Cold Weather Comfort Foods

This is th e time of year when a good dish of comfort food comes in handy. There's; nothing as soothing as a warm plate of pasta or casserole. Even better is when it;s followed by a treat that we loved growing up. What better than to end days full of hectic shopping along with work and family demands
To me the best comfort food is still spaghetti. There;s nothing as delicious or as comforting as a big bowl of spaghettini or even angel hair, covered with home made sauce. Of course there has to be a loaf of fresh Italian bread that can be dipped into any extra left on the plate. Nothing beats homemade sauce redolent with fresh (or frozen ) basil form the garden, along with fresh garlic. Another favorite of mine is pasta con burro, spaghetti with just butter melted on it. It's plain and simple but oh so good. I know a variety of FP's readers love a good baked mac and cheese and it;s perfect during these chilly days and nights. The best ones ar e made with sharp cheddar and have a layer of crumbled bacon throughout .Even casseroles if done right are yummy. There's nothing like a recipe that started with your gran or great gran.

Of course dessert is synonymous with the phrase. Most people usually associate a bowl of chocolate pudding with Reddi Whip (here the States) as the ultimate comfort. food. Then there are the stovetop or microwave s'mores that can be made in a snap (and eaten even quicker). if you want a more decadent version sub in Vahlrona chocolate for the Hershey's; although the last is good too. Another fave is the Pillsbury slice and bake chocolate chip cookis. make a batch for yourself before any holiday baking. They're th e ultimate treat, espeically with a tall glass of milk. .

There's nothing like our favorite foods during these cold days and nights.Like a warm, fuzzy blanket they embrace us and bring us back to our childhoods. Happiness is more than a warm puppy , it a warm dish of home cooked love.