Comfort Foods

 Well, we don't need reminders that many are experiencing an 

When it comes to finding solace in a plate this winter, few things compare to the joy of indulging in comfort food. These dishes can warm our hearts and lift our spirits, transporting us back to simpler times. Whether it’s a nostalgic childhood favorite or a soul-soothing treat, comfort foods uniquely bring us comfort and contentment. Here are 20 of the top comfort foods that will surely leave you satisfied and make you feel good, even on the toughest days. Check out the list, and perhaps you'll find a favorite or two. 

1. Mac and Cheese.
2. Fried Chicken
3. Chocolate Chip Cookies
4. Mashed Potatoes
5. Grilled Cheese Sandwich 
6. Chicken Noodle Soup
7. Meatloaf
8. Ice Cream
9. Baked Mac and Cheese
10. Pizza
11. Chicken Pot Pie
12. Chili
13. Apple Pie
14. Spaghetti and Meatballs
15. French Fries
16. Chicken and Waffles
17. Beef Stew
18. Lasagna
19. Pancakes
20. Mac and Cheese Stuffed Burger

Cook's Notes: This meal is not on the list of the top 20, but it has all the elements of comfort foods, providing a satisfying meal for a winter warm-up and more on the healthier side.  

Lo Mein with Hoisin Meatballs
Cook's Notes: Lo Mein is a Chinese dish with egg noodles. It often contains vegetables and some type of meat or seafood, usually beef, chicken, pork, shrimp or wontons. It can also be eaten with just vegetables. A twist to the dish is adding in hoisin meatballs. Lo Mein noodles can be found in the Asian section of grocery stores. There are a lot of possibilities for using these noodles. They just may become your new favorite. I liked the texture better than traditional spaghetti noodles. The recipe was adapted from Food Network Magazine in September 2018.
As a timesaver, the meatballs can be prepared ahead of time.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce, divided
• 1-1/2 cups dried bread crumbs
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 cups dried lo mein noodles
  

• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup red and yellow mini sweet peppers, diced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger or 1 tsp. dried ginger
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1- 1/2 cups snow peas, trimmed
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• Garnish sesame seeds

Directions:

• Mix the ground beef with 1-1/2 cups dried bread crumbs, 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, salt and pepper to taste. Form into 12 meatballs. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook as the label directs; drain and rinse under cold water.
• Add 1 teaspoon sesame oil, garlic, peppers, and ginger in a large fry pan. Saute for 3 minutes. Mix orange juice and cornstarch together, plus the remaining 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce and oyster sauce. Simmer on low for 8-10 minutes. Add meatballs, cooked lo mein noodles, tomatoes, and snow peas to the sauce with peppers. Stir fry on medium-low heat for 6-8 minutes.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions.