I have been asked to provide some guidance on cookware for singles. There is actually no such thing, because the size of the cookware doesn't vary - it's the amount of food that you decide to cook that can change. A single person can entertain and throw parties, and the cookware will remain the same.

So, the question is, what are the basic tools for cooking for one, on a day to day basis? Having been single most of my life, I can say that the list below is the absolute must:

1 large pot (4 quarts or larger) - if you want to boil a chicken, you need something large enough to fit it in. The same goes with boiling pasta.

1 medium covered pot - for cooking rice, potatoes, veggies

1 small covered pot - if you're making rice in the medium pot, and want veggies too, you need something to cook them in.

1 large frying pan - Say you want two fried eggs instead of one. Or two hamburgers, or several pieces of French toast or bacon. You don't want to dirty two frying pans.

1 small frying pan - for those days when you want just one egg, or one grilled cheese sandwich.

2 cookie sheets - have you ever tried to make one recipe of cookies with just one cookie sheet?

A tip on gadgets: most cooking amateurs (lovers of cooking) love cooking gadgets. By a gadget, I mean, any implement that has one unique use, that can be replaced with a multi-use implement. A potato slicer is a gadget, for example, as a knife can slice a potato and do other things as well.

I don't advocate the use of gadgets, unless they provide a visual enhancement to a piece, like a melon baller. I like cooking the old fashioned way. However, there is an exception: a meat thermometer.

This item is a must in every kitchen, especially for those who fall into the Can't Boil Water category.

1) A meat thermometer ensures that the meat/poultry/fish is cooked to a temperature that is safe to eat. Eating undercooked meat can be risky.

2) There is no better way to judge whether a turkey is done, than through a meat thermometer. I remember one time when my sister accidentally put the turkey in the oven on an upper rack, and the little button popped out after just a few hours.

3) You should never cut a steak to see if it is done. This lets out all of the juices, and you end up with a dry, mangled piece of meat. Use a meat thermometer instead. Enjoy that special treat you paid top dollar for, as it was meant to be enjoyed!

There are plenty of inexpensive meat thermometers on the market. Invest in one. You'll be glad you did!