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.

Yahoo! News Search Results for comfort foods
Yahoo! News Search Results for comfort foods

Rocco DiSpirito rehabs fatty comfort foods (Lifewise on Canoe)
Rocco DiSpirito used all of his culinary tricks to slash calories from the 150 fatty foods Americans love in his new book, "NOW eat THIS!"
Smithfield Foods sees profit in 3Q, tops forecasts (AP via Yahoo! News)
Smithfield Foods Inc., the nation's largest hog producer and pork processor, reported a profit on Thursday for its third quarter after more than a year of losses.
Ground beef an all-star of comfort foods (Honolulu Advertiser)
There are so many delicious meals to make with ground beef. No doubt you have a favorite spaghetti sauce or chili recipes that use ground beef. Meatloaf and meatballs are the kind of comfort food that's perfect for a Sunday Night Supper. And what about a delicious, hearty combination with fresh Island eggs and locally grown greens for a Sunday brunch?
Smithfield Foods sees profit in 3Q, tops forecasts (Bay News 9 Tampa Bay)
Smithfield Foods returns to 3rd-qtr sales rise overseas, beats Wall Street forecasts
Rose Garden: Tasty breakfasts, classic comfort food on Wehrle (The Buffalo News)
The Rose Garden has been on Wehrle Drive approximately forever -- as a bar packed with ECC students, then as a German restaurant, and now a family eatery. The door opens into the bar, which was dim and deserted, but turn left and you'll be in the cozy dining room full of booths and tables.
Rosebud goes back to Italian roots (The Beacon News)
The Rosebud eatery in downtown Naperville has returned to its Italian roots. The restaurant, which has been in Naperville since 1993, revamped from Rosebud Burgers and Comfort Foods to Rosebud Italian Specialties and Pizzeria, said general manager Jay DeMarco.
WATCH: More of Rocco's Low-Cal Meal Makeovers (ABC News)
Chef Rocco DiSpirito whips up some comfort foods under 350 calories. Rocco DiSpirito - United States - Business - Hospitality - Food Service
Rosebud returns to its Italian roots (The Courier News)
The Rosebud eatery in downtown Naperville has returned to its Italian roots.The restaurant, which has been in Naperville since 1993, revamped from Rosebud Burgers and Comfort Foods to Rosebud Italian Specialties and Pizzeria, said general manager Jay DeMarco. The new menu is full of Italian favorites and specialties, from the appetizers down through the entrees.
Smallest Finger Foods (Fox News)
New York-based caterer sparks national trend by miniaturizing comfort food, proving size may not matter after all
Falafel Republic Introduces First-Ever Fresh Falafel (Business Wire via Yahoo...
NEEDHAM, Mass.----As America?s fascination with authentic ethnic foods continues to grow, Falafel Republic proudly introduces fresh, fully-cooked falafel in two savory flavors: Traditional and Roasted Garlic.