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.

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