very well will be able to do these recipes with no problems and her spouse is a picky eater but he will definitely like these!!
I plan on checking out the authors other cookbooks as well!
I received a advanced copy from NetGalley and willingly giving my thoughts and opinions!

[Penmouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

5-Ingredient Cooking for Two by Robin Donovan should be the perfect cookbook for when you are cooking for two. Why? The author has created a good selection of recipes that should appeal to almost any hungry diner. Her cooking tips will be a boon to the cook. I liked how her recipes were tagged to show how long the recipe may take to cook; whether you could freeze the dish; use one pan/pot to prepare the meal or if you wanted to cook something special.

You will also find cooking cooking tips, optional finishing touches, storage tips, variations, flavor tips and pairing tips in her cookbook.

I liked her grocery shopping tips and how to decide to buy foodstuffs in bulk or not.

Overall, this is a good cookbook for both novice or experienced cooks.

Recommend.

Review written after downloading a galley from NetGalley.

[joyce w. laudon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the idea of simple cookbooks with recipes that are satisfying but not too challenging.  This fits the bill with the added plus that the 100 plus recipes are geared toward smaller portions. 


This book is wide ranging with recipes for everything from breakfast through dessert, plus snacks.  To name a few:  Greek Scramble Breakfast Wraps; Sweet Potato Hash with Bacon, Eggs, and Cheese; Grilled Prosciutto and Fig Sandwiches; Panzanella; Crispy Chickpeas with Spinach and Fried Eggs; Butternut Squash Mac N Cheese' Spicy Crab Cakes; Greek Lemon Chicken with Olives...Raspberry Crumble, and so many more. 


The recipes are easy to follow.  Each includes the amount of prep and cooking time.  All in all, a very nice cookbook.


Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

[Jillian (Peapod Historical Bookery) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice cookbook for small meals meant for two. I'm a novice chef (aka: I can't cook) so whenever I see "5 ingredients" I think I might be able to handle the recipes. Most of these I probably could. A majority of them I flipped through, either because the process sounded a little too complex or the flavors/ingredients weren't something that appealed to me, but I did mark about 10 recipes to try. I liked that there were labels included for "30 minutes or less," "one pan," etc. I just wish there were more pictures - the book I received only had a single picture at the start of each section, no pictures for the actual recipes.

{ Thank you to Callisto Publisher's Club and Rockridge Press for providing me with a review copy. My reviews are honest and my opinions are my own; your reading experience may vary, so give it a read and see what you think. :) }

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first cook book that I’ve read geared towards couples! It was simple to navigate, easy to read, minimal ingredients, and not a lot of strange ingredients either! This gave me plenty of ideas for new meals, and even had recipes fo satisfy my super picky husband. Another plus is that even if it is something my husband wouldn’t eat, I can still make it for myself because the recipe is for a smaller portion! Huge bonus of these recipes! Looking forward to trying quite of few of these out!

Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to review this cookbook in exchange for my honest review.

[Elizabeth Herr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC.

Great cookbook with simple, flavorful recipes that are scaled down for two people. Most of the ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, or you can easily pick up on your next grocery store trip. I wish there were more pictures of the recipes, as there are only a handful, but otherwise, I would recommend this for those who are looking to make smaller batches of meals without sacrificing in other areas.

[Kristin- Kristin's Bookstack · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect cookbook for a small family! The recipes are simple, delicious, and easy to make. It lists all of the pantry supplies needed for cooking and includes cooking tips, variations of the recipe, and whether it can be frozen for later use. I really like that each recipe only requires a few ingredients and that most of the ingredients are items in my pantry already! I can't wait to start cooking!

Thank you NetGalley and Callisto Media for the copy of this book so I can share my review with others!

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Have to say I have a real love hate with this cookbook. As I am now an empty nester, I love cooking for 2 cookbooks. They can be really great though or really bad. This one falls right down the middle. The author provides some recipes that are a bit too simplistic and made with oodles of processed foods just smaller portions to foods I'd actually eat.

While I'd never buy this cookbook, using it as part of my kindle unlimited subscription is acceptable.

[SKP · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I’d give this a try since it was a “Great on Kindle” book, and plus there’s only my husband and I to feed at our house. Nice variety of recipes, some that sound good, although I have not tried them out yet. I am trying to figure out if I forgot how to count —a lot of the recipes have a lot more than 5 ingredients. Many are not particularly complicated though. I’m not much into vegetarian recipes, as we are definitely carnivores at my house. But definitely some good suggestions.

[Alicia Robben · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this cookbook. Having a small family has always made splitting recipes difficult like the author states. This book focuses on recipes for small familiesnor groups of people. Some of the recipes were not simple, but all seem delicious!

Thanks to Callisto Media/Rockridge Press & NetGalley for this read in return for an honest review!

[Cozy Book Spot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice book and lots of yummy recipes for two. I definitely be making some of these for my husband and me. I love cooking and trying new recipes and I usually make more than I supped to and my husband don't like left overs so I'll be using this book for reference. I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

[Julie Taituha-Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie never fails to please and surprise

Recommend for those who like simple to prepare, no fuss, full of flavour food. Since my hubby passed away I had lost the motivation to cook at all and since I've had these recipes I am now cooking and eating yummy, healthier food again. thanks Jamie.

[Diedre Cowart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy simple ingredients recipes

The thing I liked the most about this book was That the ingredients in the recipes were what I consider normal, Not something I would have to search for in a store and only use once. I also appreciate the fact that the Serving sizes are for generous two person.

[Marjorie Meier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would have been better with more pictures

I liked the fact that most of these recipes were really simple. If you are cooking for one or two, you don’t want to have to pull out every pan in the kitchen. I really miss pictures, though. I wish I could see the outcome before I get started.

[Robert Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A treat for two

Very handy to have someone downsize recipes for you. There are some classic dishes plus new ones to try. All the techniques are easily mastered. Additional tips follow each recipes. Really like the dessert section as the recipe is for two which means I'm not eating cake for a week.

[Cyndi Fowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am more of a Betty Crocker type cook. You can take the girl out of the Midwest, but you can’t take the Midwest out of the girl…
Some of the recipes incorporate foods that I will never be able to get my husband to eat or that I can tolerate digestion wise. I struggle with dairy and whole grains. My husband eats very limited veggies.

[Sheryl Hedervare · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great cookbook. It's so hard to find good recipes for just 2 people. This has everyday recipes along with recipes for special meals. The desserts are wonderful because you don't Gabe a whole cake to eat.
ARC copy from Netgalley

[Lana Birky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for people that are learning to cook for 2 - I am an empty nester & it is hard to adjust things that you have made for years. There are some great recipes (I do wish there were pictures) & some great reference information. Highly recommend!

[Devon Brugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful ideas

Found this in my bookbub list this A.M. Always looking for new recipes that don’t feed an army. Five ingredients or less is a HUGE help. Numerous pages marked, can’t wait to add them to our line up

[Erika Banta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lot of good and easy recipes with minimal ingredients. While we are a gluten free and mostly dairy free household when it comes to cooking, there was still plenty of options for us. Haven’t tried any recipes but I’m excited to! Love easy, quick meals to make

[Jason Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent recipes

Came for the trimmed down recipes. An interesting assortment. Appalled by the chili that can be made in 20 minutes. In general decent recipes, nothing terribly new. Had hoped for better coordination between recipes and ingredients.

[Laurel Perkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some Good Recipes

I found quite a few recipes we can use. A lot of others had expensive and hard to find ingredients. It's hard to justify buying such ingredients when all you need is a little. But I did find some useable meals and got ideas from others.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's actually simple, got 18 recipes from it -- which is actually a lot more then what I normally get.

They time was reasonable/doable for almost all the recipes, which is always a deciding factor when it comes to cooking.

3.5 rounded up to a 4.

[Marsha Deal-Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

No reservation needed

Staple ingredients that come together to create delicious meals. This book is not overwhelming and the instructions are simple enough that a beginner can successfully cook meals for two or leftovers for one. Looking forward to experimenting with the dishes.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy.

Simple ingredients and excellent recipes perfect for smaller meals and time saving.