Tag Archives: comfort food

The Power of Comfort Food

On Friday, when my children arrived home, safely, it was all that I could do to not to gather them all up and never let them go. After recent events, I know I am not the only parent out there that felt that way. We’ve all been shaken up. Anyone who has ever loved a child, a sister or a friend has had to face this harsh new reality. There was no way, that night, that I was going to deny my children most anything. It is a good thing that no one asked for a pony. Instead, they asked … Continue reading →

Listening to Your Body (and Interpreting the Message)

Two out of the last three days, I was attacked by a ninja. A ninja nap. It snuck up on me after my usual post-work routine: walk the dogs, feed the dogs, feed myself. I found my limbs sluggish and my eyes heavy, so I gave into the ninja nap. Three hours later, I woke up. (Both times.) Maybe it’s just me, but sometimes a nap catches me off-guard. I’ve got things planned, work to do… but I find myself sinking down into sleep instead. It can throw off my whole schedule for the rest of the day, but sometimes … Continue reading →

Why Are Comfort Foods So Comforting?

I’ve finally recovered from my virus (I think!), four days of fever haze and comfort foods. And now that I’m thinking clearly again, I’m wondering why comfort foods are so dang comforting? The general consensus seems to be that comfort foods bring up good, safe, happy childhood memories. They’re generally not fancy, not gourmet… they’re familiar, comfortable, and filling. My own comfort foods? Well, as soon as I started feeling sick, I asked my roommate to go to the store for ginger ale and orange juice. They’re my go-to sick drinks… almost definitely because that’s what Mom always gave me … Continue reading →

Comfort Food for Cold Days

Unless you live in Hawaii or the Southwest portion of the United States, then you are likely dealing with frigid temperatures right now. In some parts of the Midwest school has been cancelled for the second straight day because of dangerous windchills. In my opinion, there is nothing positive about this wicked winter weather save for the fact that it inspires me to dig through my recipes books to find the warmest, homiest dishes to make for my family. If you are looking for classic comfort foods to help warm up your home and soul, consider the following recipes: QUICK … Continue reading →

Autumn Recipes: C is for Comfort Food

Fall’s cooler weather makes piping hot, down home comfort food taste that much better. When I think of comfort food thoughts of my grandfather’s famous pot roast and my dad’s incredible meatloaf and my grandmother’s warm potato salad (featuring chunks of fall apples and thick smoky bacon) come to mind. Both take prep time that you might not have on a busy weeknight, but on a late Sunday afternoon when a stiff wind is blowing leaves across your yard a hot homemade meal is the perfect way to embrace the season. OLD FASHION MEATLOAF Ingredients: 1 cup of finely chopped … Continue reading →

The Color of Comfort, Part II

Picking up where we left off yesterday in our discussion of comfort colors, I have a few more to share. Does your favorite color resemble your favorite comfort food? Yellow Yellow is another hot color, depending on the shade. It makes me think of sunshine and lemony fresh scents, such as lemon zest, a wedge of fresh lemon in a tall, cold glass of iced tea, or lemon pie. There are many variations of yellow from pale to bright to more muted golden tones. Golden saffron is a nice, rich color, much like its expensive namesake. Purple Eggplant Parmesan is … Continue reading →

The Color of Comfort, Part I

Is it any wonder that some of our favorite colors tend to be those that are similar in color to our favorite foods? Comfort colors, much like comfort foods, make us feel good. They help make a house a home. There is no scientific value to the following assessment nor is it based on color theory. This is purely about feelings invoked by colors, in my perception. See if you have similar feelings, or feel free to share yours. Orange I was never big on the color orange, at least not the orange found in the box of 8 crayons. … Continue reading →

Creamy Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese

Think that great macaroni and cheese has to be made in the oven? No way! You can make a great creamy macaroni and cheese in your crockpot. What I love about this recipe, besides the fact that it can go into a crockpot, is that it uses less processed ingredients. There is no Velvetta-type cheese in this dish. Of course American Cheese, which is used in this recipe, is itself processed, but at least it does contain milk and isn’t quite as processed as that ready-melt type of cheese product. I like to get my American cheese from the deli, … Continue reading →

Creamy Chicken and Biscuits

I saw this recipe and I knew I had to share it with you. Today in Southern California the weather is crisp again. It rained this morning and I’m sitting here at my desk with a cozy blanket over my legs. Never mind the fact that it will be 80 degrees tomorrow—today it is lovely. And today I want these creamy chicken and biscuits. If you’re looking for a simple yet decadent recipe to prepare for your family tonight, I hope you’ll consider this one. Add additional spices to suit your family’s tastes, and if you’d like, you can add … Continue reading →

So Tell Me—Why’d You REALLY Eat That Doughnut?

A major component of weight gain is comfort eating; that is, eating for emotional fulfillment of some sort. That emotional fulfillment may be to “erase” a bad day at home or at the office, to “celebrate” something good that has happened, to “ease” loneliness, to inadvertently “get back” at someone who has called you names, etc. Emotional eating is not always the reason people are overweight, but it is certainly true for a high percentage of individuals. Are you an emotional eater? 1.Do you frequently “celebrate” with food? 2.Do you find yourself raiding the refrigerator after a stressful day? 3.Do … Continue reading →