Comfort Food; Winter is Coming

   For me "comfort food" is synonymous with "peasant food." Peasant food refers to wholesome, cheap meals that can be  made in large amounts as a staple item. Think: mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, chicken, stew, chili, etc. Do not let the word "peasant" fool you, as this type of food has profoundly impacted the culinary industry. Ratatouille for example. Ratatouille is a change-of-seasons staple in France. Made famous only because of its long history, and...well... of course the Disney movie (I guess). Ratatouille has been brought back to life simply because of its notoriety in recent years. It still remains a favorite of mine.

    Such fresh ingredients; such beautiful colors. Paired best with a tomato-meat sauce (a splash of red wine to de-glaze doesn't hurt). 

    Now that I have relocated to the Midwest from the East Coast I find myself thinking of the surrounding area, and what consumers would find most intriguing on a specialized menu. One of my favorite things to eat around this time of year is something that I also found carries over well on a Winter menu. Grilled pork chops, peach-brandy butter, polenta cakes and brown sugar glazed seasonal "veg."

      Comfort food on a budget? No problem. Think: baked chicken in a tarragon cream sauce. This recipe is as quick and easy as it is flavorful, abundant, and filling. 

The dish is complete with a bit of seasoned quinoa and sauteed broccoli. Warm and flavorful; for a decent price nonetheless. 

I know what you are thinking...What about seasonal comfort food that doesn't just entail specialized restaurant menus or trips to a favorite restaurant? What about comforting Winter foods at home or on the go? Here is where the beauty of blogging comes in. I can share some of my personal life with you. I can let you in on some of my own favorites. 

Starbucks anyone?

   Barnes and Noble is one of my favorite "mommy time" spots. I get a couple hours to myself, find a good book, a cozy window, and a warm stuffed pretzel. I read, eat and indulge for at least an hour until I am interrupted by reality and responsibility. 

At home: Usually as I am gearing up for the holiday season I know I have to keep lamb in mind. See, a few years ago I made the decision to introduce my husband's family to the beauty of smoked lab leg. Every year since then we have been responsible for incorporating lamb into the family's festivities. One of my favorite comfort foods to date is ground lamb meatballs with feta, blistered cherry tomatoes, mint, dill and basil. A blanket and a bowl of lamb meatballs? Yes. 

   

This week it is my personal goal to open your minds to abundant, cheap, delicious peasant/comfort foods. There is always so many options! Step outside of the mashed potato box!