By Andy Bedwell
What’s your favorite comfort food? When I was in a small group and asking people to name their favorite comfort food, I got a different answer from each person: fried chicken, chili, mac and cheese, chicken soup and pancakes. In the end we agreed that to be a comfort food, a dish must make you feel safe and happy.
Please send me your favorite “comfort food” and the recipe to put in The Messenger. We are interested to see what has made you happy. This will be fun! I will begin with my favorite comfort foods.
Southern Potato Salad
5 pounds russet potatoes, chopped medium size, peeled, boiled and cooked until tender
5 eggs, boiled
1 large onion, chopped small
3/4 cup of sweet pickles
1 teaspoon mustard (just to add color)
Enough mayonnaise to hold together (I use BAMA mayonnaise)
Black pepper, Salt to taste
Andy’s Note: yes, my potato salad is real simple and easy.
Banana Muffins
3 cups plain flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup chopped pecans
3 large banana, mashed with a fork
1 1/4 cup Crisco oil
3 eggs, beaten
Combine all ingredients and bake at 350 degrees for about 30-40 minutes. These are delicious!
Andy’s Note: These are so good for breakfast, a snack, lunch, dinner or a late night snack.
The Best Chocolate Brownie EVER!
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
2 cups sugar
1 cup Crisco oil
4 eggs, beaten
8 tablespoons cocoa
1 tablespoon vanilla flavoring
1 cup chopped pecans
Mix flour, cocoa and pecans together. Then add rest of ingredients and mix well. Pour into a greased 9 x13-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, not one minute longer!
Andy’s Note: Be sure and set the timer. This is VERY important. In my opinion, this recipe is the Best of the Best! I made 300 squares for a family reunion many years ago. They freeze really well. I made them in the deli of a quick shop for years. Tiff stopped by every morning and bought one for breakfast. Every time I made these brownies, I always thought of my sweet Tiff.
I hope all of you will participate in my “Comfort Food“ month of October! I love all of my Messenger readers and all of the support you have given me through the years. I’m looking forward to hearing from a number of you. My email address is andrbdw@aol.com.
Happy Cooking, Andy
“Southern Cooking with Andy Bedwell” may be purchased at The Messenger newspaper located at 1957 Rainbow Drive.