I discovered the other day that the sales of kitchen equipment designed for single-people, such as small saucepans, frying pans that can hold no more than one egg and single-cup teapots have soared by 140 per cent compared with a year ago, according to Debenhams.

John Lewis says tiny woks and frying pans were their best selling kitchen department items.

Some of these pots and pans are so small that they wouldn't look out of place in a doll's house.  Figures show that people are not only cooking simple meals for one but preparing increasingly smaller servings.

According to the Office for National Statistics, as people marry later and live longer, the number of single person households is expected to increase by over 2 million within the next 10 years - on top of the seven and a half million who are already.

A survey earlier this month suggested that single people end up paying more than £250,000 extra over their lifetime because they were not part of a couple. (see Wendy, that’s why you're poor!)

So is it a sad reflection of today’s society that so many people are living single lives.  I suppose that sounds like a typical statement made by a person who doesn’t live alone!  Oh well, at least single people seem to be making the effort to look after themselves. There was a time that you could only spot a single person by the number of single portion ready meals they had in their supermarket trolley.  I feel a cookery book coming on!

Alternatively, check out the cult German New Year's Program, Dinner for One to see what we're on about! Same procedure as last year, I believe!

Delicious regards

David James, Creative Director