I’ve been thinking about the question, “What is your go-to comfort food?” For a long time, my honest answer would have been…”all of it.”

For years, I was a classic stress snacker. Chips, crackers, cheese, leftovers—if it was available, I’d munch on it. That habit eventually caught up with me, taking me from 160 to 250 pounds and leading to a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. These days, most of those old “comfort foods” don’t bring much comfort at all; they just bring a blood sugar spike and the thought of a nasty look from my doctor. My relationship with food had to change.

But there is one thing that remains the ultimate comfort: the smell and taste of fresh-baked bread.

We have a breadmaker, and I’ve gotten pretty good at baking a tasty loaf. It’s not something I do often because of the health implications, but that’s what makes it so special. It’s a deliberate act, reserved for true celebration.

My daughter, Lizzi, is in town this weekend, and that is a true celebration.

So, this morning, the whole house is filled with that incredible aroma. For me, this is what comfort has become. It’s not mindless snacking in a moment of stress. It’s a warm slice of homemade bread, shared with my daughter and my wife, Daryl. It’s the joy of “breaking bread” together, quite literally. It’s a tangible expression of love and gratitude.

So, my question for you is a little different today. Has your definition of “comfort food” changed over the years? And what’s the one special treat you save for moments of pure joy and celebration?

Copyright © 2025 Doug DeBolt.