It probably makes sense that when life gets tough, the first things I crave are the simple comforts that soothed me as a kiddo.

About five years ago—right around the start of COVID—I noticed a curious pattern. Whenever I felt a cold creeping in, I craved Spaghettios. I hadn’t cracked open a can in over a decade, but every time I gave in, the ritual was the same: venture out for a can, warm it up, devour it, fall asleep, and somehow wake up feeling better.

Of course, it always has to be the original. I know people who swear by the meatball or hotdog versions, but those never did it for me.

To balance the scales here, I should note that I also have a deep appreciation for the healthier side of life. Pasture-raised eggs, fresh juice, garden greens, and copious amounts of lemon, ginger, and turmeric are staples in my fridge. And while these foods undoubtedly offer their fair share of health benefits, there’s something to be said for simply feeling good when you eat what you want.

For the longest time, my Spaghettios ritual was a private indulgence. But when a serious cancer diagnosis brought friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors together to help, my comfort food secret didn’t stay secret for long.

Bless those incredible ICU nurses who served me bowls of Spaghettios at 1 a.m., 2 a.m., and 3 a.m. during my hospital stay. Their kindness—and the warm familiarity of my favorite childhood treat—brought a kind of comfort you can’t bottle or measure.

And while I remain loyal to the original, I recently remembered another nostalgic gem from the mid-90s: shark-shaped pasta from Chef Boyardee. It wasn’t Spaghettios, but let’s just say, if it ever made a comeback, I might be tempted to give it another try. 😉