Comfort Food Defined

Comfort Food is traditionally defined as:  Food that is simply prepared and is often associated with a sense of home or contentment.  
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We all have our own definition of what comfort food is to each of us, as individuals.  Usually it is a food that we relate to.  Food that when tasted releases endorphins which provides us with a sense of happiness and an overall positive sense of well-being.  Webster's Dictionary states that the term "Comfort Food" was first used in 1977.  One America Study showed that "males preferred warm, hearty, meal-related comfort foods (such as steak, casseroles, and soup), while females instead preferred comfort foods that were more snack related (such as chocolate and ice cream). In addition, younger people preferred more snack-related comfort foods compared to those over 55 years of age." 


In a reader's opinion poll by About.com, the following are the top 25 foods stated as comfort foods by respondents:

Apple Pie, Baked Beans, Banana Pudding, Beef Stew, Chicken and Dumplings, Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken Soup, Chili, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Corn on the Cop, Fried Chicken, Gelatin Dessert, Green Bean Casserole, Hot Dogs, Hot Chocolate, Ice Cream, Macaroni and Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, Meatloaf, Pizza, Pot Roast, Potato Salad, Pumpkin Pie, Shepard's Pie, Spaghetti, Tomato Soup, Tuna Casserole, and etc.  


(These were just the top categories in this poll. The list obviously goes on for each individual)

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During the posts to this blog I will post several recipes that are listed above and others.  If you have a comfort food that you would like to see a recipe for that is not hard to make, yet delightfully delicious, let me know!  Chances are I know one... If I do not, I will experiment with recipes and find a great one for you!  I also usually have a YUMMY vegetarian alternative for any dish.  

Also, I reiterate that comfort food does not have to be fatty, high-carb, heart attack on a plate type of food.  Comfort food is that taste that as soon as it hits your tongue you, momentarily, find yourself in a peaceful secluded place where all of your worries and the stresses of life are nowhere to be found. You are simply taken away and you are, well, comfortable! 

Anything can be fine in moderation.  I stress this to you.  I will be providing recipes that are traditional southern favorites, like the fried chicken.  However, I also have plenty of healthy alternatives such as spring salads, hearty organic soups, vegetarian dishes, and yes, even recipes for the trendy vegan dieters out there.  I have learned comfort can be found in a variety of dishes.  Whatever your taste buds tell you feels comfortable, it is okay! You should take pride in your style and respect the style of your fellow neighbors!  

So, please, stay tuned.  I encourage you to be open-minded and try many different styles of cooking.  You will appreciate your new diverse style while becoming culturally aware in many different aspects of the world of comfortable living and, of course, eating!  

ENJOY AND HAPPY EATING!  

JPett