Comfort Food

Just sitting here and thinking about comfort food. When someone asks what you feel like eating do you think of the past and comfort food? Or is it something we only turn to for solace and warmth?

For my mother-in-law, food was love. She poured herself into everything she made and shared it with us. Watching her and writing down what she did as she cooked, we saved and cherished each recipe and each memory. Whenever we all get together and cook, we remember those times that came before. It makes me wonder, are we trying to recapture those moments? The memory of waking up to the smell of toast and bacon and coffee. The holidays filled with laughter and love and good food. That's the essence of comfort food to me.

Can the feelings be separated from the food? Instead of seeking comfort from food, can't we just seek comfort from the memories? Those memories are so much more than food and, yet, I can still smell the food, I can taste each bite. Then again, I can still hear the laughter and the murmuring voices. Maybe by pulling up those memories I can be comforted and not have to actually eat. Hmm. Would it work or not?