Comfort Food

Free Orange Macro Macaroni and Cheese Creative Commons
Originally uploaded by Pink Sherbet Photography

I woke up this morning to the sound of rain clinking on the metal chimney. Cars driving by make splashing sounds in the wet street, and the sky is dark.

My first thought was: "A good day to make chocolate chip cookies."

What is it about rainy days and comfort food?

I think it has to do with childhood. In summertime, when you're a kid, if it's sunny you play outdoors, and if it's rainy, you stay in. I remember being happy as a clam, curled up in a window seat as the rain pattered against the glass, with a book and a whole sleeve of saltines.

I still read for hours when it rains, and I inevitably turn to those comfort foods that feed my soul much more than my body: Tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, bowls of honey nut cheerios.

I think it's important to relish these quiet days of contemplation, when the sky opens up, pours down, and urges you to 'slow down, stay in'.

Think about it, next time, when the weatherman is calling for 'bad' weather, and rain threatens to 'ruin' your weekend, because there is a whole world of creature comforts just waiting to be enjoyed indoors.