Top 5 Summer Comfort Foods You’ll Find at Alpine Diner
The words ‘summer comfort foods’ often conjure up images of ice cream, French fries, and barbecue for many Americans. However, comfort foods can be just about anything. They are, in fact, any food that you can enjoy and will elevate your mood. These are foods that trigger the release of serotonin in the body and make you feel better.
We at the Alpine Diner believe that this can be different for different people. You shouldn’t, therefore, limit yourself to the traditional chocolate and ice cream. Here are a few options you can try from our menu when you visit our summer diner in White Center and need a mood boost.
Mac and cheese
If you want a hearty meal that also offers comfort, you can’t go wrong with macaroni and cheese. James Hemmings, a slave chef, is credited with the introduction of this heavenly meal to North America. He adapted his own version of mac and cheese after learning various culinary techniques while studying in Europe.
The meal was further popularized by introducing packaged versions that allowed people to prepare it at home easily. This gooey and delicious meal offers flexibility when it comes to the type of cheese to use and the ingredients you include. You can make it even heartier by adding bacon or lobster, for example.
2. Pizza
No list of summer comfort foods would be complete without pizza. This certainly makes the top of the list for many people. Introduced to North America by Italian immigrants in the late part of the 19th century, this meal became incredibly popular amongst people of all backgrounds. In fact, many cultures around the world now have their own versions of pizza.
Pizza certainly is one of the most versatile foods. You can top it up with practically any ingredients and create your own spin. You can adjust the toppings to suit your mood for the day.
3. Grilled cheese sandwiches
Whether you refer to them as toasted cheese or melted cheese sandwiches, there’s no doubt that this gooey mess hits the spot every time. It’s a clear favorite for many Americans and can be prepared in many different ways.
There are over 50 cheese variations that you can place between the bread. Some people even add other ingredients to their sandwiches. The sandwiches are traditionally grilled on a pan and slathered with melted butter. However, you can swap the butter out for something else. For example, mayonnaise is known to result in a crispier treat.
4. Mashed potatoes
Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free? Surely no comfort food could meet this criterion? You’d be wrong in thinking that. Mashed potatoes are a top choice for many looking for a hearty and simple meal.
Depending on how you prepare your meal, it can be adjusted to suit different dietary preferences. The most popular choice, however, is with milk or butter added. Top your mountain of mash with roasted garlic, cheese, or just about any topping you prefer. You can even include a couple of side dishes just for fun.
5. Spaghetti and meatballs
Many of us grew up with this as our weekend favorite. Hailing from Italy, this meal has found its way into the hearts of many Americans. Like pizza, there are many versions of spaghetti and meatballs depending on your culinary preferences. You can adjust the ingredients in the meatballs to make them yours.
Enjoy Your Favorite Meals at the Alpine Diner
At the Alpine Diner, we believe that every meal ought to bring you comfort. We offer a wide selection of meals to cater to different preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy the best dinner in White Center served by our friendly staff. Wash it all down with a summer drink special from our menu.