How interesting that several major magazines featured “comfort foods” as the theme of the month for their January cover stories. Maybe it’s the cold weather that brings out the desire to cocoon, or maybe it’s just the wish for a better year ahead.

Classic comfort foods are typically homemade and are as personal as the clothes we wear. Comfort food can be rich and creamy, warm or cold, hearty or delectable, or just remind us of family, Mom, Grandma or Grandpa, or childhood memories.

For sure, classic comfort food became a “thing” after the challenging times of late 2001, and it still reigns supreme as the power of classic comfort food continues to help us feel better, change our mood, or boost our energy in times of stress.

Following are some of the most popular comfort foods, in no particular order:

- Mashed Potatoes (for when you are really traumatized, garlic mashed potatoes)
- Meat Loaf
- Macaroni & Cheese
- Bacon
- Oatmeal
- Hot Chocolate
- Chili
- Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Pancakes
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Casseroles
- Lasagna
- Milk & Cookies
- Puddings
- Brownies

So next time you want to nestle in and forget your cares, make sure you have a great recipe for at least one of the above classic comfort foods in your family cookbook.You’ll be glad you did!

Happy Cookbooking,

Matilda