Comfort Food

There’s Italian, Mexican, southwestern and Indian. There’s Southern, British, Chinese and Japanese. There’s Thai, French, African, and Cajun. There’s also quick, time-consuming, fast, and made-to-order. And believe me, I love them all. Food, that is. I love all those types of…food. But no matter where you go, or who you come across, there’s always one kind of food we have in common….Comfort Food.

Two and a half years ago, I spent six weeks of my summer in England for a study abroad. I ate a LOT of interesting food, but one meal stands out in particular. Those who were there would probably think it was the 4^th of July cookout we had with barbeque, potato chips, and sweet tea (I’m just glossing over the fact that, yes we did, in fact, have an Independence Day party while in England). The meal, or tea time rather, that stands out the most was one that I had while out and about running errands BEFORE the 4^th of July party. Myself, along with two or three other students, and our British professor, Dr. Jefferies, had just left ASDA (British equivalent to Wal-Mart) and ran back by his home to meet his wife. When we got there, she had just made a fresh carrot cake. She cut us all a piece and we all sat down together in the living room. I remember it so distinctly because I thought of how this gathering was no different that one we may have in the States. A group of people, friends, getting together and delighting in one another’s company over a standard ‘comfort’ food.

Now I’m sure everyone has their own interpretation of what a comfort food is to them, but for me, it’s just the foods I grew up having; the ones at holidays or that my grandmothers would cook for their families. Some old standards are buttermilk biscuits, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, country fried steak, and hot banana pudding (with or without the bananas J). I’m also a fan of fried doves, fried okra, yams, and Granny’s chocolate pies, but unfortunately, I am a product of the ‘80s, and cooking those things takes a lot more instruction than it really should.

Thankfully, I have friends that have the same thoughts about ‘comfort’ foods that I do, and so last night (despite our battles to look good in bridesmaid dresses for this summer’s weddings), we took on a list of comfort-inducing foods, including chicken-fried steak, creamy buttermilk mashed potatoes, the Pioneer Woman’s mac and cheese, and for dessert, Apple Brown Betty. (And until I get real good, I’m just gonna stick with Sister Schubert rolls. You and I both know you cain’t do no better.)

After an hour at the grocery store, and two hours of cooking, we sat down to eat (at 9:15, mind you). I’ll save the stories of our successes and failures later (I sincerely thanked God in my prayers last night that we had ‘comfortable’ foods, since I was so rude to one of my friends. I’m human, but I know better. And that’s all I have to say ‘bout that.). But overall, we had an EXCELLENT meal.

Just look at that perfectly fried steak (thanks to Sydney!)…

And that whole meal…..

Kind of makes me sad I ate the last of the leftover steak for supper tonight. Oh well, I’ll just have to suffer and make a meal off of mashed potatoes and mac-and-cheese tomorrow. I really don’t know if I’ll be able to handle it or not….