The perfect healthy comfort food menu

Source: Best Health Magazine, January/February 2010

I love that food stimulates the senses, smell, because aromas can trigger a memory of the way you felt the first time you experienced it. And my whole family loves the atmosphere good food creates in our home while it’s being prepared.

I hope each of these dishes will awaken your senses and create a comforting food memory for you and the people you share them with. The saag paneer, an Indian dish that can be served as a main course on its own, or as a side with chicken or turkey, is a wonderful potpourri of aromatic spices, vegetables and cheese. The rustic, earthy aroma of the pasta with beef tenderloin and goat cheese adds warmth to the coldest winter night. And the sweet smell of the caramelized bananas in my pain perdu, a variation of French toast, makes it a perfect finish to a meal, or try it as a brunch dish.

Recipes:
‘ Saag Paneer with Tomatoes
‘ Beef Tenderloin and Rosemary Rigatoni
‘ Light Cream Cheese, Banana & Coconut Pain Perdu

This article was originally titled "Warm and inviting," in the January/February 2010 issue of Best Health. Subscribe today to get the full Best Health experience’and never miss an issue!’and make sure to check out what’s new in the latest issue of Best Health.