by Melissa R. Bickel

Created on: January 12, 2010

It never ceases to amaze me the quantity of food we consume during the winter months. Maybe it's the sense of well-being a full stomach brings on a cold December day. Perhaps it's the comfort we've found in the flavors of our favorite dishes, especially when the blues have us feeling gloomy. Whatever the reason. Food to us is comforting.

My family has always turned to food, to soothe the soul. It doesn't matter the reason or season, all is celebrated, mourned, and cheered with food.  Everyone knows to gather in the kitchen or around the table at our house. Socializing usually means there will be a plethora of delicious food.

When I was to marry into a rather large family, both physically and numerically, my soon to be mother-in-law placed a curse upon me and my intended. She said," all your married life, you and David will be fat. You will enjoy eating." Now I don't know if curses work, but I will honestly say, she was right.

Could be that I loved to cook food, comfortable food that sticks with you, food that brings appreciation and sighs. Didn't matter I had a healthy appetite and David did too. We were round and happy, comfortably so.

I remember so many occasions we've attended funerals where food was brought to the home or places, friends, family, and acquaintances gathered. It could be a stigma we attach to death. Soothe the stomach with food.

Baby showers, weddings, anniversaries and engagement parties gravitate to the same way of thinking. In fact for many occasions, such as these, the success of said party centers around the food served. People want to enjoy a well supplied table of comforting foods.
None of this one or two bites, then the oh I'm so full mentality, is ever approved of where I dine or family dines. Maybe we do put to much emphasis on foods which bring us comfort. Perhaps we have a higher rate of obesity, but the thing is, it's an ingrained love for food.

Winter seems to be the season we turn to comfort food more. It's cold outside, we're all sitting or watching television, or playing on the computer. The need to fill the cold empty space in the pit of the stomach starts playing through our minds. Out comes the lasagna, chicken and dumplings, enchiladas, breads, pastries. Not to be forgotten is the chocolate for midnight snacks.

Yes food can be comforting, maybe for some more than others. It's the pacifier which shuts the husband up, it's the kiss which heals a bruised heart, it's the salve which soothes all hurts and aches. Comfort foods are necessary, perhaps not as much as we delve into them, but they are necessary.

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