Comfort food

I love comfort food in the winter, especially the kinds of food that aren't so healthy: sweets and breads.  But a few weeks ago, I just got into a big comfort food kick, probably due to all the cold, gloomy days.  And even though some (ok, all) of the things I made aren't super-healthy, there is a lot to be said for giving your body just what it craves.

I had not made my homemade soft pretzels yet this season, so I simply had to make them before Spring.  These pretzels would be great any time of year, but are just about perfection in the winter.  They are best right out of the oven, so don't let them sit around too long (don't worry, that won't be a problem).  I like mine with lots of mustard, but I am outnumbered around here on that particular preference. 

(Here's where you can find the pretzel recipe):

I love crisps of all kinds, but since I had lots of blueberries at the time, that's what I made.  And, I used store-bought ice cream (gasp!) but I really wanted to save some time and extra dishes.  It just wasn't the same, but still went beautifully with the blueberry crisp.

(Here's where you can find the blueberry crisp recipe):

I love this recipe for Macaroni and Cheese.  It's so easy to make, and really delicious.  The toasted bread crumbs add a lot to it, so if you make it, don't skip them!  Beware though - I always get carb coma after eating this, because it's so easy to eat way more than I should.  I can't help it - it's so yummy!

(Macaroni & Cheese recipe is from The Best Recipe):

What would a post about comfort food be without breakfast?  This is where I love comfort food most of all - pancakes, waffles, potato casserole........the list goes on and on!  But pancakes are probably tops around here, because I love to make them and the Bachsters love to eat them (seriously, they count how many they've eaten and compare their results with each other).  When I was a kid, my mom would always make us homemade pancakes, and even though she made them fairly often, it was always such a special thing when she did.  I have such fond memories of those breakfasts, that I can't help but carry on the tradition with our family. 

(There are several pancake recipes that we love, but I think this recipe is our absolute favorite):

What are some of your favorite comfort foods?

-Cheryl