What is your favourite comfort food?!
What is your favourite comfort food?
The psychology of comfort food is fascinating. Is it a reminder of our childhood? Does it remind us of good times? Can it help us to cope? When we are put under pressure, do we return to the things we know? For many of us comfort food may represent all of these things and more.
My favourite comfort food is a 'Pie Floater', see:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/cookbook:pi...
Answers:
I have different comfort foods, with different connotations.
Anything with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, pumpkin or apple.... always a special comfort for me, reminds me of childhood, family, safety, security, peace, happiness. Apple pies, pumpkin pies, pumpkin latte, certain baked breads and muffins, etc.
Hearty stews - an old family recipe for beef and vegetable stew with red chilis, and my grandmother's homemade chicken and dumplings. Both rare treats anymore but very good and reminiscent of past times.
Indian food. This one doesn't have a childhood connotation, but I'm nearly addicted to it, and it was introduced to me at a certain period in my life when things were going quite well, just after I'd met my other half. So I guess it's an extension of a family feeling, still. I love the thick curries, intoxicating spices, hearty ingredients. Such amazing flavours, and the meals are so incredibly satisfying, I never tire of them, they always make my day better, even if it was really bad one.
Looking at my list and thinking of some other dishes I also go back to a lot, I see that all of my comfort foods are what I would consider "warm" foods. I never get much joy out of cold foods or snacks, nor anything that's bland. I prefer meals and baked goods made with care and attention, which are meant to be shared with others.
I think all of your questions can be answered with a "yes" for me. Most of the foods I find comforting are reminders of childhood or at least good times in the past, and they all do make situations feel more tolerable. They bring a bit of contentment and familiarity to the moment.