Book excerpt: Everyone has fond memories of recipes that evoke the warmth of home and family and soul-satisfying foods. In 400 Best Comfort Food Recipes, there are satisfying favorites as well as new interpretations for modern comfort food. Some of these recipes were published in 300 Best Comfort Food Recipes. There are 100 brand new ones that will also be welcome in any home cook's repertoire. A sampling of the comfort-inspired recipes: *Old-fashioned pea soup with smoked ham *Meat loaf and mashed potato pie *Baked polenta with roasted vegetables *Classic scalloped potatoes *Fudgy chocolate brownies *Buttermilk pancakes with spiced maple apples. Each recipe is simple and reliable, yet extremely comforting and delicious. Many encourage a make-ahead process to freeze for later use. With recipe shortcuts and serving suggestions throughout, this collection will add a new comfort food tradition in any home. AUTHOR: Johanna Burkhard is a freelance food consultant and recipe developer who contributes to a variety of magazines and appears regularly on television and radio. She lives in Toronto. 32 pages colour photographs