Week 7- Comfort Food (I-A)
Our Journal – Comfort Foods in America Edition
Week 7 – March 21st
Idiom of the Week
Idiom: "A taste of home"
Meaning: Food that evokes memories of home, culture, or childhood.
Example: After living abroad for years, he found comfort in preparing his mother’s dishes for a taste of home.
Words of the Week: Expand Your Culinary Vocabulary! (8)
👉 Cuisine – A style of cooking associated with a particular region or culture.
Example: Southern cuisine in the U.S. is known for dishes like fried chicken and cornbread.
👉 Hearty – Describes a rich, satisfying meal that provides nourishment.
Example: A hearty beef stew is perfect for warming up on a cold winter day.
👉 Savory – Having a strong, rich, or umami flavor rather than being sweet.
Example: Many American comfort foods, such as barbecue ribs, are savory and deeply flavorful.
👉 Indulgent – A rich or luxurious food that is enjoyed as a treat.
Example: Cheesecake is an indulgent dessert that many people save for special occasions.
👉 Nostalgic – Evoking fond memories of the past.
Example: The scent of freshly baked cookies made her nostalgic for childhood afternoons with her grandmother.
👉 Homemade – Prepared at home, rather than bought from a store or restaurant.
Example: The homemade apple pie was even more delicious than the bakery version.
👉 Comforting – Providing warmth, relaxation, or emotional reassurance.
Example: A bowl of chicken soup is comforting when you're feeling under the weather.
👉 Staple – A fundamental or commonly used ingredient in a diet.
Example: Rice is a staple food in many cultures around the world.
Quote of the Week
"Food is not just eating energy. It’s an experience."
— Guy Fieri
Book of the Week
“American Cuisine: And How It Got This Way” by Paul Freedman
📚 A Culinary History:
This book explores the evolution of American food, from regional specialties to modern influences.
✨ Key Takeaway: The diversity of American cuisine reflects the country’s cultural richness and history.
Fill in the Blanks – Challenge Yourself!
Use the words from this week’s list to complete the sentences:
Mac and cheese is considered an ___________ dish due to its creamy and cheesy goodness.
His grandmother’s famous meatloaf recipe brings back ___________ memories of Sunday dinners.
Cornbread is a ___________ food in many Southern meals.
Journal of the Week – Reflect and Write!
Theme: A Comfort Food Story
Write about a comfort food that holds special meaning for you. What emotions or memories does it evoke? Have you ever shared it with someone from a different cultural background? How did they react? Be sure to use at least three of the words from this week’s list.
