skip to main content

The Kitchen Table

Fall comfort food?

Marcia Thornley

13 years ago

I have a lovely fat chicken roasting in the oven. The house smells wonderful. It's a beautiful fall day outside. We'll have mashed potatoes, steamed brussel sprouts and gravy. Can't think of anything better. What's your favorite comfort food to cook on a fall day?

And apple crisp for afters!

Comments (29)

hgl_gaylemarie
13 years ago
We want see Soup weather for a couple of months. But, I look forward to Chicken N Dumplins.

I made Turkey Chili yesterday, but it didn't hit the spot. Not spicy enough for me.
joan_mn
13 years ago
I have a savory roast in the crock pot. A sirloin beef tip with a pkg. of dry Ranch drsg., an env. of onion soup mix, both stirred together with about 1/2 c. of water, then I dump in a can of beef gravy. Potatoes and carrots in there, it smells heavenly!
Related Discussions
What is your comfort food?
Q
Comments (19)
Hi Patty! I don't think that I have complete Celiac. Or, at least not a worst case situation. My dad does and I know that it's much worse than my issues. So far, my gluten intolerance doesn't seem to cause permanent damage to my intestines. It just makes me very sick, shaky... The last time I had fast food, it took over a week to get over it. I can't quite throw off the side effects. It never used to hit me so hard, although I did buy a lot of Pepto! ;~) I could be under estimating it, but I'm not sure. It just seems that everything that we eat, and I love, has something in it that I react very badly to. Any type of wheat, oat or spelt hits me pretty hard. Always has, I guess, and I've blamed it on other things. I'm not a professional chef, but I did spend a lot of years learning how to cook like one. Now, most of what I know, is useless. Other than the gluten issue, virtually everything that is used in modern cooking makes me pretty sick. Virtually all yeasts, both Baker's and Brewer's. (I always wondered why beer made me so sick!) Egg yolks of any kind. I asked about even unusual eggs! Sugar cane Red grapes, which means red wine and rasins are out. Virtually all cow milk and by-products. I used to live on yogurt and my whey reactions are very high. I hate purchased goat milk and cheese. I actually grew up with goats and I can tell that they're milking the wrong ones. It's not supposed to taste like they're milking the boys! ;~) Family life has virtually always revolved around food. I grew up with many foreign friends and spent time in many of those countries. We ate everything and learned how to cook most of it. I can still eat quite a bit of Asian food. I just have to be careful. I used to make many of my own curry mixtures, homemade pizza, pastas and breads. etc. I made the most incredible lemon curd. It's all egg yolks and sugar! :~( I'm not sure that I'm even going to pick berries this year. I always pick the rose hips, for preserves, after the first frost, too. Unless I learn how to make things w/o cane sugar or gluten, pies, preserves, cobblers... are out of the question! I'm pretty much eating, now, just to get by. I never understood that attitude before. How could you not just love all of the different tastes, spices and combinations. I've just become too spooky about it now. I've only been aware of it for three or four months and the change is really almost worth it. My lifelong migraines are completely gone. I can't remember a time since i was in gradeschool that I didn't have a headache of some kind simmering continually(24/7 for at least the last 30 years). The migraines started later and eventually even Imitrex could only tone it down to a tolerable level without it going away. I haven't had one in several months and they were becoming almost a weekly ordeal. I've lost close to 40lbs and still dropping. :~) Apparently, sugar, fat and starches have something to do with weight gain!;~) (And the taste of food!) I did go clothes shopping the otherday... I actually enjoyed it. ;~) Scott
...See More
Country Comfort Food/What's Cookin?
Q
Comments (46)
Glenda, What you said is so true, and for decades now, if you say you eat or garden organically, a lot of people instantly lump you into that whole 1960s-hippie-back-to-the-land-movement (not that I mind that). Even when we moved here in 1999 and I put a big organic veggie garden in the front pasture, between the road and the house, everyone thought I was crazy. The old farmers and ranchers couldn't wait to tell me how I was doing stuff wrong and was going to fail. They didn't think much of my wide raised beds, narrow paths, hay mulch, companion plants ("you're wasting space on weeds") and (horrors!) my reliance on manure and compost instead of liquid fertilizers. When I refused to use pesticides, they gave up on me. One even said to me "You probably do yoga and eat granola". (I do! LOL) They also weren't impressed with the appearance of my heirloom tomatoes, which were the wrong colors, too lumpy and bumpy, etc. You know what, though? Every now and then over the years one or another of them has asked me about an organic solution for this or that, so I've won over a few of them. There are aspects of the green movement that bother me, including the way the government dumbed down the organic standards and allow practices which devoted organic gardeners never would use, but for which the commercial industry had lobbied. I do think a lot of the green news we hear has more to do with marketing than with doing anything for the right ethical reasons. Still, I do see lots of folks (many of them right here on this forum) who are quite serious about gardening in the most healthy way, eating organically when possible, etc. That gives me hope that we're realizing there's a better way to raise food and take care of Mother Earth too. The spice place made me nuts, but in a good way. I didn't want to leave. Tim just stood in the pepper room talking on his cell phone while I put bag after bag in the basket. At one point I handed him the basket to hold for me while I was looking for the turmeric, and he headed for the cashier's register, thinking I was done. I had to chase him down and say "Wait, I'm not finished yet!" LOL Silly guy. Just because the basket was full, he thought I was finished shopping. I want to know why Fort Worth has all these interesting food places now---they didn't have them when we lived there. Dawn
...See More
Favorite comfort food?
Q
Comments (88)
To me, "comfort food" is a misnomer. I find any good food to be comforting, and it doesn't have to be a big Thanksgiving buffet. A good sandwich is comforting to me too. Fall time is a good time for hot foods, long cooked foods, slow roasted foods. Stew, chili, pot roast, meatloaf, turkey breast, ham... Done right, they're all comforting. Add in a pecan or apple pie, spice cake, good cup of coffee or tea and have a feast. Even some good quality bratwurst fit in here too. Never was big on soup. Soup is a side dish, not a meal. I don't drink a meal anymore. I want a thick, hearty stew instead.
...See More
Comfort foods when ill
Q
Comments (11)
It depends on the kind of sick. I get a lot of respiratory infections, and for that I want things that hold a hot temperature, and also spicy things. Spicy (black or chili pepper, more than garlic or ginger) because not only can one taste it all stuffed up, but it helps with the congestion. For any kind of really feel bad, toast and jam (I rarely eat either otherwise) or stiff, unsweetened oatmeal. For digestive sick, also the classic crackers and gingerale (with sugar in), followed by plain yoghurt as soon as possible (preferably White Mountain), perhaps with a drop of honey. But for a more out of sorts than really sick thing, it's TJ's version of tater tots, well done and crunchy with ketchup (never eat them otherwise). Anywhere along the way there's also chicken and chicken soup, but that's because protein makes you feel strong more than "comfort" food. When I don't feel well, I don't want "wet", so mostly no fruit, though maybe some fresh fruit juice, and veg better in a mixed dish than my usual piled on a plate. I know I'm feeling better when I can face a salad again. :)
...See More
User
13 years ago
Its still 92ÃÂº here. I have soup all year long. I love my vegetable soup and the cream cheese potato.
Marilyn Sue McClintock
13 years ago
Any kind of soup for me, especially chili soup and cream of potato soup with rivals and shredded cheese on top for me.

Sue
patti43
13 years ago
It's in the 90's here today, but I made a huge pot of vegetable beef soup and a fudge upside down cake. When football comes on TV, soup goes on the stove. I know the season's changed.
susan_on
13 years ago
I LOVE a roast chicken, roast beef or soup dinner in the fall and winter.
dotmom
13 years ago
Almost anything made in the oven. It was so hot this summer, and I got so tired of salads and 'hot weather' food. I made a big pot roast yesterday for company, so were having leftovers from that, but I picked up a small (I think) butternut squash, and I''ll bake that to go with them. Love, love, love this cooler weather.
glenda_al
13 years ago
It's 114 here, on my deck, but I get the afternoon sun.
cynic
13 years ago
Isn't it a relief Dotmom? That heat and humidity of this year was terrible. Couple months now of my favorite time of year and then winter. As long as it's not icy like last year I shouldn't mind.

Fall comfort food? Turkey breast, meatloaf, pot roast, chili, lasagna, stew, ribs, spaghetti, WTH, most anything hot is good at this time of the year!
lindyluwho
13 years ago
I was just saying to DH last night I'm ready for cool weather foods. Unfortunately I don't think we are ever going to get cool weather. Still in the 90s here this week.

I'd love to have some beef stew, veggie soup, goulash, chili, etc.

Linda
Jasdip
13 years ago
Yesterday I made a well-done roast beef, gravy, mashed potatoes, carrots and broccoli. It was so good! We both just love it.

Also meat loaf and scalloped potatoes. That is a sure sign of cool weather for me.

Made rice pudding last week, another sign.
Terri_PacNW
13 years ago
Well ya all come on out to the PNW...it's mild temp time...and rain on and off...perfect oven, comfort food time..

We eat a lot of comfort food all year long..
lydia1959
13 years ago
I love meatloaf or a pot of chili or soup, but today we are having french dip sandwiches. The meat has been in the crock pot all day. Smells good!
User
13 years ago
Roast pork studded with loads of garlic, oven roast spuds, onions and carrots, with sides of brussel sprouts, home made gravy (using the farm pressed apple cider, no alcohol kind) and apples sauce (home made with apples fresh from the orchard). Glass of either a blush wine, or a Malbec (Chilean or Argentinian). I know.. no red with white meat, but we're not huge white wine drinkers.

Finally cool enough to consider even turning the oven on, and for a change looking forward to lighting the wood stove and finishing off bottles of plonk while playing cribbage. Oh.. and the above menu is going to be our Thanksgiving dinner ;)

Yayyy.. Autumn LOL
FlamingO in AR
13 years ago
Not quite cool enough here yet, but soon! Pumpkin soup, pork with cabbage or sauerkraut and roasted potatoes, caramel apples, Spanish Bean soup, crusty bread, meat loaf, pot roast, venison country steak, Oh, I just love the Autumn!
Adella Bedella
13 years ago
tortilla chips with Rotel dip
monica_pa Grieves
13 years ago
Ginger Snaps.
When I see that orange and black box, I know Thanksgiving is near.
ronf_gw
13 years ago
Warm apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
good36
13 years ago
Homemade Mac and cheese is my number one comfort food. Next is homemade mashed potato's.
glenda_al
13 years ago
You might be interested in this, that comes on Food Network, Monday night

America's Best
60 Min. 08:00PM Mon., Sep 20 cst

"Comfort Food"
Certain foods make people feel good like burgers and pizza; 10 of America's best comfort food locations.
wildchild
13 years ago
Pumpkin pie, pumpkin ice cream and pumpkin bread.

I don't really have seasonal comfort foods. The only thing seasonal about my eating are fresh fruits and veggies in season.

Comfort food is an open faced chili burger on a toasted bun topped with cheese and red onions.
mboston_gw
13 years ago
A pot of Bean Soup, the kind with lots of different kinds of beans and hot crusty french bread. Maybe a fruit salad on the side, thinking apples, grapes, bananas.
jel48
13 years ago
For me, fall foods = ham and beans, chicken and noodles (homemade noodles), and pumpkin bars! These are all things I don't cook the rest of the year, but love to make during fall and winter.
ruthieg__tx
13 years ago
yessss all of the above but particularly the one pot meals.....Chili, soup, stew, any kind of beans cooking with a ham bone.......I wish we had a wood stove so I could cook on it. My neighbor has one and in the fall and winter, his home is so warm and cozy and you are just wrapped in warmth and there is always a pot on top.yummmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
cathyid
13 years ago
You can come and cook on mine Ruthie, or better yet, just bring an appetite and you can scoop something out of our dutch.LOL In winter when the stove is going 24/7, we cook on it 3 or 4 days a week. It's cooling off here, but not to the point of the stove being used. I envy people that can make a decent chicken and dumpling, but my soups are good and potroast is probably my favorite comfort food.
susan_on
13 years ago
Mmm. I made turkey/vegetable soup in the crock pot over night, and ate it for my snack this morning. The broth flavour (I can it myself) was very smooth, and I quite enjoyed it. I am giving some to my daughter and I have enough for another two bowls. LOVE soup this time of year.
mamatoad
13 years ago
My favorite is a big pot of soup with homemade bread fresh from the oven. However, the temp. was l05 degrees here yesterday and will be almost that hot today. I'll wait a month or two to bake bread!
two25acres
13 years ago
Chowders. Sitting here at work having my lunch of corn chowder. Its the second chowder this month.
maddie_in_ky
13 years ago
"I was just saying to DH last night I'm ready for cool weather foods. Unfortunately I don't think we are ever going to get cool weather. Still in the 90s here this week. "

Yep. Same here. It's going to be 95 here tomnorrow, and while I want soups and stews and baked something, I just don't see it happening until it cools down. :(

Apple pie....ummmm......

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

SMALL SPACES Cottages: The Comfort Food of Architecture

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Soul satisfying and as snug as a favorite sweater, a cottage knows how to roll out the welcome mat

FALL GARDENING Make This Fall’s Garden the Best Ever

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Learn the most important tip for preventing buyer’s remorse, plus get more valuable buying and planting advice

DECORATING GUIDES Room of the Day: Adding Comfort and Style to a New Jersey Family Room

By Becky Harris

Layers of natural textures and pops of color help create a welcoming and cozy space for a couple and their baby

MOST POPULAR 6 Kitchen Flooring Materials to Boost Your Cooking Comfort

By Jennifer Ott Design

Give your joints a break while you're standing at the stove, with these resilient and beautiful materials for kitchen floors

FARM YOUR YARD Hello, Honey: Beekeeping Anywhere for Fun, Food and Good Deeds

By The Best Bees Company

We need pollinators, and they increasingly need us too. Here, why and how to be a bee friend

TRANSITIONAL HOMES Houzz Tour: New Comforts in the Cotswolds

By Natalie Wain

An elegant renovation brings contemporary color and other updates to a historic Arts and Crafts home

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Comfortable Country Style in Cincinnati

By Adrienne DeRosa

Warm colors, extra rooms and plush furniture make a couple's farmhouse-style home worth sharing with guests

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: Fall in Love With Fall

Kick off the season with autumnal decor that highlights the comforts of home

Fall Party Spots

DECORATING GUIDES A Subliminal Approach to Fall Decorating

By Tiffany Carboni

Get your home in the autumn groove without going over the top, with decorating ideas from two top San Francisco designers

Sponsored

More Discussions

Smile today - 4/19/24

6

Friday/Weekend Quiz

16

Cat ID help - is this any particular breed?

15

Let's start a chain reaction game -- Part 4

5

Few People Get Shingles More Than Twice

2