Date: October 18, 2023 Time: 9:00 AM From: John Doe Good evening everyone, Hope you’re all managing well! With the weather beginning to cool down, I’ve been yearning for some comfort foods lately. I’d love to hear what everyone’s best comfort meals are, especially if you have any good recipes to share. Looking ahead to some delicious suggestions! Best, John Date: October 18, 2023 Time: 9:30 AM From: Karen Smith Hey John and all, Great topic! For me, nothing compares to a good old-fashioned mac and cheese. I’ve been experimenting with various cheeses and recently attempted a version with Gruyère and white cheddar—it was outstanding. The trick is to bake it just enough to get that golden, crispy top. If you’re into mac and cheese, I can send over the recipe I use! What’s everyone else’s comfort go-to? Cheers, Karen Date: October 18, 2023 Time: 10:05 AM From: Linda Brown Hi everyone, John, I totally agree—comfort food period is the finest! My favorite is chicken pot pie. There’s something so satisfying about that flaky crust with a smooth filling. I usually make it on Sundays so I can enjoy leftovers during the week. I’ve been using my grandma’s recipe, which includes a secret ingredient: a splash of sherry in the mix. It adds a really fine depth of flavor. Karen, I’m definitely interested in that mac and cheese recipe! Looking forward to hearing more favorites. Best, Linda Date: October 18, 2023 Time: 10:40 AM From: Mike Johnson Hey all, Comfort food is right up my path! My go-to is a hearty beef stew. I usually make it in a slow cooker, and it’s filled with veggies, potatoes, and a nice, rich broth. I’ve been playing around with adding different herbs, and rosemary has been a game-changer. John, I also love a tasty baked ziti when I’m in the mood for something cheesy and comforting. It’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd or just for having leftovers. Linda, your chicken pot pie sounds delicious! I’ve never thought of adding sherry but will have to try it. Happy eating! Mike Date: October 18, 2023 Time: 11:15 AM From: Angela White Hi team, Great picks so far! For me, it’s all about a big bowl of noodle soup. I know it sounds simple, but making it from scratch can be such a rewarding process. I usually do a miso-based broth with lots of garlic, ginger, and some soft-boiled eggs on top. It’s my ultimate comfort meal, especially when I’m feeling under the weather. Karen, your mac and cheese sounds fantastic—I’d love the recipe! And Mike, beef stew is a classic in our home too. We like to add a little red wine to the broth for extra flavor. John, what’s your ultimate comfort food? Best, Angela Date: October 18, 2023 Time: 11:50 AM From: John Doe Thanks for all the superb ideas, everyone! You’re making me hungry just reading these. My personal comfort food is lasagna. I have a recipe that’s been passed down in my family, and it’s loaded with layers of cheese, meat sauce, and spinach. It’s a bit of a project, but so worth it when you have that first bite. Linda, your chicken pot pie sounds wonderful, and I love the idea of adding sherry. Angela, I’ve never made ramen from scratch, but I might have to give it a try—it sounds so warm. Karen, please do share that mac and cheese recipe. And Mike, your beef stew would be perfect for a chilly night. Thanks for sharing your favorites! Best, John Date: October 18, 2023 Time: 12:30 PM From: Karen Smith Hey John and everyone, Here’s my mac and cheese recipe: I use a mix of Gruyère, white cheddar, and a little bit of parmesan. I make a roux with butter and flour, then gradually whisk in milk until it thickens. After that, I add the cheeses and a bit of mustard powder for a kick. Pour it all over cooked pasta, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F until bubbly and golden on top. It’s super creamy and comforting! John, lasagna is another favorite of mine—I’d love to try your recipe sometime. Angela, homemade ramen sounds like a fun challenge; might have to add that to my list. Happy cooking! Karen Date: October 18, 2023 Time: 1:15 PM From: Linda Brown Thanks for sharing the recipe, Karen! Can’t wait to try it. John, your lasagna sounds incredible—I’m always seeking new ways to add veggies, and spinach is a great idea. Mike, I love a good slow cooker beef stew, especially when it’s filled with veggies. Have you ever tried adding barley? It makes it even heartier and is perfect for a winter night. Angela, ramen is one of my favorites too, but I usually just use the instant stuff. I’m impressed that you make it from scratch—might have to step up my game! Enjoy all the comfort food, everyone! Best, Linda Date: October 18, 2023 Time: 2:00 PM From: Mike Johnson Thanks, Linda! I haven’t tried barley in my stew yet, but that sounds like a great addition. I’m going to give it a go next time. And Angela, I’ve only ever made basic ramen at home, but your miso broth sounds like a must-try. Karen, I’m definitely saving that mac and cheese recipe—it sounds like the ultimate comfort food. John, I’d love to swap lasagna recipes sometime; I’ve been trying to perfect mine for a while now. This has been a delicious discussion—thanks for starting it, John! Best, Mike Date: October 18, 2023 Time: 2:45 PM From: Angela White Thanks for the recipe, Karen! I’m always up for a new mac and cheese variation. John, lasagna is a classic comfort food in my place too. I love how everyone’s got a slightly different take on these dishes. Mike, adding barley to stew sounds like a fantastic idea—I’ve never tried it, but it would definitely make it even more filling. Linda, I think I might take your suggestion and make chicken pot pie this weekend; it’s been a while since I made one from scratch. Looking forward to trying these recipes. Let’s keep sharing if we come up with any more comfort food ideas! Best, Angela Date: October 18, 2023 Time: 3:30 PM From: John Doe Thanks so much for the recipe, Karen! I’m definitely trying it this week. And Linda, your suggestion of adding barley to beef stew is brilliant—I love the texture it adds. Mike, I’d be happy to share my lasagna recipe; I’ll send it over soon. Angela, your homemade ramen sounds amazing—I think I’ll need to try making my own broth instead of relying on instant packets. This has been such a fun thread; I’m glad we all got to share our favorites. Thanks for all the delicious ideas, everyone! Let’s keep the comfort food inspiration going. Best, John