comfort foods during times of stress

[wargarden]

what comfort food of growing up or new ones that you plan on making during
these trying times. Here are few of mine.

cottage pie
shepherd's pie
chicken maryland
chicken soup
turkey soup
apple pie
southern biscuits
corn bread

[scullion]

I'm not sure that I have any particular comfort food.
Maybe things which involve cheese or mashed potato would be high on the list (but that may be for the oily/buttery-ness) but it could also involve a big mixed salad so no, don't think I have anything worth singling out.

[earthmaiden]

Mmmm, I'm coming over to yours for meals wargarden! .

Macaroni cheese is my ultimate comfort food but I'm not in the mood right now. Spring is on the way and I'm looking forward, hopefully, to lighter foods. I do like stir fries and interesting salads (as well as Heinz tomato soup with a cheese sandwich and Beef and Tomato pot noodle which I have stockpiled, but not more than my fair share!).
I picked up some lovely looking pieces of chuck steak last week. My mother used to marinade a piece each in lemon, cover with dried onions and a smidge of water and braise slowly. I did that with a piece last night and served it with potato & veg. It was just as good as I remembered and took me right back.

Some good Palestinian recipes in the Guardian this morning. I want to try the aubergine hummus
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2020/m ... ianTodayUK
I think we're going to have much more time for cooking - if we can get the ingredients.

[scullion]

[Suelle]

When we're feeling most stressed will probably be when the realities of food shortages kick in, so it will be whatever we can get hold of.

In my case it will be baked beans, as I stocked up on my favourite brand when it was on special offer a while ago. Let's hope we have bread to make toast - I'm hopeless at yeast baking and baked beans with a scone doesn't have quite the same appeal, even though it could add a nice cheese-y element.

[earthmaiden]

Potato cakes (i.e mashed with flavourings added and a bit of flour) go well with beans I think. I think I have mentioned what we used to call 'puffs' before too. My mother's standby if we were low on bread, to go with a fried egg etc. Mix salted SR flour with enough water to make a thick paste. Drop in blobs into the frying pan (it needs some oil and is nice with lots but doesn't need it). Cook on one side then turn - make sure the middles are cooked before serving. I like them with beans!

[Seatallan]

[wargarden]

earthmaiden you would have wait 45 days to get here. since no air travel between the USA
and UK for 30 day and another 15 day of quarantine;before I will serve any guests.

[earthmaiden]

Just my luck :lol.

[Herbidacious]

Hot, filling winter food, in essence?

When I am really stressed, it's no food...

I've not eaten all day. I am having spiced (cumin, wild garlic, smoked paprika, garlic seasoning, Gran Luchito Mexican spice mix (Chipotle Chilli, Smoked Salt, Lime, Mexican Oregano, Coriander, Garlic, Guajillo, Epazote,Paprika) more coriander), smoky (liquid smoke) baked beans loaded with cheese tonight. Hunger has finally kicked in.

[miss mouse]

[liketocook]

Anything involving mash or food that you can eat with a spoon are my go to comfort foods.
I freeze mash often with no problems in single portions. I like to make mine using a potato ricer so tend to make a large batch at a time.

[Seatallan]

[karadekoolaid]

I´d go for an omelette with cheese , tomatoes, fried onions - and chips.

[Herbidacious]

My trip to the supermarket this morning would only yield the cheese aspect of that meal. I am guessing that we are getting a taste of how things have been for you in Venezuela for some time, Clive, in terms of empty shop shelves.

[karadekoolaid]

Yes, probably true, Herbie.
It becomes rather scary after a while - you go to the shops for something really mundane, like flour, rice, potatoes or milk, and they´re nowhere to be found. Curiously enough, however, we seem to have had plenty of everything in the past few months, even though much of it was imported - but at least it was there.
I´m going to the supermarket tomorrow but I surmise there will be shortages. We´re on serious lockdown over here!

[wargarden]

karadekoolaid thats how your UK ancestors saw stores during WW2-1954 and during part of great depression.
my bet soon the government will put limits on certain item per trips to the store.
I think i might post some links to images of ww2 and post war ministry of food cookery leaflets

[miss mouse]

[Suelle]

Remember how the citizens in Eastern Europe coped under Communist regimes -
a) never go out without a shopping bag
b) if you see a queue, join it

[suffolk]

[earthmaiden]

Most of us are trying to avoid queues!!

[scullion]

[Seatallan]

[scullion]

[Prettykiwicrazy]

I agree I don’t think anything from back then would be applicable now . Most people’s store cupboards are much more well stocked and international nowadays . I think focussing on budget style modern cookery would be much more helpful . Jack Monroe has a useful blog

[karadekoolaid]

[scullion]

today's little treat - a cream tea.

[Herbidacious]

Yum. I have scones and jam but forgot clotted cream Double works if you put things in a dish and eat with a spoon, though.

[Lokelani]

I made mashed potato last night, it's probably my ultimate comfort food.
Wishing I hadn't given away all my seeds when I got fed up with weed fighting.... I mean gardening. Might have to start up again, although seeds will probably be the next panic buy.

[Seatallan]

[earthmaiden]

I've got a lot of old seeds for sprouting leaves and things which stare at me in the kitchen - they're all going to be used this year!

[scullion]

[scullion]

i have enough seeds saved to last a few years!

[suffolk]

Highly recommended for veg seeds

https://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/vegetables-and-herbs

Also there is a Seed & Plant Swap thread on the Gardeners’ World forum where gardeners are happy to post you their excess seeds. You don’t have to have anything to swap ... some folk ask for postage.

https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discus ... -swap-2020

Have a look ... if there’s anything you want sign up and send the person with the seeds a PM ... you don’t have to have been a longtime member ... all are welcome to join in.

[Seatallan]

Thanks Suffs