​I was chatting with some friends this week about our favorite foods, which is apparently a deep and meaningful subject because now I’m writing a blog post about it. What I learned is that we’re all wildly different, and I can only assume it’s due to some sort of dietary trauma from childhood. I blame my mom for making me clean my plate and eat everything served!

​For example, I have friends who happily chew on chili peppers like they’re grape Jolly Ranchers. Meanwhile, I approach anything labeled “mild salsa” like poison. I’m always stunned by people who can eat food that actively tries to set your face on fire.

I once had an exchange student from Thailand who took on the Buffalo Wild Wings challenge (the hottest wings they had at the time—I don’t know if they still make you sign a life insurance policy or waiver before eating them). Now, Thai food is known for its spice, so he figured this was going to be a walk in the park. I sat right next to him as he ate, fully expecting him to finish with a smug little victory dance.

He couldn’t finish it. He was sweating profusely. I begged him to stop, which he did. I will never understand why people put themselves through that.

My mom was a truly wonderful cook, which in my family meant we basically ate the same thing every day: meat and potatoes!

​As a result, my favorite foods are delightfully predictable: steak, meatloaf, real mashed potatoes (the kind where you can still detect the actual potato, not that fluffy cloud stuff), and green bean casserole. Basically, if it sounds like it should be served in a log cabin, I’m in.

When I married Roxie my eating certain foods changed. Roxie is not a fan of cooking—she sees it as a chore, not an art form. But ironically, she makes some of my all-time favorite meals. Marrying Roxie was like moving in with her mom. She basically made what her mom made when she was living at home. I’m not complaining, it’s all good food. My wife is a great cook.

​In our 48 years of marriage (yes, 48—we’re basically a historical landmark), her top hits are Spanish Rice (which she made a ton when the kids were around, thank goodness) and her spaghetti. Now, you might think spaghetti is foolproof, but Roxie somehow manages to elevate it. She adds secret ingredients that are probably just common spices, but I pretend they’re magical, because it’s that good.

​And then there’s our Sunday staple: breakfast for dinner (or lunch). Forget boring Sunday roasts! After church, we feast on scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes, and hash browns. Roxie makes a killer breakfast, which we always eat around lunchtime. It’s perfect. I do complain about eating breakfast food at lunch or dinner all the time, but I still eat it when served at lunch time. I never turn down food.

​Listening to my friends talk about their faves—salmon, fancy Mexican, weird fish things—just confirmed we’re all so hilariously different. My favorites? They’re simple, comforting, and heavily skewed toward one particular chef (ahem, Roxie).

​Here, in no particular order, is the highly classified list of foods that make me happy:

• ​Steak and a sweet potato with green beans (My mom would be proud).
• ​PK Egan’s Polish/German pizza with sauerkraut (Yes, you read that right. Don’t judge.)
• ​Pantry’s Mr. Rib sandwich (It’s like a BBQ fever dream).
• ​Roxie’s spaghetti with garlic bread.
• ​Roxie’s crockpot chicken (She just throws things in a pot, and it’s a masterpiece).
• ​Shredded chicken protein bowl at Subway (Because sometimes I try to pretend I’m healthy).
• ​Spanish Rice (The classic).
• ​Roxie’s hard shell tacos (Crunchy, simple, perfect).
• Jubilee Foods deli, BBQ Asian Chicken
• ​Grilled bratwurst with sauerkraut (I am sensing a theme here).
• ​Watermelon (The ultimate summer palate cleanser).
• ​Yogurt with granola (See Subway comment above).
• ​Roxie’s chili.
• ​Roxie’s tater tot hotdish (A Midwestern legend).
• ​Detoy’s taco salad in the hard shell (You get a bowl you can eat—it’s efficient!).
• ​Roxie’s French toast with eggs.
• ​The Sticks cauliflower crust pizza (I know, I know. But it’s good!).

​Can you tell I enjoy food? My wife and my favorite side dish (sauerkraut) seem to dominate the list. Now it’s your turn.

What culinary masterpiece—or highly questionable comfort food—is at the top of your list?