Monday, July 13, 2009

Comfort Food

In times of stress, my stomach tends to rebel. No Chinese take-out, thank you. No spicy hot wings. No dark chocolate -- which is the biggest surprise of all.

For me, when under stress, I turn to the foods of my childhood. Simple, plain, no fancy condiments, perhaps a touch of mayo to sweeten the chicken sandwich, on whole wheat, with a slice of tomato. Yum.

Anolther safe choice? Chicken soup, with or without a matzoh ball, but noodles are a nice touch.

Potatoes in almost any form, although probably not fried as too much grease just lingers.

I find comfort in the memories of meals eaten with those I love. My mother, the original Evelyn, was, no offense Mom, a miserable cook. But I cherish the scenes in my mind of us sitting at the holiday table, with a bountiful selection of the favorites of my father, my sister, and me. Of course, she had ordered it all in from a local catering hall, but the choices were made with deliberate attention to what each of us would enjoy.

We all know that material things aren't what make us happy or fulfilled. Don't get me wrong. I love a new pair of shoes more than most. But lately, with a variety of problems popping up, I find comfort in eating that chicken sandwich and remembering the comfort I got from those who made it with love.

What foods give you comfort?

Evelyn David

4 comments:

  1. My very favorite comfort food - a cup of tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich.

    That's if I'm feeling puny and sickie.

    If I'm just feeling irritable with the world, then bring me pizza. with extra cheese.
    and onions.
    and mushrooms.
    and sausage.
    yum.

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  2. Comfort food for me is homemade mac and cheese.

    Wrong time of the year, but I love to make and eat soup.

    Daughter-in-law makes the best salsa in the world--lots of tomatoes, avocados, red onions, cilantro, and jalapenos.

    Marilyn

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  3. Soup, most any kind.
    Stew, most any kind but with many potatoes and carrots.
    Pasta or rice dishes with rich sauces or gravies.
    Melted cheese foods: m and c, grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza or pizza bread, etc.
    Pudding, the kind you cook, not instant.
    A GOOD cup of tea.

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  4. Kaye, you and I must've had the same moms! I was going to say grilled cheese and tomato soup. Every now and then I crave the combo, and I still love dunking my sandwich into the soup. Yum.

    Cheers,
    Susan
    http://SusanMcBride.com

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