Comfort Foods

Sometimes, no matter what logic or the scales say, nothing but a big bowl of chicken noodle soup will bring comfort. Or maybe your relief comes in the form of Godiva chocolates. Perhaps meatloaf and mashed potatoes beckon you to smile as you recall Sunday supper from your childhood. More than one person has spoken to me about rice pudding, with a far off glimmer in their eye. I know so many comfort foods, it is difficult for me to narrow down which recipes to include here. I know for sure macaroni and cheese is on the list. For that matter, fried chicken is a definite. It is hard to imagine such a list without bread pudding, especially a bread pudding that includes macadamia nuts.

What exactly "makes" a comfort food, anyway? Often these are foods from our childhoods. I remember eating Mac and Cheese (yes, it was from a box), while studying for finals in college. There is something about foods routinely eaten after midnight that might contribute to something given comfort-food-status. I also remember eating plenty of Godiva chocolates, and dried fruits dipped in Godiva chocolate sauce (remember when the Lenox Rich's had that gourmet section downstairs?) during the soap opera high school years.

To find comfort in food, in my humble opinion, is not "wrong." It is just a fact. We need to eat, and sometimes when we eat we are happy, sad, reflective, etc. I know "Emotional Eating" is the chatter of the day. The experts tell us to figure out WHY we are eating. I am no psychologist (though I suspect every mother takes on that role at least once a day), but if I find comfort in certain foods, I hardly feel compelled to call a therapist. Throughout history, food has served to nourish our souls as well as our bodies. As with most things, moderation is really the key. So, I say enjoy moderate portions of your favorite comfort foods. Here are some of my favorites. If you have a special recipe, and a special story to go along with it, please send it to me!

Southerners are especially fond of their fried chicken. I am not even sure if they have fried chicken up North. Though Colonel Sanders does a good job, nothing can beat homemade fried chicken. I do not make this often, due to the excess calories. But every once in awhile, comfort beckons, and only this authentic dish will suffice.

Adlen Robinson is a free lance food writer and columnist. Feel free to send her an email with your questions at [email protected].