On Comfort Food

I've made plenty of comfort food in the course of this blog, from meatloaf to meatballs, donuts, grillswith, and plenty of drinks. But I have a confession, none of those are my true comfort food. Since I claim to be a foodie, you might think that my comfort food might be something unorthodox or off the wall. No, it's pretty much the exact opposite of that. My ultimate comfort food is hot dogs, blue box mac and cheese, and cinnamon applesauce.

To most people, comfort food is something that is easy or at least familiar, high in fat or carbs, so it makes you feel warm, full, and comfortable. But, for me, comfort food also has to tie into a memory of eating that gives some measure of peace.

My comfort food is my comfort food because it is the food that most clearly brings me back to memories of my father. My dad was a horrible cook. He used to tell me that his version of gourmet cooking was a hot dog, split down the middle, with a strip of bacon, and wrapped in a slice of American cheese. When my mom went out of town, dad would do his best and make mac and cheese, boiled hot dogs, and apple sauce. It was his attempt to serve a balanced meal that didn't take much work or involve too much cleanup.

If you follow my Patreon, you'll know if been working on a project to make a viking shield for myself to take to the Renaissance Faire. It's just the kind of wood working project my dad would have been proud of me for doing and every time I hit a snag or get frustrated I feel his absence more and more. That, and the upcoming anniversary of my father's passing, has him on my mind a lot recently.

So, as I made my plate of hot dogs, mac and cheese, and applesauce, I thought I would share with you all why that meal, more than any other, is what I turn to when I'm feeling stressed, panicked or overwhelmed.

Patreon

Today, I am announcing the launch of my Patreon! For those who don't know, Patreon is a way for people to sponsor content creators on a long-term basis. It is a way for creatives on the internet to earn money doing what they love outside of more traditional ad revenue models and really connect with the people who make all this possible.

In my case, you can commit to a monthly subscription of any amount you choose. Higher amounts unlock rewards, or ways for me to say thank you for your support and generosity.

I've been doing this blog for almost 2 years now, and it's something I'd really like to keep going far into the future. But, for me to do that, I'm going to need a little help.

Don't worry, my recipes will always be free for everyone. As will any food videos that I will hopefully put out in the future. This isn't a way to pay for my content, just a way to support me so I can make better content.

You should take this Patreon launch as my commitment to—outside of emergencies, vacations, or final exams—make 2 posts per week. Thank you so much for supporting me. Even if you don't give through Patreon, thank you so much for being here. You all have made this a joy for me.

Recipes You Won't Get From Me

Since this blog is focused on foods I like to make, and I only make foods I like to eat, I just wanted to give you, my dear reader, a heads up on some foods/recipes you will not be seeing from me. I figured I ought to get the negative stuff out of the way right away so we can move on to the food! Though you might see me use these ingredients, those instances will be few and far between.

I don't like cream cheese. Or ricotta cheese. Or yogurt. You will not see a cheesecake recipe, a lasagna recipe, or a cannoli recipe. I wish I liked these foods, but unfortunately I don't.

It's my dad's fault that I don't like cream cheese. My parents like cream cheese and jelly sandwiches, but I never cared for them. When I was but a wee viking, my dad made me a cream cheese and jelly sandwich and I thought it was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I took one huge bite of what I thought was a delicious PB&J and nearly threw up. Ever since then I can't even abide the smell of the stuff.

As an amateur foodie, I am always looking to expand my horizons by trying new ways to use these ingredients, so if you have any suggestions or recipes, I would be happy to give them a try.

But, what you will see here is grilling, frying, vegetarian options, delicious desserts (if I can get my neighbor to part with some recipes), savory sauces, tasty meats, plus some of my favorite restaurants and where you can go to find some of my favorite foods.

About me

Hi! Welcome to my food blog. I am a man with a fantastic beard and a passion for good food (with the waist to show it). Please join me as I share some of my favorite recipes, menus, and food ideas.