Comfort food soothes the soul

By Staff
Suzanne Langcuster
Franklin County Times
Your comfort foods might not be mine, but there is one thing for sure, we gain comfort from certain foods.
If you asked most people what their comfort food is, many will immediately say chocolate. Can you think of anything that could replace the taste of chocolate?
It is the most wonderful taste – rich, creamy and delightful. Chocolate has everything it takes to bring a smile to everyone's face.
There were times I made a mad dash after a hard day at work to the grocery store deli for chocolate candy. It was the only thing I could think of to make me feel better quick. Have you ever felt like this? I bet you have.
Sadly, we can't live on chocolate. But there are many different kinds of comfort foods, and we must approach them cautiously for some are high in calories or fat.
Many people enjoy warm soothing meals for comfort foods that include a tasty and filling meat serving, warm cooked potatoes and maybe some warm, cooked vegetables.
When the days get cooler, some enjoy soups, chilies, and warm pots of spaghetti. These are the dishes that warm us on cold football nights.
Desserts are the favorites that some enjoy for comfort foods. Calories, fat, and sugar can take over here also if you are not careful.
If deserts are your choice, I must share this story with you:
When my Uncle Buddy was a little boy, he was eating dinner at his grandmother's house. When the delicious meal was over, his grandmother offered the family some pudding pie for desert.
When she finished talking, Uncle Buddy said, "I had rather have mulk (milk) and bread than pudding pie."
Well, we know what Uncle Buddy's comfort food was. This is a family story we treasure.
When my husband came home from National Guard Camp, there was one meal of comfort foods he enjoyed, and this is what we always had for him after two weeks at Guard camp.
The menu was grilled steak, baked potato, tossed salad, rolls, and homemade chocolate meringue pie. As tired as he was, this always put a smile on his face.
Cook some comfort foods for those you love. It will make them happy and make them feel loved.
Suzanne Langcuster is weekly food columnist for the Franklin County Times and host of the local weekly TV show, "What's Cooking Suzanne?"