COMFORT FOODS: ONE WAY TO FEEL LESS DISTANT DURING SOCIAL DISTANCING
During times of uncertainty, many people turn to comfort foods to help them feel more at ease. Often times our true comfort foods originate during childhood, surrounded by family and/or loved ones and are often eaten on a somewhat regular basis over the years.
Maybe it’s grandma’s apple pie, dad’s pancakes, mom’s mac n’ cheese or sister’s blueberry scones… but most importantly, it is the foods that bring you warmth and comfort when you think of them.
Whether you are social distancing alone, with friends, with a significant other, or with the whole family, there are ways to incorporate comfort foods as a means to come together.
1. IF YOU ARE ALONE-
If you are social distancing alone, this can feel like an incredibly isolating and lonely time. Make sure to FaceTime or talk to loved ones on a consistent basis to help foster the feeling of connection. When it comes to cooking comfort foods, set a FaceTime date with a family member and make the dish together. This will likely help make you feel more connected and comforted all in one… win, win!
2. IF YOU ARE WITH FRIENDS AND/OR ROOMMATES-
If you are quarantining with friends and/or roommates get to know them better by learning about their childhood comfort foods and making them together. Switch off each week by trying someone’s family recipe and making it all together. Not only will you likely learn more about the people you’re living with, but you may discover some new recipes to add to your regular routine.
3. IF YOU ARE WITH YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER-
If it’s just you and yours, try cooking some comfort food recipes together. Break out the wine, put on a good playlist and make some recipes together as a fun, alternative date night idea. Or, surprise your loved one by making one of their favorite comfort foods. Wake up slow with a thoughtful breakfast in bed, make their favorite lunch dish while they’re on a work call, or bake their favorite dessert just in time for movie night.
4. IF YOU ARE WITH FAMILY-
If you are quarantining with kids and/or several generations, this is a great time to bring the family together by making those favorited recipes. Involve the younger ones by teaching them the basics and by involving them in the cooking process. Involve grandma/grandpa by encouraging them to be the teachers. Often times, recipes are passed down through the generations, so take advantage of the elders and encourage their participation.
Cooking with others is a great way to stay connected during this time. No matter where we come from, or what our backgrounds are, it is universally common to find solace in age-old comfort foods. Gathering over meals has been a way to foster relationships since the beginning of time.
If you aren’t much of a chef, don’t let that deter you from trying. It is more about the meaning and intention behind comfort food dishes rather than perfection and, often times with cooking, practice makes perfect.
So, what do you say? … Who’s in the mood for some apple pie?