(Photo: Kang Kim)

It is pretty clear we are living in times that call for desperate measures. No mere $700 billion bailout will do, and neither will any ordinary comfort food. What we need are deep-fried lumps of macaroni and cheese like the ones served with a side of spicy ketchup at Dram Shop Bar (339 9th St., nr. Fifth Ave., Park Slope; 718-788-1444). They come seven to an order, $6, every golden nugget seemingly weighing about a quarter of a pound, as if an entire serving of mac ’n’ cheese had been compressed into each cube. For more restorative ways to deal with the downturn, click ahead.