From Linda Larsen,
Your Guide to Busy Cooks.
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Cool days and cold nights make us think about more substantial food for dinner. And it doesn't have to be bad weather that makes you crave comfort; everybody needs help when world events or personal problems are overwhelming.

This is the perfect time for a look at comfort food recipes we crave. The Busy Cooks forum has been busy with readers posting their favorite comfort food recipes. There is a common thread that runs through all the wonderful recipe choices - usually a food from childhood that evokes memories of being warm and cozy and cared for by someone special. Try these recipes and you and your family will feel cozy and safe too.

These are some of my special versions of popular comfort foods recipes. Join us in the forum and tell us about your favorites too!

My Favorite Comfort Food Recipes

• Fastest Cheesecake
  For true comfort food in a hurry, this recipe is hard to beat. It really is the fastest cheesecake - ever!
• Mac and Cheese Casserole
  This wonderful five ingredient recipe is super fast, rich and creamy.
• Creamy Tex-Mex Chicken Spaghetti
  Salsa and four cheese Alfredo sauce combine for a creamy, spicy, and warming topping to tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. Avocados add the quintessential finishing touch.
• Skillet Spaghetti
  Since the pasta cooks right in the sauce, it absorbs a lot of flavor. I also love the texture of the spaghetti when it's cooked in this fashion.
• My Special Pizza
  I discovered the secret ingredient to the special tang that take-out pizzas have, and I make my pizza sauce this way every time.
• Glazed Doughnuts
  This super-easy recipe uses refrigerated dough for a quick treat.
• Crockpot Chili
  Everybody has their own special chili recipe. I love this one, made in a crockpot.
• The Easiest Fudge
  Two ingredients plus a microwave oven equals some of the best fudge you'll ever eat.
• Special Kay Bars
  This rich and creamy, chewy, and crisp no bake bars are true comfort food.
• Enchiladas Verdes
  This recipe for green enchiliadas is one of my favorites. The smooth cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and lots of green peppers and onions make it so flavorful.
• Crockpot Chicken Rice Soup
  This easy slow cooker recipe is not only comforting, but it's 'good for what ails you', as my dad says.
• Warm Cheese Dip
  If you serve this with lots of great bread and vegetables, it can be dinner!
• Lemon Meringue Pie
  The secret to great meringue that doesn't get watery is in this recipe.
• Chicken Risotto
  Okay, so this doesn't use arborio rice, so it technically isn't a traditional risotto. I love it anyway!
• Rice Pudding
  'Nuff said.