BOOK REVIEW: Slow Cooking for Two

Slow Cooking for Two: Basics Techniques Recipes

by Cynthia Graubart

Gibbs Smith Publishing 2013 (160 pages)

Book Review: Slow Cooking for Two by Cynthia Graubart

Cooking for one or two people can feel like a culinary paradox. Recipes are often designed for families of four or more, and scaling them down can lead to awkward measurements, wasted ingredients, and leftovers that linger far too long. I remember when I first moved in with my partner—our fridge was a graveyard of half-used produce and forgotten Tupperware. In this season of my life, I love the idea of home-cooked meals, but the reality is a cycle of overcooked pasta, too-large casseroles, and the dreaded thought “leftovers again?” sigh. There are many households out there with one or two people—-new singles or young couples, whether just moved out on their own, or seniors as a couple or single. That’s when I found this title, Slow Cooking for Two by Cynthia Graubart.

This compact cookbook is a breath of fresh air for small households. Graubart, a James Beard Award-winning author, understands the unique challenges of cooking in small batches. Her recipes are tailored specifically for two servings, eliminating the guesswork and waste that often come with adapting larger recipes. The book is organized with clarity and purpose, offering a range of dishes from hearty stews and soups to tender meats and even desserts—all designed for the slow cooker. And for the singles out there, this two-person serving is perfect for lunch the next day so you can skip prepping for that.

What makes this book stand out is its practicality. The ingredient lists are manageable, the instructions are straightforward, and the prep time is minimal. For busy couples or solo cooks who want to set it and forget it, this book delivers. One of my favorites was the Chicken and White Bean Chili—flavorful, filling, and just the right amount for dinner and maybe a lunch the next day. No mountains of leftovers, no complicated conversions.

Graubart also includes helpful tips on slow cooker sizes and timing adjustments, which is crucial since many slow cooker recipes assume a larger appliance. She recommends using a 1.5 to 3-quart slow cooker for best results, and she explains how to layer ingredients for even cooking. These small touches show her attention to detail and her understanding of the home cook’s needs.

But beyond the recipes, what this book really gave me was a sense of ease. Cooking no longer felt like a chore or a math problem. I could enjoy a warm, home-cooked meal without the stress of over-prepping or over-eating. It brought back the joy of cooking—without the cleanup fatigue. That said, the book leans toward classic American comfort food, so adventurous eaters might find the flavor profiles a bit safe. But for those looking for reliable, cozy meals that don’t overwhelm the kitchen or the calendar, it’s a gem.

In short, Slow Cooking for Two fits the bill beautifully for small households. It’s not just a collection of recipes—it’s a solution to a common problem. Whether you’re a newlywed couple, an empty nester, or a solo diner tired of takeout, this book offers a warm, practical path back to the dinner table. And in my case, it turned a frustrating kitchen routine into something I now look forward to.