It’s okay!
How are you? Are you doing okay? Is your answer automatic – ‘I’m fine’ ? Or, are you truly honest and ‘all good here’ or ‘I’ve been better’ are more your responses? Maybe you word your answer in the hope that someone will listen? For example: ‘I’m okay, thanks for asking’ could be construed as a negative response… if you are really listening carefully.
So, today as you can see is different to my normal introductions! This time of year is always a strange one. The dullness of the bleak winter weather and aftermath of December festivities has long gone. The spring flowers have started to pop out everywhere. You’ve eaten your weight in chocolate, simnel cake or hot cross buns over a long weekend. The clocks change, the days seem longer, and everything appears to be looking up – even the sun pops out and coats are discarded. Then, the clouds roll in, the temperature drops ten degrees overnight, the flowers are still there, but its dull, dreary and looks more like the start of winter, than the middle of spring.
It’s okay. In life there are always numerous transitions to cope with. Some such as the changing seasons are easier than others – some come and go without realising. Many bigger transitions are difficult for everyone – a loss of a loved one, a relationship breakdown, new additions to the family, a deteriorating health condition, having an extra person live in the house – or the extra person moving out. It’s okay.
Good Mood Food
Recently, the local radio had a phone in about comfort food. Of course, as it was food related, I was immediately interested, but the foods suggested made me realise that everyone has their own ideas for not only diverse types of foods, but also for different situations.
When I think of comfort food, I immediately think of toast! It is quick, easy, tasty and the flavour can be changed to sweet or savoury depending on my mood. If I am thinking slightly ahead, I might choose a soup – likely to be lentil, as that is my go to cure all food! If I am really planning a comfort food, then a fruit crumble and custard will be high on my list!
Callers to the radio station had a really wide selection of ideas ranging from mashed potato, pies and curries, through to cakes, chocolate, ice-cream and trifle, but then random ones to me – kimchi and sauerkraut. What are your comfort foods? Do any of those surprise you?
Ten Comfort Food Recipe Ideas
Here are a few recipes previously published on here, but noes you may have overlooked or forgotten about. I am going to make myself a couple of these – when I have time at the weekend! Let me know what takes your fancy!
Simit: Turkish sesame coated bread rings
Socca: Thin flexible chickpea wraps
English Breakfast Muffins: Fluffy, splitable, spreadable bread style muffins
Millionaire’s Shortbread: Shortbread topped with caramel, finished with a chocolate layer.
Date Slice: Oaty layers sandwiched together with spiced dates.
Popcorn Cake: A celebration of popcorn and sweets all bound together to create a sliceable cake.
Pizza: A selection of pizza ideas for making the perfect slice.
Lasagne: A meaty meat-free version of creamy layers of pasta & sauce.
Pesto Pasta: A few suggestions for quick and easy perfect pesto pasta.
Kurdish Kifta: An ultimate comfort food recipe!
What do I need?
Hopefully you already have everything you need for these recipes, but in case you’re new to baking and cooking, or just want a refresh, here are a few items you might like. These links will take you straight to Amazon where you can then search as usual for anything you need. If you follow these links, Amazon might pay us a small commission, which goes towards paying the website hosting fees. We’d be very grateful if you do, thank you! Have a look at these: digital scales, chopping boards, kitchen knives, mixing bowls, baking trays, colourful bowls, and other items which you might need. Much appreciated!
Serving
Serve your comfort food curled up on the sofa with a blanket! Of course, you could just sit at the table – outside if it’s warm enough! Serve it with plenty of thought and enjoy!
Storing
Hopefully you will make enough of whatever you chose to have a bit leftover for later! Most things store for a few days in the fridge and most can be frozen. Check the specific instructions for each recipe.
Sharing
Comfort foods are one of those things which are usually made and eaten without too much of a thought for others. Of course, it is always nice to share, so if you’re making anything from the list above and you live near…
As always, I love hearing about any recipes of mine you try, any ideas you adapt or suggestions you have for future recipes. Please share and tag me @LifeDietHealth or using #LifeDietHealth on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or X.
Leave me a comment below… I love to chat!
I hope to speak with you soon
Laurena x
You can’t beat comforting mashed potato💛Trying to enjoy it without butter/margarine these days. Nutritional yeast works really well, I find ☺️
Hello Eva, I usually just add some oat milk to mine rather than butter… but then I often fry some onions to go with it (mash, sausages, onions & peas)! If I have some left, likely I will then make it into rounds – maybe with a few extras like chopped leeks or shredded cabbage and nutritional yeast, black pepper, then lightly fry – it’s still mash, just elevated!
Oh yeah- forgot to mention I tend to use soya milk, duh. Cabbage and potato is a lovely combo.
It’s a shame I can’t find any decent veggie sausages over here lol (they’re more like mini Frankfurters).
Anyway, Happy Earth Day, by the way….
(and I hope you get a pet dog one day, I remember you saying you’d love one…) x
Hello Eve. I tend to use soya milk for making tofu and oat milk for most other things. You do know we have a few recipes on here for sausages – if you eat wheat (and can find vital wheat gluten), I could have a play with a sausage recipe for you – let me know what flavours you like in a sausage or a brand you prefer re texture and taste, and I will do my best! Ohhh to have a dog again!!!
Thank you, will have a look 🙂 I actually tried a red lentil sausage recipe wrapped in rice paper lol..bit of a fail for me, but it tasted nice haha
Ooo well done! I need to get some more rice wrappers!