Ever wonder why mac and cheese, beef stew, lasagna, or even a slice of fruitcake creates cravings in the fall? In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, Nancy May & Sylvia Lovely dive into the cozy world of comfort foods—and trust us, there’s a lot more to it than just wanting that warm brownie or an extra spoonful of mashed potatoes on your plate!

Nancy and Sylvia aren’t just talking about our favorite go-to comfort recipes. They’re sharing some of the reasons why certain foods bring back some of your best memories, and why our bodies actually need comfort food when it gets cold. In this episode, you learn about ghost recipes – don’t worry, they’re not creepy or scary memories and stories of traditional Sunday sauces, and apple dumplings made with Mountain Dew (yes, really!). You’ll also go back in time to those old-fashioned church cookbook finds that have become dinner-party showstoppers— we promise you’re in for a treat with this episode.

🍂Key Lessons & Takeaways:

🔍Comfort food activates that involve all five senses. Sight, smell, sound, touch, and taste all come alive when you’re cooking and eating fall favorites like stew, chili, and roasted pumpkin.

🔍The science behind your cravings. Cold weather and less daylight lower your serotonin and body temperature—so hearty meals help warm you up and boost your mood.

🔍How Ghost Recipes connect us to the past. Old family dishes, even if half-remembered, tell stories of loved ones and keep traditions alive in powerful ways.

🔍Comfort food looks different for everyone. From Yorkshire pudding and burnt marshmallows (for an 8-year-old Girl Scout), to chili or a lasagna made by a well-known pasta machine inventor, each dish has personal meaning.

🔍Fall cooking is about slowing down. Scratch recipes, simmering pots, and food memories all invite us to be present, take the edge off our hectic schedules and lives, and teach us how to be present with ourselves and those we love and care about. We suggest you give it a try one weekend to rediscover just how relaxing it can be in your own kitchen.

🎧 What’s NEXT? How you can help us and others.

Feeling hungry for more than just food? Go make your favorite fall recipe—or better yet, call someone and ask about their comfort food memories. And don’t forget to share this episode with friends and family. Because as Nancy and Sylvia always say… every dish has a story—and every story is a feast.. and it’s all better when shared! 🍽️💬

Additional Links ❤️

• Book: My Family Tree, Food & Stories Journal Awarded #1 New Release on Amazon
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