Dialogue

Devan: So lately I’ve been having cravings for comfort food. You know, mashed potatoes, mac n’ cheese, pie.

Mason: Oh, that stuff is fantastic, but I’ve been staying away from it because I’ve been trying to eat healthier and that stuff is a little bit heavy.

Devan: But doesn’t it remind you of home, though?

Mason: Oh, totally. We used to have pie for dessert like every night. You know, mac n’ cheese was a staple.

Devan: Yeah. I just love food that reminds me of my mom, and you can smell the smells of the kitchen, everything’s really thick and creamy. I really…that’s why I look forward to Thanksgiving every year, because it just reminds me of home and home cooking, you know?

Mason: Do you cook that way? Like, are you going to pass on home cooking at some point?

Devan: I don’t think so. I don’t cook much at all, and when I do, it’s usually very simple, very basic things like boil some veggies and have some bread and butter with it. You know, I’m not…I don’t have my mom’s culinary skills.

Mason: That’s really the allure of home cooking then, ‘cause you’re not doing it.

Devan: I think so, I think you’re right. It’s ’cause somebody else is doing it.

Vocab

fattening adj.

Definition

heavy, rich; high in calories and fat

Example

Max eats lots of fattening foods and doesn't exercise. I'm worried about his health.

allure n.

Definition

attraction, appeal

Example

Big cities have more allure for me than small towns, because there's so much more to do.

mashed potatoes n.

Definition

soft, creamy potatoes mixed with butter

Example

My favorite Thanksgiving dish is the mashed potatoes.

mac n' cheese n.

Definition

macaroni and cheese; pasta with lots of melted cheese and butter

Example

Mac n' cheese is my favorite comfort food.

carbs n.

Definition

foods like bread, pasta, and rice

Example

I am trying to eat fewer carbs so I'll lose weight.

heavy adj.

Definition

fattening, rich, not light; makes you feel very full

Example

I can't stand heavy foods. I prefer healthy foods like salad and fish.

staple n.

Definition

primary, fundamental; reliable, important

Example

Meat and potatos are the staples of an American dinner.

comfort food n.

Definition

warm, simple food; food that is comforting to eat

Example

In the winter, I like to eat comfort food.

craving n.

Definition

strong desire for something, especially food

Example

I have a serious craving for some ice cream right now.

clean your plate expr.

Definition

eat everything on your plate; finish your meal

Example

If you don't clean your plate, you can't have dessert.


Discussion

Devan loves home cooking because it reminds her of home. She likes dishes like mac n’ cheese that are thick, creamy, and comforting to eat.

Mason agrees that home cooking tastes good, but he tries not to eat too much of it because it is heavy. He wants to eat healthier foods.

Mason asks Devan if she knows how to prepare comfort foods like her mom used to make. Devan says she doesn’t cook for herself very often. When she does, she makes lighter, simpler meals. That’s another reason she likes home cooking. She enjoys having someone else cook for her.

Do you like home cooking, or do you think it is too heavy? What foods did your mother make for you when you were a kid?

Grammar Point

Present Perfect Progressive Tense

Devan says that she has been having cravings for comfort food. Mason has been staying away from that kind of food because he has been trying to eat healthier.

Devan and Mason use the present progressive tense here to talk about on-going actions that began in the past, are still in progress now, and may continue into the future.

What foods have you been craving lately?

As you can see, we form this tense with have/has been + verb + ing, as in, “I have been eating lots of home cooking recently.”

Which is correct, “My mom has been making me all my favorite foods” or “My mom have been making me all my favorite foods”?

Quiz

  1. Which of these is NOT an example of home cooking?

  2. Mason is trying to eat __ foods.

  3. Home cooking reminds Devan of __.

  4. What kind of meals does Devan cook at home?

  5. Devan __ comfort food lately.