Familiarity is a word that is used to describe one's comfort level. This also applies to things that one eats. Foods that one recognizes, things that bring memories of family and home, are important characteristics of comfort foods. It is not the ingredients per se. It is the setting in which the food item is served. Family meals often are cited as part of the answer to the question of what are comfort foods.

Potato chips versus mashed potato. Which goes with family meals? Some garnish mashed potatoes with chives, while others insist on big spoonfuls of sour cream. No matter what the toppings, mashed potatoes make the list when it comes to comfort foods. This is an interesting point - thoughts of comfort foods include more than one edible item.

Are there family secret recipes for mashed potatoes? Some say it is the cultivar that makes the big difference. Others say it is the season. Many say it is the way in which potatoes are prepared. One thing is clear. Almost all who list mashed potatoes as comfort food say that the unforgetable taste, texture, and flavor remind them of the family member who prepared it.

comfort foods - Yahoo! News Search Results
comfort foods - Yahoo! News Search Results

Comfort foods reign on new menus
Trends may come and go, but at least in Milwaukee, a passion for comfort food endures. Big, hearty dishes are the stars on a range of new menus in local eateries.
Healthy, Hearty Comfort Food
MISSION, KS-- - During the short days and cold nights of winter, many of us crave comfort foods. Unfortunately, the rich dishes we usually think of tend to be low in nutrition and packed with fat and calories. ...
Comfort food at The Porch
The Porch is a local favorite for comfort foods like macaroni and cheese. After a scorching summer, it's not surprising that our Texas winter has been especially warm.
America's Best Comfort Foods
There are certain feel-good foods we universally reach for when we need to be comforted. A fragrant bowl of chicken soup. A dose of silky mashed potato. A 10-napkin serving of unctuous barbecue. Restaurant trends may come and go, but comfort foods are forever. Fortunately, America is awash with restaurants where the traditional never went out of style.
Giada?s winter comfort foods: Baked gnocchi, beef stew
If you?re looking for a little warmth on a chilly day, Giada De Laurentiis suggests these three recipes. Try Chianti marinated beef stew, chocolate cake tiramisu and more.
CRESALIA: Help children establish healthy eating habits
Children grow up with comfort foods like mac and cheese, hamburgers and chicken nuggets that are often paired with french fries and a sweet drink.
Craving comfort foods
We're in that in-between season time of year -- Christmas is now a fond memory, Valentine's Day is on the horizon and before you know it, Easter will be here. So will spring. While we wait, let's enjoy the moment with comfort dishes that will keep us company.
Is comfort food worth this much?
Is comfort food worth this much? Seattle Post-Intelligencer Copyright 2012 Seattle Post-Intelligencer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Updated 11:45 a.m., Saturday, January 28, 2012
Find Comfort on a Cold Day at Cracker Barrel®
Winter?s remedy is as close as the nearest Cracker Barrel Old County Store®. Guests can warm up by a cracklin? fire with a hearty helping of classic and brand new comfort foods fro
Open & Shut: Veggie Grill's vegan comfort food comes to Beaverton
This week, a Beaverton location of the "fast casual" restaurant opened, serving 100 percent vegan American comfort foods like burgers, sandwiches and salads.