Comfort foods seem to be a natural remedy for rainy days, overwhelming sadness or stress. There’s just something emotionally satisfying about sinking your teeth into a warm cookie, or holding a steaming mug close to your chest. It feeds not only your body, but also seems to feed the soul. It is true that comfort foods are sometimes accompanied by feelings of guilt, as they are often laden with sugar and fat, but they don’t have to be.

Comfort foods vary

I took an informal poll about the favorite comfort foods of my housemates, and the results were surprisingly diverse. The results ranged from homemade tacos to cheese quesadillas, graham crackers, diet coke, chips, and most universally, tea. But the most surprising comfort food one housemate favored was granola. When I asked why, she simply responded, “There is nothing else I would rather eat.”

Whatever it is that strikes your fancy, we all have that something that hits the spot when it comes time for comfort food. For whatever reason, the physical act of eating often has a positive emotional result. I don’t advocate gluttony or relying on food to cope, as it can easily become an idol — but, there is a legitimate place for comfort food in a person’s life, if taken with self-discipline.

Rainy day comfort meal

Due to the recent rain and stress of too much to do, I found myself wanting some creamy, warm tomato soup. I tried a recipe I found online but it wasn’t satisfying at all — so, I made up my own recipe. Maybe you will find it comforting during this crazy part of the semester. The recipe is really simple. It only takes about 15 minutes to make, so it shouldn’t contribute to your stress, and you won’t feel guilty from eating it either. That is, unless you double the heavy whipping cream…

Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe

You need:

-A blender

-14 oz. can of tomatoes

-½ cup chicken broth or chicken bouillon

-1 tsp. herbs, of your choice

-1 tsp sugar

-1 tsp. butter

-¼ tsp garlic powder

-1 tbsp. half and half or whipping cream

What to do:

1.Open your can of tomatoes and pour the whole thing into the blender.
2.Add in the chicken broth. If you use chicken bouillon, don’t forget to add water.
3.Pour in your sugar and herbs. I used basil, thyme and pepper, which is what I had on 4.hand. This is really by feel, but go for one or two teaspoons.
5.Blend. If you want it really smooth, blend longer. I usually go for less than 10 seconds.
6.Put a small pot on the stove and melt your butter in it.
7.Add your garlic powder on top of the melted butter, and swirl them to mix.
8.Dump the contents of your blender into your small pot and heat it up.

Once the soup is warm, slowly stir in the cream.
Serve and enjoy.

Warm, savory, and rich, I think this soup will hit the spot for you. If you want to go all out, try pairing it with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic rainy day meal.