"Divorced Dad Cooking"

Project Overview

Divorced Dad Cooking is a project aimed at helping newly single dads (and others in similar situations) prepare simple, healthy, and affordable meals using available groceries and produce. The focus is on improvising recipes based on what's currently in the kitchen, without needing special equipment or fancy appliances. The idea is to provide home-cooked meals that are nutritious, easy to make, and don’t create a mess, so even those living alone can enjoy cooking and eating well without much hassle.

My Story

After more than 20 years in a relationship, my wife and I split apart, and I found myself living alone for the first time in decades. Throughout those years, my wife was responsible for the daily meal preparation, and I barely cooked — maybe 10 meals in total. Suddenly, I had to take care of my own meals, and while I had basic cooking skills, they were far from what I needed. I quickly realized that feeding myself on takeaways was unhealthy and unsustainable, both nutritionally and financially.

Out of necessity, I began preparing my own meals, making do with what I thought was healthy and what I had on hand in the kitchen. As time passed and a few friends came over, they began enjoying the meals I made. This sparked an idea — why not share my experience with others in similar situations? The goal is to help people like me who are learning to cook, showing that it's possible to prepare enjoyable and healthy meals without stress.

Mission & Goals

- Provide easy, everyday meal ideas that anyone can prepare with basic ingredients.

- Focus on healthy eating and making nutritious choices, even with limited cooking skills.

- Offer guidance for grocery shopping with minimal prep in mind.

- Show that you don't need fancy appliances or tons of equipment to cook at home.

- Create a sense of satisfaction in enjoying a homemade meal, even when eating alone.

- Keep the kitchen mess to a minimum—especially important when you’re the one cleaning up.

Awareness of Healthy Eating

One of the core aspects of Divorced Dad Cooking is promoting healthy eating. The recipes and meal ideas will be centered around nutritional value, ensuring a balanced diet while making the best use of available ingredients. From portion control to making sure meals are rich in essential nutrients, the focus will be on keeping it simple but nutritious. This project is about creating a better relationship with food, one that supports both physical health and emotional well-being.

Key Features

1. Recipe Improvisation: Instead of following strict recipes, the project teaches improvisation based on what’s in the kitchen — turning leftovers or pantry staples into balanced meals.

2. Healthy Focus: Basic but essential guidance on how to balance proteins, vegetables, carbs, and fats while keeping things simple and affordable.

3. Minimal Equipment: No need for fancy tools — just a few basic kitchen items to make everything work.

4. Grocery Shopping Tips: Advice on what to keep in your pantry, fridge, and freezer so you’re always ready to throw together a meal.

5. Low-Mess, Low-Fuss: Strategies for minimizing mess and keeping cleanup easy, crucial for those who live alone.

Funding Goals & Breakdown

We’re seeking funding to make Divorced Dad Cooking a valuable resource for everyone who needs it.

Conclusion

Divorced Dad Cooking is about more than just food. It's about empowering those who've found themselves in new situations — especially after a breakup or divorce — to take control of their health and well-being through cooking. Whether you're completely new to cooking or just looking for practical, healthy, and low-mess meal ideas, this project is designed to help.