Comfort Food

Driving home from work, it's February, it's cold, it's been snowing like the old days, and I'm thinking about supper and something warm and cozy: comfort food. Risotto comes to mind and I think up this dish as I follow the path home.

1 box frozen spinach (of course you could use fresh)
1 medium onion
3 cloves garlic(more or less depending on how you feel about it)
1/2 pound sliced mushrooms
some sun dried tomatoes(they're pretty, throw in a couple more)
2 T olive oil
1 C. arborio rice
2  1/2 C. vegetable broth(or beef broth if you like it and know the beast was free to wander open pasture. That's OK now I think.)

Cook the spinach separately, keep the water.

Saute the vegies in oil in heavy skillet. (I used cast iron)

Heat the broth to simmering in separate pan.

I followed directions on the box for cooking the rice since they were the same as a risotto recipe I looked at. When veggies are done add spinach with water. Add rice and 1 cup of broth. Start stirring. 

This is the only problem with this recipe. No guy cooking here, you can't turn it on high and leave. (400 degrees for 10 minutes is the same as 200 for 20, right? Well it should be.) Nope, just keep stirring adding more broth as it thickens.  About 20 minutes all together. You might need a little more water or broth near the end.  Try some - should be nice and soft.

Serve with grated parmesan and nice bread, glass of red and your favorite person.

I'd guess that comfort food is different for each of us. Surely it can be connected to past experience. Mom made it when you were sick. Grandma made it when she visited on the holidays. Did your Dad ever make it? I don't think hot and spicy qualifies. Mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, hot oatmeal, tuna casserole, creamy soups, cream of mushroom, corn chowder, toast and tea.

What is comfort food for you?