The Best Post Hurricane Comfort Foods – Ranked

Sometimes when you're down, a certain food just feels like a big hug. And after what we've been through with Hurricane Ian, we can all use that comfort foods hug.

Hurricane Ian has completely upended lives across Southwest Florida. And although my house received only minimal damage, we've had another family living with us whose home was completely destroyed. So what can you do to help? You really don't want to just sit around talking about the hurricane and everything that's been destroyed. So let's eat.

Comfort food is one of those terms you inherit from your Mom. It's the kind of food they specialize in at Cracker Barrel. It's what we've been eating the past two weeks without realizing. It was just yesterday when I asked my girl "Hey, should I pick up some lettuce and maybe make a salad tonight?"

We've been eating nothing but pasta and carbs, and sweets ever since the power came on. Not even really sure we realized it. Eating these foods just seemed to feel right. When we helped deliver food to one of the POD sites it was sandwiches and pizza. Comfort foods. So take a look at this list compiled by Ranker and see if it's what you've been craving these past couple of weeks. Last night I got my salad, along with lasagna and chocolate chip cookies. We're not done with the comfort food.

The number one go-to comfort food.

It's not just that making sandwiches is an easy meal to distribute, there's something comforting about bread. Especially if it's fresh.

Mac & Cheese just feels like a warm hug.

Just this picture alone makes me feel better.

A lot of carbs in this post.......

Chocolate makes everything better.

Make some chocolate chip cookies and share them with your neighbors.

I have been absolutely craving ice cream. It's the perfect comfort food treat for Southwest Florida.

The smell of garlic bread baking is love.

I usually just make the instant in the microwave, but if you want to get fancy:

Burgers, fried chicken, donuts, lasagna, nachos, chicken soup, and tacos. Whatever brings a smile.

Returning to Sanibel Island has been nearly impossible since Hurricane Ian destroyed the Sanibel Causeway on September 28th. It was the only way to get on and off the island, other than by boat. Yesterday, for the first time since the storm, hundreds of bucket trucks were able to slowly drive across. Their important mission is to begin repairing lines and restoring power. The bridge is still not safe for regular traffic but workers have miraculously made it passable enough to continue restoration efforts.

Just look at this site.  Bucket trucks lined up almost as far as the eye can see. It seems impossible that just weeks after being washed away in several places, that the causeway is actually passable. Right now the road is only open to emergency workers. Civilians are not allowed on the island, via the causeway, until October 21st.

Until yesterday, the only way workers were able to reach the island was via helicopter, boats and barges. However, this temporary bridge fix will  expedite clean up and repair efforts in a major way.

Residents and business owners need passes to return to the island. That or a driver's license with your Sanibel or Captiva address on it. If you don't have one, the reentry passes are being issued at The Crown Plaza Hotel in Fort Myers. It's located behind The Bell Tower Shops. This is where city officials have set up a temporary, satellite city hall of sorts.

Here are some pictures of the Sanibel Causeway after Ian hit. It makes returning to Sanibel Island after only two weeks seem like an incredible feat. It is, but it is happening thanks to an incredible amount of work and fortitude. Thank you to all of the linemen and construction crews who have run to our aid. We are truly grateful.

**For more hurricane recovery information, including how you can help, click here.