After both of my kids acquired their own apartments, and my own apartment flooded, I expressed the viewpoint "I'm one person-- how much stuff does one person need?" While this was my thought in general, it especially covered kitchen equipment. As both an "empty-nester" and working online from home, I found myself resorting more and more to the old standby: the microwave. A couple of months ago, my microwave decided to quit.

I have always enjoyed cooking. It is something I have done since childhood, and enjoyed it even more when I had my family to cook for. It did not occur to me that life without a microwave would require some adjustments. As I did not want to invest in a new one, I decided to become reacquainted with the stove and oven in my kitchen.

One stove-and-oven meal I think everyone should try is baked spaghetti. A forum friend makes it for her family, but I came up with an entirely different recipe. Cook your spaghetti or other pasta on the stovetop, as usual. After you drain out the water, add these ingredients: one can or jar of spaghetti sauce; two eggs; and a can of mushroom soup. You can add chopped onions if you wish. Place this mixture in a 350-degree oven, and bake for approximately an hour. Baking your spaghetti enhances the flavor, and improves the texture. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or in a frying pan.

Homemade chicken pot pie also makes a great dinner. The way I do it: make a Bisquick crust, and place it in the bottom of a square aluminum baking pan. Mix these items together: two cups of cooked chicken; one can cream of mushroom soup; one can cream of potato soup; and half a bag of frozen mixed vegetables that have been cooked. Pour the mixture on top of the crust. I bake it for 30 minutes in a 400-degree oven.

Not only can living without a microwave reacquaint you with the joy of cooking, food tastes better and is better for you.