Which Foods Instantly Transport You Back to Childhood?

There’s something magical about food. A single bite can bring back an entire memory. Your grandma’s kitchen, after-school snacks, holiday feasts, or that one meal that always made everything better. As adults, we often chase comfort in complicated places, but sometimes all it takes is a plate of something familiar to ground us and bring us back to who we’ve always been.

Here are a few foods that instantly transport me back to childhood, and maybe they’ll bring up a few memories for you too:

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🍞 Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches
Nothing says “elementary school lunchbox” like a classic PB&J. The combo of creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly between two slices of soft white bread reminds me of lazy summer days and the freedom of being a kid.
✨ Recipe idea: Try a grown-up twist: grilled PB&J with a touch of cinnamon sugar on the outside. (You’ll find this recipe in my cookbook!)

🥪 Grown-Up Grilled PB&J with Cinnamon Sugar

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread (white or brioche works best)
• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• 2 tbsp strawberry or grape jelly
• 1 tbsp butter, softened
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp sugar

Instructions:

1. Spread peanut butter on one slice and jelly on the other.
2. Press the slices together to form a sandwich.
3. Mix cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
4. Butter the outsides of the sandwich, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mix over both sides.
5. Grill in a skillet on medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crisp.
6. Slice diagonally (like Mom used to!) and enjoy warm.

🍲 Chicken Noodle Soup
Whether I was sick or just needed a little TLC, this soup was the ultimate comfort. The warmth, the noodles, the broth. It all feels like a hug in a bowl.
✨ Homemade version included in my cookbook… yes, with the extra love added.

🍲 Healing Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works!)
• 1 1/2 cups egg noodles
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until tender (about 5–7 mins).
2. Pour in chicken broth, add bay leaf, and bring to a boil.
3. Add chicken and noodles. Cook until noodles are tender (about 8–10 mins).
4. Season with salt, pepper, and stir in fresh parsley.
5. Serve warm with crackers or a warm hug.

🍪 Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies
Fresh out the oven, still gooey, and usually disappearing before they cooled. The smell alone is enough to make me emotional.
✨ My signature cookie recipe is in the dessert section of my cookbook.

🍪 Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in egg and vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Combine dry and wet ingredients. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet.
7. Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are golden and centers are soft.
8. Let cool slightly before devouring.

🌽 Cornbread & Honey Butter
A Southern staple in our house, especially around holidays or Sunday dinners. That soft, buttery, slightly sweet bite feels like home.
✨ I have an easy cornbread and honey butter recipe you’ll love… also in the book!

🌽 Southern Cornbread with Honey Butter

Cornbread Ingredients:

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Honey Butter Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter (room temp)
• 2 tbsp honey
• Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease an 8×8 baking pan or skillet.
2. In a bowl, mix dry ingredients. In another, whisk milk, eggs, and melted butter.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients—do not overmix.
4. Pour into the baking pan and bake for 20–25 mins or until golden and set.
5. For honey butter: Mix butter, honey, and cinnamon until fluffy.
6. Serve cornbread warm with a dollop of honey butter.

🍝 Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
A go-to weeknight dinner growing up. Simple, filling, and full of memories of sitting at the table talking about our day.
✨ My version adds a homemade garlic twist you’ll want to try.

🍝 Classic Spaghetti with Garlic Meat Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Spaghetti noodles
• Parmesan and fresh basil for topping

Instructions:

1. http://purejoi18.com/Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef, cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Pour in marinara sauce. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Simmer on low for 10–15 mins.
6. Toss with cooked spaghetti and top with Parmesan and basil.

Want more recipes that feed your soul and take you back in the best way?
📖 Grab my cookbook: filled with nostalgic favorites, healing meals, and modern twists on timeless dishes.
🖥️ And don’t forget to check out the rest of the blog for lifestyle tips, wellness inspiration, and all things food, confidence, and growth: www.purejoi18.com

Let’s talk in the comments:
What food brings you back to childhood instantly?

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