My Picks for the Latest Top 3 Monthly Contest! {Bring Your Appetite 😉}

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Set the table, because the whole family is coming over for dinner...

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Happy Friday friends! I've had a quiet work week with a few of my regulars out of town or under the weather, so I'm taking advantage to have some fun on here while I have the extra time. All too soon the holiday season will be full on with lots of activities keeping us all busy, I'm sure. This month's @phctop3 topic fits right in with one of the best parts of the holiday season--food!

@foxyspirit, @cheese4ead, @nickyhavey and myself are at it again with our monthly contest that is just too yummy to resist. Take a peak at the post for more information on how you can join in with us. We have a feeling you all can pick a few of your favorite comforting meals to jump in for a chance to win some prizes from the pool this round! As always, my entry and those of the other panel members is null from prizes, though still full of fun!

Obviously I'm a big fan of food, considering the majority of my posts center around the topic. I would love to see the #fruitsandveggiesmonday crew pop in this month with some plant-based goodies, and I think this topic also fits right in with the @foodfightfriday yummy vibe. Feel free to whip out a double duty post for any of the other food competitions to join in for this round with us!

This months topic is COMFORT FOOD

My Nominations are:

Nomination Number One

Potatoes 🥔🍠🍟

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My Reasons for the Nomination

Though it is always hard to narrow down my top food choices, potatoes in all their glorious forms definitely had to make the cut. Bakers, Yukon Gold, Red-Skinned, Purple, Sweet, Fingerling---any and all will make an appearance on my plate when I come across them! Mashed, Baked, Grilled--again, I'm not picky on the preparation. My family always jokes that we never met a potato we didn't like. It's hard to remember a big family meal without some form of spuds on the table. In fact, we've even done baked potato bars on multiple occasions!

I don't think I'm alone in my love of the humble spud, as I know there are many other aficionados in the Steemit foodie sphere. They are found all over the world, in many different cuisines. Though some would argue against their health benefits, they actually contain a lot of excellent nutrients like potassium, fiber, resistant starch, beta-carotene in orange-fleshed variations and anthycyanins in the blue and purple-hued tubers. Besides just being so tied into family memories, eating potatoes makes me feel pretty darn good. They make a meal feel complete, fuel my workouts (I often eat some form of potatoes the night before a race), and just make me a do a happy dance while I'm cooking knowing they'll be gracing my plate soon. I'm darn near dancing sitting here typing about them...

Nomination Number Two

A Steaming Bowl of Veggie Chili

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My Reasons for the Nomination

This one would actually really surprise one of my best friends from my youth. Though now I love a big bowl of chili as the weather gets cooler and nights longer, when I was younger I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole! I spent a lot of time over at that particular friend's house all through middle and high school, but it seemed like at least half the time I was over for a meal her grandmother was making chili. Being the wonderful woman that she is, there was always something else waiting for me to eat. Flash forward 20 years and now I have multiple variations of chili recipes on my blog.

Like potatoes, a good bowl of chili fills me up in the most glorious way. I usually do a mix of beans and/or tempeh, multiple types of chilies, tomatoes and just about any other veggies I feel like throwing in. Squash or pumpkin puree makes for a divinely creamy base, and a bottle of dark beer is another trick that adds a wonderful depth of flavor. I don't need any cheese on top, though I adore chopped avocado for that hit of creamy texture that rounds out the beans and veggies in the most glorious way. Like soup, it is one of those meals that just continues to get better in the refrigerator as you make your way through the leftovers. I think I make it slightly different every time I put together a pot, but it never disappoints!

Nomination Number Three

Pancakes 🥞

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My Reasons for the Nomination

Narrowing down the final choice was brutal, but I had to give it to breakfast. You don't want to be around me if I haven't had breakfast. Preferably two of them. I don't make pancakes often, but they are another food that always brings me back to childhood. My mom didn't make pancakes often either, as they were usually a weekend treat. However, when I think of a delicious pile covered in hand-picked strawberries, my mind goes right to nights spent with my sisters over at my grandmother's house. Bless her heart, that woman was a terrible cook. By some miracle she could make the most delicious pancakes, though!

I still remember right after we found out that my grandmother had pancreatic cancer and my sister was almost to her due date with my niece cozy in her belly, I decided to make pancakes for everyone like she used to make, right down to the strawberries on top. She hadn't been eating much, but we were all pleased to see her actually get down a whole pancake with berries. We ate the pancakes, played cards, and just enjoyed one of the last really good times with her in our presence (the cancer was fast and furious). That day is etched in my heart forever, and thus pancakes with strawberries can bring my soul comfort knowing I carry her with me.

Whew, didn't plan on getting emotional during this one, but food really hits right into our core! It is such a part of our shared experiences that just the smell or sight of a special dish can bring back a flood of memories. I can't wait to start getting my niece in the kitchen with me to start making many more!

I'm very much looking forward to the buffet of entries this round! What food makes your soul sing and belly happy?? Share with us and see what choices top the polls!

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40 comments
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Kinda cool how food hits us emotionally indeed. It does overwhelm at least 3 of our senses and stimulates our digestive system.

Can't wait to see the entries and I will make sure to have lunch BEFORE reading them this time. ;)

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I was seriously holding back tears typing about pancakes. 😜 I'm expecting some really great posts this month, but definitely will check them after eating a meal!

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Food definitely carries emotion with it! Love the choices. My boys would all agree with your choice of potato(e), but it would need to be sliced and deep-fried for their liking. For me, scalloped potato(e)s are the way to go.

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A good French Fry is tough to beat. Though I think I'm more on team scalloped potato, too. Luckily I don't have to choose for real since I can enjoy them all! 😂 I'm actually sharing a bit of a take on scalloped sweet potatoes for my nutrition event on Saturday. Comfort food made healthy for sure!

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LOL Carbs is life!! It has to be number 1

But I do like the look of those pancakes, I could eat them with my eyes :P

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Yesss! I can eat potatoes every day, and usually do. 😂 Now I'm going to have to make pancakes tomorrow because I've made myself crave them, too.

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(Edited)

I'm definitely going to invite you over to make me some pancakes in the morning. They look delicious!!

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Haha, I still sometimes struggle with the perfect cook on them, but I've definitely got the strawberry sauce down to perfection. 😜

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@plantstoplanks
Your Food Fight Friday Contender has been entered into Round 66
May your contender make it out alive and not be placed in a permanent food coma!
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Good Luck
and
Have a
!BEER

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Wow KJ, beautifully presented Top 3 post, leading by example here and I was feeling the emotion with the pancakes too.

Great way to kick things off pardner :)

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So much fun happening in this "kitchen" already! I'm like a kid in the candy store watching the other entries coming in. 😊

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Haha, you have actually slept since you made the contest launch post right? Or have you been sitting in the Discord server eyes wide open this whole weekend 👀? Haha

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I slept for a few hours. 😂 And had plenty of snacks. Though the clocks change tonight, so I'll get an extra hour to watch for the next entry...

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iheart potatoes. Fiber, I can’t get enough. I trade fiber for protein. Potatoes are used to make vodka, too. It’s probably the only one that’s good mushy, crispy, reheated, salty, plain, not many foods can pull that off. Nah, i don’t like potatoes at all. Speaking of food—did you say the majority of your posts are food, what? Really? Not sure how I missed that. 🤔

That’s two contenders in a row you dropped fast n furious. Could I get a #1 and #3 combo?

Great entry, chef.

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Absolutely. I think a few of the plant-based docs I follow like to say we should be counting fiber instead of counting calories. There really is something about pooping like a champ that just makes you feel on top of the world. (Yep, I went there)

Perhaps we'll see a contender for the @phctop3 contest out of you this round? I know you've dropped in on FAVM, but I think I've racked up enough FFF entries to merit a visit in another sphere. 😉 Foxy, Nicky, Gaz and I would love to see your choices...if you're not too busy checking out paintings all week, that is.

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Oh, danget. Hey, I’m stopping myself in my tracks. Ok so, I’ve been saying “Danget” since forever, it’s my way and, as far as I know, many peoples way of saying “darn, bummer,” etc. True story—yesterday we were touring around with friends of our from here and the husband, a really cool dude, said “what do you mean when you say that to me? Certainly you don’t think I’m a Moron, does it mean something else in the states?” I’m like “what?!” I’m 44, Katie... I never knew the urban dictionaries definition of Danget meant I was calling someone a cross between a nonce and a moron. <— dude that’s funny! I see many more downvotes in my future! Hahahaha.

Now then, where was I before I got sidetracked and rambled on about a really funny fun fact? Something I never do—ramble.

And I didn’t even touch on the poop part yet! Remind me to edit that sentence. I still supplement my proteins and stuff but I’m not so concerned anymore. With all of the docs I’ve seen and people like you I’ve met, it’s all coming to the front now about who decided to call carbs bad and protein good. They invent all kinds of BS.. like “fiat,” for example. I’m rambling again, ain’t I? Really though, I’m not as concerned these days with pre and post shakes as I am two bananas and celery as a pre work out and potatoes and carrots post work out. Speaking of ‘work out,’ pooping like a champ is worlds apart from pooping like a runner-up.

Alright, now then, since I haven’t said enough yet. I really appreciate the invite, I’m sorry I won’t be able to fulfil it this time. But I really dig everyone over there and what ya’all do for the platform. We’ve been in travel mode the past few days which can get busy plus I’ve spent a lot of time working on an article I’m releasing Monday—I’m not sure how many words it is but I’m really proud of it, I hope ya’all are too—a cross between head trip and reality that watches life played in reverse. I hope you like it. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to accept your invitation.

Will you please keep me in the loop for another opportunity so I can make a surprise appearance? A heads up like that on discord is Perfect—thank you. Shoooooot, don’t have to ask me twice, cuz we love some Plantstoplanks on Fridays, bet your you know what I’m not about to disappoint her.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Plants, thanks for always being nice.

Ok, I’m done now.

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Haha, in the time you took to write this comment you might just about have been able to write up a post. 😉I've already thrown my "I'm going to moderate my Steem time" mantra out the window this weekend, though, so I don't mind the good read, danget. (definitely learned something new on that one)

I'll keep an eye out for the masterpiece on Monday. And just so you know, the contest entries aren't due until the 9th (still another Friday match-up before the deadline, just saying). It won't hurt my feelings if you don't have the time to enter, though. I know I don't have enough time to make appearances at all the fun shindigs on here that I would like! We drop a new fun topic on the first of each month, so I'm sure one of these times you'll be able to join the party. 😃

Until then, keep on enjoying life beyond the screen!

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Takes a danget to know one!

Touché on the length of that response. The 9th... well, well, that’s a different story. I thought it was a last Friday thing. Alright man, for you, 👍🏿.

I’d appreciate it if you kept an eye out for me tomorrow. I think outside my comfort zone is an understatement. And please be brutally honest, I got the thickest skin you’ve ever seen.

About Steemit time, this is the first time in a long time I don’t have any active articles—and I’m ok with it.

Congrats on the 65, Plants!

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I am right with you on the taters and chili @plantstoplanks. All evoke warm and happy memories throughout my life. Pancakes made with your grandmother, brought tears to my eyes. I can just see you all, what a special meal you had. Love this post my friend :)

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Oh boy did the pancakes hit me like a ton of bricks in the gut, and not because I ate too many. I've felt her with me a lot lately, so I couldn't help but bring her along for the fun on this post. I can only imagine what she would have chosen for her top picks! I'm sure you're making plenty of these memories with the little guy. We'd love to see you join us if you get a chance this round... :)

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I know, this challenge looks amazing! I'll have to put on my thinking cap. It is amazing the way certain foods really bring back strong memories, especially with grandparents right? I'm sure your grandmother is smiling after this post, probably eating all the sweet pancakes she wants! As for the little guy...I love sharing new foods with him and at this point he'll try anything! (at least once, lol)

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(Edited)

Awesome choices, I suspect pancakes rank high on everyone's comfort food list.

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Thanks @rentmoney! My picks won't go on the dpoll, so hopefully someone else will snatch up the pancakes so they can get a shot at some votes. Are you scoping out the scene so you can get your entry up shortly? ;)

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I had four options ready the moment I read this months question. I'm still not certain what 3 of the 4 I will use.

I think yous should reconsider putting up your own picks. It would be some added fun for yous and everyone else to see where your picks stack up.

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It will be fun to see which ones you go with. We decided as a group right off the bat not to put ours in because we don't want people to think we're rigging it to get prizes for ourselves. It's enough fun just watching how the poll goes with everyone else's choices!

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Oh my word, you really do know how to get one going: my tummy grumbling over those potatoes (it's late afternoon here). And, like you, bean chili would have been something I'd have given a wide berth 20 years ago and is now a firm favourite in our house. As for those strawberry pancakes. I did get a lump in my throat. What a wonderful, bittersweet memory.

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I'm enjoying my lunch now so I don't raid the crisps aisle at the grocery store when I head over there in a bit to stock up on the few things I couldn't get at the market. 😉

Lots of memories I have with that grandmother in particular. My niece will have plenty of stories to hear so she'll get a chance to know her, as well. 💚

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Wow, beautiful post Katie. You just hit me in the chest with a thunder bolt. I wasn't ready for that this morning. What a precious moment that you managed to have. I have a situation similar with my nan. We were pretty close and she used to tease me rotten but I loved her so much. She died pretty suddenly; although I think she knew more than she was letting on, but not before she attended our wedding. She never got to meet Jaime though. They would have been crazy about each other. You got me going now!

In our reletively short time of knowing each other, I have been inspired by your passion for what you do.

I love working with you and the guys.

Gaz

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Grandmas--such wonderful creatures! We found out my grandmother had pancreatic cancer, and she was gone almost exactly a month later. My niece was born right in the middle of that month. Life always seems to work out the give and take in a way you can cope with. I often think she would get a kick out of my niece's sassy personality, so I can totally relate to how you feel about your nan and your daughter!

We've got a pretty special thing going on! I'm honored to be a part of the team!

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Great choices. Pancakes are a great comfort food.

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Everyone has put out some really delicious entries! I'm glad I've got mine to keep me full because you all keep making me hungry.... ;)

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Definitely very good options, although that bowl of chili really made my mouth water!

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Thanks so much! Are we going to see your selections soon? :)

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My daughter Emma, would be your best friend, she just loves potatoes. I myself could go without them but whenever I do put the tates on the plates, Emma just jumps from joy. My son Aaden would be right with you with the chili and Frankie with the fruity pancakes. Have it told you already that I needed to hire you for cooking?

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Emma is my homegirl. I can totally make a plate of potatoes a meal (and have). 😂 I'll take that as a total win that I managed to hit all the kiddos. My auntie skills must be continuing to improve, haha. One of these days I might get back to doing more cooking for others, but it would have to be after I decided training wasn't for me anymore. Though not sure a move to Canada is in the cards any time soon. 😜

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Lol virtual auntie?? Haha.

Well, there goes my dream of having a personal chef. No one wants candy

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