Floods and Comfort Foods...

As many of you may know, the Atlanta region has had a pretty horrible week of rain.  It started last Thursday and really just finished yesterday.  I have heard lots of different totals, but the area got around 2 feet of water and several counties received much more.  Monday was the worst with some parts of East Cobb County getting 15 inches in one day.  The devastation is horrific and most people who don’t have flood insurance have lost everything.  We were lucky, our house is pretty elevated and we had no issues, my Mom had a small amount of water in her bathroom that was manageable.  However, there are thousands who are really hurting now and a few extra prayers sent their way would be appreciated.

In the midst of this amazing rain, I really felt the need for some comfort food.  I have seen lots of lists which name mashed potatoes, grilled cheese, ice cream, fried chicken and a host of other foods at the top of the “Comfort Food” chart.  I guess it is just further proof that my taste buds are a little off…my list topping comfort food is…. Beef Stroganoff.   And, not just any beef stroganoff but my Mom’s recipe which is a little strange to start with.  Further proof that the food you grow up with tends to be what you crave.  This recipe turns out pretty orange in color where most is dark brown.  It uses chicken stock rather than beef, and includes ketchup and brown sugar along with other spices….but it all works together and the house smells like pure love… Serve on top of some nice fluffy white rice and the world just seems like a better place.

It would be great if you could start this about 4:00 in the afternoon, but I am usually not hanging out in the kitchen then.  Please note it takes about 2 hours so either cook it one night for dinner the next day, or just tell your family to get a snack because it will be a late meal, but oh so worth it.  It may work well in the crock pot, but I have not tried it that way.

I would love to know your top 5 comfort foods to see how different everyone is and what make you feel like home…

2 lbs round steak cubed

2 Tbsp butter

2 small onions, chopped

1 clove garlic

2 Tbsp brown sugar

salt & pepper

1 tsp paprika

1/2 c ketchup

2 Tbsp Worchestershire

1 Tbsp Lemon Juice

2 big cans of mushrooms, drained

1 pint chicken boullion

Corn Starch

16 oz carton sour cream

Hot cooked Rice

Brown the beef in butter in a dutch oven and add the onion and garlic cooking until the onion is translucent.  Add all of the ingredients down to the chicken boullion.  Simmer for 1-1/2 hours.  Thicken with corn starch and let simmer for a few minutes.  Add the sour cream right before serving and serve over hot rice.