Your 401k just ain't what it used to be, your bank has gone belly up and the subprime mortgage mess has you scared silly. How about a nice bowl of grandma's famous chicken soup? Seriously!

With the economy in a downturn, more and more people are turning to old time food favorites to fill the empty space left by their dwindling bank accounts. Gone are the days of extravagant expense accounts and three martini lunches. Staples like burgers, meatloaf, mashed potatoes and apple pie are making quite the comeback -- both at home and in restaurants as well.

Many mom and pop restaurants are even reporting a spike in business and an all-time high demand for those old-fashioned food favorites. Food Network host and author George Duran says it's all about a flashback to happier times. "Comfort food has a lot to do with your childhood. It has a lot to do with eating a higher fat content. Your brain is secreting hormones to tell you that you're happy and satisfied, and that's triggered by the taste. People think about deep-fried foods, banana splits, syrup, heavy cream."

Hey, we can relate. Who can say they haven't dived into a tub of Ben and Jerry's when times get tough?

So, while many expensive restaurants around the country are struggling to stay afloat, chocolate shops, ice cream parlors and cupcake cafes have never been more popular -- and new ones are even popping up all over. Now while the trend may be good for your psyche, not so for your waistline. So remember, next time you hear an economist warn that it's time to tighten the belt -- he might be talking about more than just your heating bill.