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 food - Yahoo! News Search Results
comfort food - Yahoo! News Search Results

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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.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
Memphis chef Kelly English snags Cochon 555
With a stripped-down menu based on familiar comfort food, Kelly English, chef/owner of Memphis' Restaurant Iris, won the Memphis stop of the Cochon 555 cooking competition Saturday night.
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.
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.
Conroe restaurateur capitalizing on comfort food
Conroe?s newest casual dining facility puts the emphasis on traditional, home-cooked comfort food served in a relaxed atmosphere at reasonable prices ? and patrons are encouraged to bring their own music.
Southern food doesn't have to be all fat
Southern comfort food queen Paula Deen took a beating last week when she revealed she has Type 2 diabetes, three years after her diagnosis, and an endorsement deal with diabetes drugmaker Novo Nordisk.
Comfort Food with Regional Flavor
Café Succulent & Trading Company opens in Solvang
KAC event combines comfort food, art
 In challenging financial times, the Kirkland Art Center has turned to comfort food. Community members attended the annual Chili Days fundraiser Sunday to show their support for the center.  
Design Notebook | Embrace winter in cozy comfort
Comfort food and cozy surroundings are the keys to setting just the right atmosphere ? and it?s the small touches that make those cold winter days even more bearable. Before the first foot of snow falls, I ready my home to ward off the potential effects of cabin fever.
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. ...