by Shelly Barclay

Created on: August 25, 2009   Last Updated: May 08, 2012

Comfort food is constituted by food that is comforting. It is really that simple.This may be food that just makes you feel warm and full or food that you like to eat when you are feeling down. It could be because it tastes good or because it sits well in your stomach. It could be food that reminds you of good times or food that your grandma used to make for you. It doesn't really matter why it is comforting, it just is comforting.

Bread is a common comfort food. It tastes good; it is filling and it can be served with just about any topping or dip that you can think of. It can be served warm or cold, as a side dish or as the main ingredient of a big meal. It's an all round delicious, versatile and well . . . comforting food. It is also an ingredient of other comfort foods, such as breaded chicken, French toast casserole, breaded macaroni and cheese and so on.

Potatoes are another common comfort food. They make you feel warm and full. There are so many ways to serve them with so many other delicious ingredients that it is hard not to be a little sedated by this vegetable. Mashed potatoes can be served with gravy, cheese, sour cream, bacon or butter, all of which are pretty comforting in and of themselves. Potatoes are a staple when serving large filling meals and they are also make great appetizers.

Fried foods are comfort foods as a group. The way they are served, crispy and warm, is comforting in and of itself. Add that to that the fact that you can bread and fry just about any bland food and turn it into a delicious, warm and dippable treat, and you've got yourself the ultimate sort of comfort food. You can even fry desserts.

Speaking of desserts, no list of comfort foods is complete without desserts. The ones that are sugary, sweet, creamy or warm can all be considered comfort food. They give you a sense of pleasure that is followed by utter sedation. What is more comforting than that?

There are many more foods that could be added to this list and of course, comfort is different for everyone, so there may be a few that have been added here that aren't so comforting to you. When it comes down to it, anything that makes you feel comfortable, happy and full, is your kind of comfort food.

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