I’m from the south. Kentucky to be exact. I grew up on country cooking or as it is called nowadays, comfort food. I love it, honestly, I do. One bite of some creamed potatoes or a big pot of beef vegetable soup immediately takes me back to my Granny’s kitchen as a child. Don’t even get me started on my Granny’s pork chops. That woman was a wizard with a pork chop.
As I have aged and traveled the world, my definition of comfort food has changed greatly. I will always love a good pork chop. However, if someone asked me my favorite comfort food, I would say, without a second of hesitation, Japanese curry.
I lived in Japan for three years. This was a staple in my diet. I ate it at every given opportunity. There is simply nothing better. It makes me happy in every way. I make it on the regular. With one bite, I’m transported to one of my happiest places. I love Japan with my whole heart and that curry changed my life. I had no idea such a delicious thing existed as a child.
Now, if you were to ask my husband about his favorite comfort food, his answer would be my beef stew. It really is delish. However, on the flip side, my daughter would answer Dal Fry (a tasty Indian number made of lentils, onions, tomatoes and a lot of spices).
This leads me to a time a few years back when we had several meals in a row which were what most folks would call comfort food. There was meatloaf, chicken and dumplings and something like pot roast served for dinner.
My daughter ate all of this more or less without complaining, but by the third or fourth night she looked at me and said, “Momma, we have been eating a lot of white people food. Can you make Indian curry tomorrow?” I should note here that my daughter is Chinese.
I, of course, agreed. Truth is, we probably eat more Indian recipes at our house than any other type of food. I don’t own a dish towel or napkin that does not have an excess of yellow curry stains all over it.
I have cooked since I was a small child and became involved in 4-H. I was in 4-H for at least 10 years. During this time, I don’t believe there was ever a year I didn’t take a cooking project. I won several ribbons for my culinary efforts, including multiple blue ones. I was very dominant on the 4-H scene with my cooking.
Josie has cooked with me ever since we brought her home. I would sit her on the counter next to me and we would make a meal, dessert or whatever we wanted at that moment. She is 18 now and a damn good cook. She still helps me cook and will occasionally take the lead.
Cooking for me is more than just a skill, it is an outlet. My favorite part of the day is pouring myself a big glass of wine and making dinner.
Food is also my love language. The day I serve a hot dog and some potato chips for dinner, my family should be concerned. I’m either about to throw myself into traffic or kill them.
What I truly find fascinating is everyone’s unique and individual definition of comfort food. It truly runs the gamut. This makes me very happy and is part of the reason I am constantly trying new recipes.
In my mind, nothing can top Japanese curry, but if I don’t try new stuff, how will I ever know? Keep cooking my friends, and for the love of all that is holy, cook what makes you happy, brings you joy and makes you feel good.
Angela Traver
What is this blog about? Well, it's a general blog, but it is also a very specific blog. If you get that reference, you get a gold star! I have been a public relations professional and writer of press releases for more than 20 years—primarily in the booze biz. I decided to do some writing for fun and embrace the humor that gets me through most days. Hopefully it will make you chuckle—or at least smile. I’m a certified crazy magnet, and more than a little nutty myself, so buckle up. Also, I have two vices—profanity and red wine/whiskey. You’ve been warned. It should also be noted, that I’m a HUGE Bob & Sheri fan. I’ve been a listener for more than 20 years. This opportunity is a dream come true and it may have made me cry. That being said, I cry at everything. If you are into booze, dogs, food and/or knitting, hit me up on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (although I’m terrible at Twitter and it scares me) @kyspiritsgal. You can also find all my previous blog posts at www.kyspiritsgal.com.
