I'm sorry you've all had a bad year.

Sounds like you all need comfort food. What does your family like to eat? What did you eat at family gatherings in happier times? Do any family recipes come to mind? I would head in that direction.

I wish you all a much better year in 2010.

My mom was a very good cook. We would have ham, baked beans, potatoes, everyone would bring something. we were more in the plain and simple taste buds. we also had what mom called perfection salad,( lemon jello, celery, pineapple and cabbage).
I think I would like things that you can make ahead.
We lived on a farm and roast beef,mashed potatoes,gravy peas etc was comfort food! Heavy meals.
Thank you so much for the good wishes for 2010!!!

To eat on your lap? meat loaf....don't need a knife...and serve pre buttered rolls or garlic bread and a simple salad.
You can make a meat loaf fancy by making it with part ham or filling it with something or serving a "sauce" to top it with.
Then a side of rice pilaf or brown rice a simple vegetable followed by coffee and cookies and you are good.
Most can be made ahead, served buffet and eaten on your lap.
Shout if you need a recipe for meatloaf.
Linda c

Meat loaf is a good idea...maybe individual ones. My son bakes them like mounds on cookie sheets so they take less time to bake and also because not all of us like ketchup on them.... and they look very festive. I'd serve mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans or corn, rolls and butter....and of course your cookies. Simple cheeses and crackers with grapes and olives are easy appetizers.

Some years really are awful, aren't they? May you have a happy, healthy, prosperous 2010.

Sherry

Why meatloaf? Meatballs baked in the oven are so much easier to cook and eat. Mac'n'cheese is the ultimate comfort food; sprinkle on those toasted breadcrumbs for that final finishing touch. A trifle (you can make individual ones in plastic glasses), or black bottom cupcakes, finish off a great 'comfort food' dinner that may be just what the doctor ordered. Best wishes to you and your family for the holidays as you look forward to better times!

I just helped out with a bridal shower and we did spiral ham, a smoked turkey purchased from the grocery store already done, and quiches of every imaginable mixture of ingredients, big salad, pastries. salmon and cream cheese. Pitchers of fresh brewed tea, It was really nice and everyone loved it. Oh and I made a big pot of soup too.

Chilli