Comfort food doesn’t have to be complex in order to be good. It just requires a little love, care and attention. Moreover, comfort food doesn’t have to be expensive. The value in this comfort is that it’s pretty easy to create, won’t burn a hole in your wallet, but remains dense, delicious and perhaps something you can share.

One of the best things about comfort food is that it’s there for you on a bad day, helping you feel a bit better. It can warm you in the midst of winter, especially if you’re trying to pay less in energy costs. It will also give you the chance to relax with someone you love, be that watching television with your children, or perhaps helping a sick child through the flu or another temporary illness.

We’ve decided to write a simple guide to three staple comfort food pieces you may wish to try. After all, what good is a home cook if they don’t have some secret, but utterly delectable indulgences?

Delicious Garlic Bread

The best garlic bread recipe will always be simple to make, but utterly delicious. By getting the most out of the garlic and the bread, cooking it at just the right rate so the flavors melt into the bread and provide the perfect crunch, and perhaps topped with some cheese, you automatically have a delicious, simple recipe you can rely on. Garlic bread pre-purchased from the store is certainly acceptable, but there’s nothing quite like homemade garlic bread you can absolutely adore and really feel a sense of ownership and satisfaction with.

The Best Home Chili

If you’re looking for a more robust meal, some home-based chili, flavored and spiced correctly and cooked so all the fat in the meat renders and provides a delicious base will be perfect. Chili can also be stored and frozen easily; meaning that you can relax knowing that if you require a simple plate of comfort food, you can also keep any leftovers you make, ensuring that a big batch that doesn’t require perfect measuring is always something you can enjoy. This helps you enjoy comfort food without worrying about the intense precision required of other recipes.

Breakfast Shrimp

Light, fluffy, delicious, breakfast shrimp is a great way to meet the morning. First, chop some finely chopped onions, garlic and scallions, and heat some butter in your skillet until it foams. Then adding your herbs and seasoning like salt and pepper, you can craft a beautiful butter sauce, adding frozen or refrigerated shrimp so that it cooks and bastes in the juices. This can be light but also packed with flavor, and filling without feeling lethargic. It’s perfect for those who wish for a tasty breakfast but don’t want to have that harsh sugar or carb crash later on in the morning. Who said comfort food couldn’t be the first thing you greet your day with?

With this advice, you’re sure to enjoy healthy comfort food in the best possible light. Don’t be afraid to share recipes if you have any of your own!