Enjoy some comfort food this holiday season

Holiday celebrations, brisk weather, and warm fires make me think of one thing: comfort food. Comfort food nourishes the soul, as well as the stomach, and is usually craved by those hibernating inside for the winter season or celebrating time with loved ones. 

I typically associate the phrase with super filling, satisfying recipes high in flavor (think: meatloaf, mashed potatoes, apple pie). However, the foods that provide comfort are different for everyone.

So what makes a good “comfort” food recipe? 

1. Comfort food appeals to the senses. 

• You know what’s coming by the smell in the kitchen. Its presentation on a plate makes you salivate. Maybe it’s food that sizzles in a skillet or bubbles as it comes out of an oven. Perhaps it warms your hands when held in a bowl. Of course, the most important sense here is taste. The food must be flavorful and delicious. 

2. Comfort food is nourishing.

• It should be a hearty recipe that leaves you feeling satisfied.

3. Comfort food means something to you. 

• Perhaps your idea of comfort food is a family recipe passed down from a loved one. It should bring positive feelings and perhaps make you feel nostalgic. There is sentimental value to the foods we find comforting. 

4. Comfort food is what YOU enjoy. 

• “Comfort” food can be different for all. Depending on your background, culture, or traditions, your idea of food will be different from the person next to you. What matters is that it’s something you enjoy eating. Eat what you love. 

If you are looking for some comforting food to whip up this holiday season, EVPL has many resources where you can find delightful recipes: 

Cookbooks at EVPL

• Betty Crocker Best 100: Favorite Recipes from America’s Most Trusted Cook  

• Clean Paleo Comfort Food Cookbook: 100 Delicious Recipes that Nourish Body & Soul

• The Complete Autumn & Winter Cookbook: 550+ Recipes for Warming Dinners, Holiday Roasts, Seasonal Desserts, Breads, Food Gifts, and More 

• The Diabetes Comfort Food Cookbook: Foods to Fill You Up, Not Out!

• Modern Comfort Food (Ina Garten)

• Southern Living Comfort Food: A Delicious Trip Down Memory Lane

Digital Cookbooks at EVPL

• Best 5-Ingredient Comfort Food Recipes

• Carla Hall’s Soul Food (eAudiobook)

• The Chopped Cookbook

• Classic Home Cooking from Japan

• How to Cook That: Crazy Sweet Creations

• Quick & Easy Vegan Comfort Food

• Taste of Home: Comfort Food Makeovers

Digital Magazines at EVPL

*Many print magazines are also available at EVPL locations. 

• Bon Appetit 

• Cooking Light: Comfort Food

• Cook’s Illustrated

• Food Network Magazine

• Taste of Home

Cake Pans!

If baking cakes aligns with your idea of comfort food, you can now check out cake pans with your library card at EVPL! See the available cake pans we have at this link: 

• Library of Things: Kitchen Equipment

One of my favorite comfort food recipes 

(Credit: Kentucky Living)

Banana Croquettes

Ingredients

• Bananas
• Miracle Whip 
• Peanuts, chopped 

Directions 

• Peel and cut your bananas into halves or thirds. 
• Slice your banana pieces lengthwise so that they have a flat top on one side. 
• Spread a little bit of Miracle Whip onto the flat side of each banana piece. 
• Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top of the banana slices. 
• Enjoy!

Adult & Teen Librarian

Kelli M.

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With 8 locations throughout Vanderburgh County, EVPL is ready to discover, explore, and connect WITH you! We encourage you to uncover new things, revisit old favorites, and to engage with us along the way.