By Candace Byington and Chris Watson

Comfort food. This term is thrown a lot, especially during the colder months when we are all missing the comfort of long, warm sunny days. What is it? What does it mean? To some it is a hot, filling meal, like a soup or casserole. Others may see it as an indulgent snack. Many think of desserts and ice cream or something that they eat in times of distress. Still others insist on bread and pasta, yet some claim it is food from their ethnic background. Fortunately for all of us, Walt Churchill’s Market and Kazmaier’s have all of our cravings covered.  Plus, we introduce The Cinnamon Stick:  Bakery and coffee house.

Walt Churchill’s Market

If you do not want to cook you can find comfort food already made. This week at Walt Churchill’s Market in Perrysburg you will find rotisserie and fried chicken in the deli along with four different soups made daily. There are a few varieties of smaller pizzas, perfect for one or two people, single size quiche and half size fruit pizza. The market always carries a variety of store brand sausages from German brats to chorizo that can liven up any noodle dish or casserole or pair it with sauerkraut from Ann Arbor. Try pasta from Cleveland’s own Little Italy with authentic pasta from Italia or treat yourself to single serve saffron rice. Indulge in decadent chocolate covered nuts, pretzels and Ohio made ice cream

Kazmaier’s

Comfort foodies will get their fix at Kazmaier’s in Perrysburg. Carb lovers will be happy to find single serve garlic and mini French bread as well as baguettes in the bakery at Kazmaier’s. Locally baked single serve cookies (that can be shared with a partner ) share the same shelf with the breads in the bakery. In the producexarea there are single size packages of brownies. In the meat aisle there are packages of ground chuck portioned for one or two that go well in comfort food like spaghetti or goulash. These two classic dishes can be given a new twist with flavored noodles and pasta made from chick peas. Locally made pesto and unique pasta sauce flavors pair well with these noodle varieties. Don’t forget to indulge in a variety of cheeses available in the meat aisle.

The Cinnamon Stick

This may be the definition of comfort food.  First, The Cinnamon Stick is filled with pies and cookies.  Second it has ice cream and is more than happy to make you a shake. Third, it has coffee and all the things that goes with coffee.  Last and certainly not least it has Kahula.  What?!?  Yep, sit down for a piece of pie and an Irish (or Irish Cream) coffee or milk shake.  We really don’t think anything else needs to be said.  Located at 3535 W. Holland Sylvania it is the areas hidden comfort spot.