American Comfort Foods - Recipes to Feed the Body and Warm the Soul
By John Mitzewich, About.com Guide to American Food
Many of America's favorite recipes can be described as "comfort foods." Dishes that simply make you feel better. These are the meals that warm your soul, and remind you of happy days. Maybe it's your Mom's secret macaroni and cheese, or your Grandmother's cornbread, but there's something special about these recipes that satisfy more than just your hunger.
Soups and Chowders
How can you eat a big bowl of hot soup and not feel better? Grab a spoon, a crusty piece of bread, and enjoy one of life's simple pleasures.
- Lentil Soup with Smoked Ham Hock
- New England Clam Chowder
- Corn Chowder
- Broccoli Soup with Cheddar Croutons
- Chicken Noodle Soup
Breads and Pancakes
Whether it's a warm hunk of cornbread to dip in chili, or perfectly-made pancakes waiting for the slow stream of maple syrup, this category of comfort foods satisfies like no other.
- Buttermilk Cornbread
- Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes
- Soda Bread
- New Orleans-Style French Toast
- Blueberry Muffins
Casseroles
There's something special about a bubbling-hot casserole, with its beautifully browned crusty top, sitting in the middle of a dinner table. For many, these recipes epitomize home cooking at it's best.
- Easy Macaroni and Cheese
- Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Asparagus and Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
- Beefy Corkscrew Casserole
Meatloaf
Meatloaf is one of the all-time classic comfort foods. There are as many recipes for this slice of Americana, as there are loving cooks ready to make it.
- Secrets to a Perfectly Moist Meatloaf
- "All-American" Meatloaf Recipe
- Super Sausage Meatloaf
- Easy Cheesy Salsa Meatloaf
- Turkey and Cheddar Meatloaf
Stews and Chilis
Great comfort foods have to be able to satisfy you, no matter what mood you're in. Sometimes a simple and savory stew is just what you need, other times you need that 5-alarm chili to fix you up.
