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Debra Borden, LCSW | Author's avatar

Love this list! The best comfort food recipes aren't just about taste - they give us a physical way to slow down and decompress. Cooking can be such a powerful daily self-care ritual when we let the process be as nourishing for our minds as the meal is for our bodies.

Rebecca Blackwell's avatar

So true! It’s funny, since I love cooking so much, how often I have to remind myself to pay attention to the self-care ritual of cooking and not rush through it like it’s just another task I have to get through.

CulinUrsa — Elizabeth Baer's avatar

I like the idea of “our needs met” in regard to comfort food.

A meatloaf story — The family recipe that comes from Alva, who was the housekeeper for my mom’s family when she was a child, makes a Freeform loaf and uses Campbell tomato soup. One time when we went down to visit my folks in their later years, I made that recipe. My dad, who loved to cook, had made it over the years, but tried to fancy it up, using other things like high end canned tomatoes instead of the soup. Here’s the story from my blog, from back in January 2020, before Substack: https://www.culinursa.com/blog/alvas-meatloaf?rq=alva

Rebecca Blackwell's avatar

I loved reading this story Elizabeth! Thank you so much for sharing it with me! I think I would have loved Alva, and I’m sure her meatloaf would have been one of my favorite meals.

Charlene Hunt's avatar

#5!!!!!!

The Weight of Light's avatar

Really enjoyed your post!

Rebecca Blackwell's avatar

Wonderful! Thank you!

The Weight of Light's avatar

Thank you too!!

Haikufarmgirl's avatar

When I read you put chili verde over crispy chili rellenos, I knew you weren’t messing around.

This is a great list🙏

Rebecca Blackwell's avatar

Haha! My favorite way to eat both!

Nica Waters's avatar

for me, comfort foods sometimes are ones that remind me of certain people. Tomato sandwiches are one grandmother, lemon cookies are another grandmother. Millies mess is my mother. You're right though in that sometimes I reach for comfort foods when I am in need of such care, and other times it's because I am already feeling such care.

Betty Williams's avatar

Well all these dishes look comforting to me! I have to say, there is something about mashed potatoes and a hunk of meat that is so satisfying, nourishing, and yes, comforting. 🥰

Rebecca Blackwell's avatar

For me as well. There’s a rooted feeling that comes with meat and potatoes.

Anna Vocino's avatar

I just love your food photography. You are great at capturing a mood with the light placed in just the right place. One day we will get you to reveal your secrets!

Rebecca Blackwell's avatar

Thank you Anna! That means a lot coming from you! My daughter Anne took over photography for my recipe sites in June, so a couple of those photos are hers! I think she’s doing such a great job.