by Betty Blake

Created on: April 03, 2010

Let's face it; there are days when you feel a bit under the weather or sad.  Maybe you had a spat with a loved one.  Or perhaps, it's a day when the temperatures are below zero on the outskirts, and you have no choice but to be within you abode.  It could be a reason for celebration with a promotion that is long overdue.  What better way to soothe or mend a broken heart?  If it is a time for celebration, it would be the perfect time to do so with food.  People have been using food to lift the moods or spirits for a long time.  Moreover, it has been used when one is sad.  Some do express that it mends a heart. 

Whether fun or sad times, most of us tend to lean towards comfort foods.  These foods remind us of home; a place where you can retreat.  Comfort foods are like a safe warm blanket that you can cuddle with a sofa place and partake of a meal that has a little extra calories, loaded with flavors and tantalizing aromas.  That's what comfort foods do; it seem to beckon and call our names. Each person has their favorites.  Some of the foods that constitute being comfort foods are varied.

Macaroni and cheese seem to be high on the list for many.  Who can resist the assorted melted cheese etched on those curly macaroni?  A well baked dish is creamy on the interior and crunchy on the outside.  It will stick to the ribs while pull and wrestle with all that stringy cheesey delight. Let us not forget that some do derive great joy and comfort from just the store bought box that already has it's powdery sauce within. To each it's own.

On those frigid days when the sun forgets to shine it's head, it is always a perfect time to prepare a hearty beef stew with a number of winter vegetables.  The beef will melt in the mouth; and a couple ample slices of crusty bread would be in order to soak up the thick and delicious sauce.  This meal will not only whet your appetite, but will also warm your heart.  There is a reason why mothers of the past cooked their chicken soup when their loved ones were ailing with a cold.  They were correct in that experts now agree that this natural remedy has the right ingredients found in the chicken and the assorted veggies.  Several householders still believe in this comforting food that will provide essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, but will also soothe the soul.

Southern fried chicken is definately a favorite for many.  We are cognizant that this dish is packed with a lot of calories, but when the craving calls for this dish, everyone has to succumb.  The good Colonel found quite a niche for himself back in those days.  Over the years, everyone has come to enjoy a crispy serving or two of Kentucky fried chicken along with its buttery biscuits, and other mouth-watering side orders. 

There is a reason why women crave this comfort food.  Chocolate is the ideal comfort food when one feels sad and a little depressed.  Statistics have revealed that is food provides happy harmones called seronin and endorphines after consumption. So whether you desire truffles, milk chocolate or any other chocolate, go ahead and indulge.  Do bear in mind that it is best to consume a one ounce piece daily; and experts say one should stick to the darker chocolate as it consists of cacao.  A piece will provide you with intense pleasure.  It will melt in your mouth and will linger.

Comfort foods are 'saviors' on days when you need just a little lift to get you through the day.  They will warm your heart in a special way.

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