Comfort Food

Yesterday on our way to "From Olives and Grapes" (olivesandgrapes.com) in Cocoa, we stopped at a shop we had passed a couple of times previously, called "Grimaldi Candy and Gifts " (grimaldicandies.com). What drew Judy to the place was that out front is a 1955/56 Turquoise Ford Thunderbird - Judy is a car nut. Great store, they make their chocolates right there and they are known for chocolate covered potato chips. The owner, by the way, was born in El Paso, Il. I bought a box of chocolate covered cherries - my favorite. The chocolate covering is about an eighth of an inch thick over a cherry and enough liquid to actually take a sip. After the first one that ran down my fingers onto the arm of a leather chair, We learned to bite off the top, suck out the juice, and nibble around the edge until the cherry can be eaten and then the rest of the chocolate. (Have I peaked your interest?)

We were on our way to "From Olives and Grapes" because recently on Facebook they showed them harvesting olive oil from the land at the villa - Villa Gioanna - in Umbria where we stayed last April. Alas, the oil is not available yet, it has not been shipped from Italy. Love those Italians, they are in no rush. We did taste some chocolate flavored balsamic vinegar while there. It is supposed to be good on ice cream or cheesecake. (is there a chocolate theme going here? Only a coincidence.)

After tasting and smelling chocolate, we were ready for lunch, and stopped at a restaurant beachside on the Intercoastal and ordered potato and bacon soup and conch fritters. The soup was the way our mother made it. Chunks of potatoes, lots of bacon in a milk base - no thickening that you most often see today. Very good and it got us thinking about foods that give good memories from childhood - Comfort Food.

Chocolate covered cherries, homemade potato soup, Campbells tomato soup with soda crackers in it, paired with French fries or grilled cheese sandwiches - every Catholic family's Friday meal, tuna cassarole made with tuna, noodles, cream of mushroom soup (canned peas sometimes) and covered with crushed potato chips and baked - the other Catholic family Friday night staple.

Hot Campbell's chicken noodle soup and a glass of milk so cold that your teeth feel funny because of the hot and cold contrast, biscuits and gravy - Vern always said Hardees was the best after mine, chocolate cake with chocolate icing and a glass of ice cold milk, and of course, in our family, Swiss Steak and pea gravy.

When my stomach feels queasy, I want a Milky Way candy bar. I had them a lot when I was going through Chemo. Judy and I had fun yesterday reminiscing about what we liked/still like and I am sure you have your favorites too. Aren't we blessed to be able to eat what we are supposed to but when the need arises, have those things that make us feel satisfied. Life is good!