Comfort. We are craving comfort. With everything that has taken place in 2020 (so far), we feel like we have been hit with a Tsunami of crippling hardships.
Pandemics. Loss of jobs and income. Hurricanes. And in some cases, the loss of loved ones, homes, and any thread of security we thought we might have.
We have also lost, or feel as if we are on the brink of losing, our faith, trust in our government, hope, and even in each other.
2020 has been a hard, cruel year. It is one year we will be more than happy to experience only through the pages of a history book, rather than in person ever again.
Finding Comfort
There are many ways we can find comfort. Some of us revert to childhood and seek out our mom or dad. We go to them for their life experiences, and just to hear those precious words, “Don’t worry, baby. Everything will turn out okay. You will see.” (I even think there was a song with those exact words, once.)
Others run to Grandma or Grandpa. Grandma’s apron could wipe away tears faster than the desert can evaporate a rain drop. Grandpa had wisdom personified, and could tell you stories about the ‘old days’ that would make you forget about the ones we are living.
Some of us run to the arms of a spouse or significant other. Just feeling the closeness of another person could ease some of the worries.
And then there are those who ‘escape’ into a passion, such as crafts, music, or work. Working with our hands gives us a feeling of control in a world that seems to have gotten so far out of control it is surreal.
Some of us try to adapt, and possibly even make a lifestyle shift. We change jobs, or find a way to stay home and provide for our families from our land.
Food as Comfort
And then there are those of us who know we are never truly in control, but still need some form of comfort to get us through the day. We need something that will feed our bodies and fill our souls, if only for a moment.
And there is nothing more filling than pure old fashioned comfort food. To most, ‘comfort food’ can be defined as something that they remember their mom or grandmother preparing, like a bowl of chicken soup or a pound cake.
To some, it’s a ‘forbidden’ treat, like a big slice of pie when they are on a diet. In many cases, it is food that we reach for when we are feeling nostalgic or need an ‘attitude adjustment’.
It has been said that women will reach for comfort food when they are feeling down, and men will reach for it when they are having a great day. Either way, this food can either be celebratory, or can lift your spirits.
I have several go-to comfort foods. Today? I am just tired. It’s been a long year, and I am only up to the first of September. There are still four months ahead of me that don’t look any easier, so my first instinct is to eat something that can help sooth my exhausted mind.
And that comfort food is going to be Crawfish Etouffee, served over a bowl of steaming rice, with a side of garlic bread. Fortunately for me, the Country Boy can make this with his eyes closed, so I don’t have to exert any effort in putting dinner on the table tonight.
Do You Need some Comfort?
Why not whip up a big pot of Etouffee? Just join me in the kitchen – I do have enough energy left to share the recipe.
Just be warned – after eating a bowl of this, you will feel so comforted you are going to have to push the dog off the couch so you can curl up with a good book and let all your worries and stresses just roll right off your shoulders!
