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I am standing in my kitchen, palms sweaty and heart racing. I’ve just watched yet another of the daily press conferences held by the leaders of my country and state, respectively. To say that I am very anxious would be an understatement. Not only because of the virus that feels like a tsunami rapidly overtaking the shore, but because of the lack of organization and direction from the people who have been elected to keep our government running smoothly and serve as a beacon of hope in times of mass chaos.
Politics aside, this is a stressful time for everyone. People across the globe are being instructed to seek shelter in their homes for anywhere from two to eight weeks. Non-essential businesses are shuttering their doors and schools are moving to digital learning for children of all ages. In these uncertain times, everyone I know is turning to the things that make them feel safe. For some, it’s their fitness routines. Others, art or music. For me, it’s comfort food. Not the eating of it, but the making of it.
Certain foods hold a nostalgic value for us all. The specific food varies by culture and family and diet, but we all have those few dishes that we crave when we need something to make us feel warm and comforted. These foods may actually trigger a chemical reaction in our brains that causes us to feel pleasure, so it’s no wonder we go straight for these dishes when we’re feeling down.
Food is definitely what I run to when I’m feeling down. Earlier in my life, I would have been happy just to eat it, but now I find my comfort in getting my hands messy and creating a dish for the people I love. Perhaps it’s the satisfaction that comes with a perfectly seared piece of meat or the physical work of kneading dough. Maybe it’s the smile I get when someone takes that first bite of chocolate cake or the gold star I can give myself when I’ve perfectly timed my menu so that each dish lands on the table at the same moment.
I grew up eating traditional American comfort food dishes. Soups, stews, and casseroles were frequently served when I was a child. It’s what I have always associated with the comforting feeling that helps erase the longest and most stressful of days. Although I love to expand my culinary horizon by adding new flavors and textures, I always find…
