5 Essential Comfort Food Recipes & Wines to Pair With

This week's tragedy in Las Vegas has left me reeling. While terribly cruel and savage on its own, the fact that it happened on the heels of a string of catastrophic natural disasters (Hurricanes Irma and Maria as well as earthquakes in Mexico) makes me want to curl up in a big, cozy blanket with my dogs and never. leave. the. house.

Unfortunately, if I were to do that, I'd be letting fear win which is NOT an option. Plus, I'd have to venture out sooner or later to stock up on food and wine anyway. So I thought I'd share five of my favorite Comfort Food Recipes that are perfect for everything from soothing a broken heart to restoring your faith in humanity.

As always, wine pairings ARE included.

1.) Smoky Stuffed Cabbage Soup: This favorite, inspired by my husband's Ukrainian heritage, includes delicious Savoy cabbage, ground beef and pork, fresh dill, tomatoes and garlic in a savory, smoky-paprika infused broth.

Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied Italian red wine like Barbera d'Asti or Dolcetto from Piedmont

2.) Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons: I always found this delicious North African dish daunting because I thought I had to buy special equipment to make it. But guess what? I was WRONG! Featuring mouthwatering flavors of chicken thighs, ginger, saffron, turmeric, cilantro and green olives, you are guaranteed to enjoy.

Wine Pairing: Pair with a Spanish white wine like a Godello or Rioja Blanco

3.) Arroz con Pollo (Spanish Chicken & Rice): This delicious, Spanish-inspired dish is a classic one pot meal. So if time is an issue, opt for this comfort food recipe which features meaty chicken pieces, piquillo peppers, saffron and dry white wine. The dish's beautiful colors make a dazzling presentation as well.

Wine Pairing: Pair with a Spanish white wine like an Albariño or Viura.

4.) Quick Coq au Vin: This dish is a Glamorous Gourmet favorite and French comfort food at its best! A riff on the famed classic French recipe from Burgundy, this reimagined "quick" version can be on the table and ready to eat in under an hour AND packs oodles of delicious flavor.

Wine Pairing: Enjoy this dish with a hearty red Burgundy or Cru Beaujolais.

5.) Lamb Ragu with Tagliatelle Pasta: If it's pasta you're craving - look NO further! This divine recipe features ground lamb, garlic, shallots, red wine and purchased marinara sauce so you're not stuck over the stove ALL day. Topped with fresh ricotta and mint leaves, you'll feel instantly transported to Tuscany.

Wine Pairing: A Tuscan full-bodied red wine like Montepulciano d'Abruzzo or Chianti Classico Riserva