Comfort Foods
When an infant is crying, the mother soothes the baby with a bottle of milk. This gives the baby a sense of comfort and calms it. I believe in the consumption of comfort foods to represent different feelings. Different foods comfort different people. Family tradition has much to do with the selection of which food leaves one feeling better. Most comforting foods stem from family traditions that are passed down from generation to generation.
When I was a child and would catch a cold, my mother would make homemade turkey soup. The soup would fulfill me with a warm, happy feeling and guided me on the road to recovery. It is a recipe handed down from my grandmother that is used throughout our family. I always crave a bowl of this concoction when I’m not feeling well. On the opposite end of the spectrum, most families enjoy indulging in a scrumptious portion of delectable cake to appease their appetite at a celebration. On every birthday I’ve had so far, I’ve been presented with my favorite type, ice cream cake. During every fulfilling bite I am overcome with a sense of jubilance and comfort knowing that today is, “my day!” One more soothing food that I tend to enjoy is mashed potatoes. Growing up my grandmother lived far away and I was only able to visit with her occasionally. She would create the best homemade mashed potatoes I’ve ever consumed. My grandmother would work extremely hard the entire day to prepare this delicious dish for us all. My family and I would arrive approaching the hypnotizing aroma of cooked potatoes, chives, and cheese that filled the entire house. We knew then that our appetites would soon be satisfied. The mashed potatoes are a tradition throughout my family and are enjoyed thoroughly by all who indulge.
Overall, different foods comfort different people and tend to be passed down from generation to generation. Food can be a source of soothing, whether it be enjoyed in a celebration or when one is sick. For me, turkey soup, birthday cake, and mashed potatoes always leave me feeling better and comforted.