Comfort Food

There were snow flurries here in Indianapolis today. It seems to me that this is one of the earliest times that we've seen snow fall in this area in a long time--perhaps a harbinger for things to come. After all, the Farmer's Almanac does call for a snowy winter for our region. And I'm quite excited about it!!!!

In any case, cold, snowy weather does call for comfort food. I stated that I was going to make chicken and dumplings tonight. I did...and the house smells fantastic!

It also brought up some really heartwarming memories. Almost 12 years ago, Daughter #1 was born on Christmas Eve. We brought her home 3 days later and then we were blessed with many kind visitors who brought food, gifts and fellowship.

Hubby-bub's sister (who was married 2 months before us and had also given birth to a daughter 7 weeks before Daughter #1 arrived) came to our house to drop off a meal. I was napping with the baby at the time, but I remember my mom heating up that meal for dinner--it was chicken and dumplings. And it was the absolute BEST chicken and dumplings I had ever eaten. And I still compare any chicken and dumplings to that meal.

I wonder sometimes if some foods or meals become better because of the circumstances in which they are eaten. I don't think I will ever have chicken and dumplings like that again, probably because of that specific time and place in our lives and the loving intent with which that meal was provided.