What makes comfort food comforting?

The mere mention of comfort food conjures a different sensory experience for us all; yet no matter what savory dish comes to mind first and foremost, we all imagine a warm, cozy kitchen and the anticipation of a soothing, homemade delight made with loving care.

In a time when our lives are harried and stressed and the news can be downright depressing, spending time preparing a favorite comfort dish is a kind of healing.

Whether cooking or baking for yourself or for friends or family, the end result of comfort food speaks of thoughtfulness.

Althea McQuestion has combined over 100 recipes in Cooking Up Comfort, all of which are sure to nourish body and soul.