Heartbreak Cake and Other Therapeutic Foods

The news is official: Singer Robin Thicke and actress Paula Patton have separated, after eight years of marriage. And while we could have seen this miles away (it’s not as if he refused Miley’s Latex-clad bottom, when she offered it up during their infamous MTV twerkathon), that doesn’t mean it doesn’t sting.

Those newly dealing with meals for one approach the sad task in different ways. For some, it’s less sad: their friends march into their homes clad with casseroles and bottles of wine, which they stay to drink in tandem. Some shut themselves away and ride near-endless Seamless waves. And others cook. They cook things that they might never have made when they were part of twosomes, like writer Julie Powell and her famous Garlic Soup with Poached Eggs.

Here are some recipes for that breed of the heartbroken.

Poached Salmon with Sauteed Cabbage

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Simple and healthy, poached salmon is at one cleansing and sustaining. Make all four damn servings and save the rest for sandwiches and salads later in the week. See? You can take care of yourself.

Chef’s Salad

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When’s the last time you made one of these? Or even ordered one? This version is springy and happy, nutritive, and—with buttermilk dressing—a bit decadent. You need a touch of that.

Vanilla Sheet Cake with Malted-Milk-Chocolate Frosting

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This cake says, “Let’s celebrate your newfound freedom!” It also says, “I’m great with coffee first thing in the morning.”

Steak Sandwich with Red Onion Jam

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Sandwiches for dinner? Yes. Sharing it? No.

Pineapple-Rum Cocktail

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For when all else fails. Make yourself a proper cocktail and enjoy it alongside some silence.

Hey, maybe this is for the best.