At this time of year, when the bounty is starting to come in, we are often stuck with the ordeal of what to do with it all. Preserves, jams, jellies among other methods are the norm. But before we get to all of that, perhaps in a follow up post, let's discuss my favorite topic, dessert!
Comfort food
Comfort foods are foods intentionally consumed to move the eater into a pleasurable state. This could be credited to food preferences and childhood experiences (like a mother's cooking).
Physiological responses
Comfort food is usually chosen because of previous experiences of happiness linked with it. For example, chocolate is held as a popular comfort food as it is follows the pleasurable sweetness and the positive association with gifts/rewards.
The time of day also play a role in consuming comfort foods. Most people tend to eat simply because "it's lunch time" and only 20% of the time is due to actual hunger
Food preferences
Food preferences splits into two categories, snack-related and meal-related. If a child was exposed to many snacks growing up, he/she would focus on more snack-related comfort foods later on in life.
Food preference ranges through male/female, and younger/older. Females and the young demographic prefer snack-related comfort foods, while the male and older demographic prefer meal-related comfort foods
Dessert is a course that concludes a meal. The course consists of sweet foods, such as confections, and possibly a beverage such as dessert wine and liqueur. In some parts of the world, such as much of Central Africa and West Africa, and most parts of China, there is no tradition of a dessert course to conclude a meal.
The term dessert can apply to many confections, such as biscuits, cakes, cookies, custards, gelatins, ice creams, pastries, pies, puddings, macaroons, sweet soups, tarts, and fruit salad. Fruit is also commonly found in dessert courses because of its naturally occurring sweetness. Some cultures sweeten foods that are more commonly savory to create desserts.
Interesting. Here is a short list of typical desserts that might fall under the COMFORT category;
Cakes
Frozen desserts
Pies
Custards
Puddings
Cobblers & Crisps
Now that your all worked up over the foods of your cerebral past, how about a recipe! This ones from a recent catered event at "Band Camp", see previous blog for more details.
Here it is, Smores crumble. Perfect, simple inspiration. Camp meets comfort. Enjoy!
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