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December 2008 
The Importance of Comfort Food
Posted on Dec 9th, 2008
by 
Jo
Jo
Years ago (dare I report forty-four), I returned from my freshman year at Olivet College in Michigan. I was very tired, having appeared in every show as a drama major and carried eighteen hours per semester, along with working at the grill. Further, I was ashamed of myself for failing to pull a 4 GPA. My family could not afford to continue my education and so it was reliant on my getting scholarships. Having failed to do so and tail between my legs, I returned home.
The first thing Mom asked, as Moms do, was, "What do you want for dinner?" Well, now, she was surprised at my reply. After all, I had continued to act in Detroit and Chicago, etc., eating in some very fine restaurants. "Mom, I want your pinto beans and cornbread." All I wanted was to smell home - the home I knew when we had little else, yet in which I felt safe.
It coming on a blustery day yesterday, I went to the store and remembered. I asked the butcher for neck-bone to put in the beans. He had no clue. I did find a nice shank bone and it now simmers with the pinto beans. The wind is whistling outside and the snow is whirling frantically. But, in this humble abode, there are aromas of homemade wheat bread in the oven and a piece o' beef nicely herbed. No better room deodorizer in the world!
Today, life is a bit difficult to get through for many of us. It may be that we'd like to present a lavish feast for our loved ones and we haven't the means. But, I suggest this: If your babies loved Spaghetti-Os, if the hubby liked your monkey-bread, if all you have is what's scantily adorning your pantry - cook it up. Love will do the rest.
Blessed be!
The first thing Mom asked, as Moms do, was, "What do you want for dinner?" Well, now, she was surprised at my reply. After all, I had continued to act in Detroit and Chicago, etc., eating in some very fine restaurants. "Mom, I want your pinto beans and cornbread." All I wanted was to smell home - the home I knew when we had little else, yet in which I felt safe.
It coming on a blustery day yesterday, I went to the store and remembered. I asked the butcher for neck-bone to put in the beans. He had no clue. I did find a nice shank bone and it now simmers with the pinto beans. The wind is whistling outside and the snow is whirling frantically. But, in this humble abode, there are aromas of homemade wheat bread in the oven and a piece o' beef nicely herbed. No better room deodorizer in the world!
Today, life is a bit difficult to get through for many of us. It may be that we'd like to present a lavish feast for our loved ones and we haven't the means. But, I suggest this: If your babies loved Spaghetti-Os, if the hubby liked your monkey-bread, if all you have is what's scantily adorning your pantry - cook it up. Love will do the rest.
Blessed be!
Access: Public
Jo,
This is so true and you remind me of how I grew up with Pinto Beans and Cornbread, living on the Mexican border. I love the smell of Pintos flavored with Cumin and Chili Powder. The leftovers easily became Chili. My husband likes his thick and made with nothing tomato but flavored with beef broth and pureed beans. My favorite Cornbread now uses yogurt instead of milk.
Money can’t buy the simple smells of simple aromatic foods in the warmth of mom’s kitchen. Thanks for the reminder.
Deborah
Oh, I loved my mother’s homemade chili and cornbread! All the seasonings and herbs and careful preparation; the way the whole kitchen the entire house smelled like love. Such wonderful memories! So why I am weeping? She cannot cook anymore, I must prepare and serve for her. I think we shall have chili and cornbread tonight! I work all day in the office, I must buy it somewhere. But how delighted she will be. We will have comfort food tonight, with an extra large helping of Love. Thank you both for my dinner menu. :)
Peace and Oceans of Love,
Jeannie