EnlargeWhen threatened by events out of the sphere of personal control, society tends to gravitate to the path of the most familiar.

It may sound trite, but when times get tough there is more demand for the foods you grew up with than foods undiscovered.

We see this every time the economy gets shaky. Up go the sales of simple roast chicken, braised shortRibs, and unadulterated mashed potatoes. Throw mac-n-cheese in there and you have it covered. But that is the US, what of the rest of the world? 

Same holds true everywhere, comfort foods always return to give solace to the world's worried. For many this is a holiday season of uncommon challenges, yet temporary respite can be found in a simple meal.

Comfort foods are defined by the region, country, and culture of origin. Comfort foods all share a common thread of frugality.

These are not the items of luxury, these are the foods of sustenance and approachability. Classic dishes, the things our grandmothers made.

That is why it makes sense to see roast goose in Hungary, Spaetzle in Bavaria, Pad Thai in Bangkok, Shepherd's Pie in the UK, or pot roasted beef in the US become the things most coveted during uncertain times.

Brad Nelson is the vice president culinary and corporate chef of Marriott International, he has worked to build an international culinary team that continues to raise the bar in dining. He takes his respect for nature's simple, clean flavors and instill it into the philosophy of the numerous kitchens he oversees. www.chefblog.marriott.com/aboutBrad