A few weeks ago it was rainy and chilly and I suddenly had a need for something filling and satisfying - comfort food. I used to love chicken pot pie, although my chief complaint was always that it had too much chicken and not enough veggies. Yes, I've always preferred vegetables and actually came to hate chicken. I decided to experiment with making the ultimate unchicken pot pie, my way, with tons of peas and carrots, some potatoes and other veggies. I wasn't sure how using vegetable stock would work, but it came out amazing. Of course, any chicken pot pie owes its flavor from the butter, cream and fresh herbs, rather than the chicken, anyway. It turned out so well that my family wants to see it on the menu more often. I made it again, cutting half of the butter out and substiting milk for cream to cut down on the high fat content, and nobody, including me, could tell the difference. So now I have a new, somewhat healthier veggie pot pie to add to my repertoire and my favorite comfort food, done my way. Best part is that I can make two smaller ones and add diced chicken for anyone that wants it.

What's your downfall when it comes to comfort food? Share your faves. If anyone wants my hippie veggie recipe, I'd be glad to share it. It works well with chicken!