Ainsley Ardour

Years ago, as a young graduate with my first job in the big city, I used to watch Ainsley Harriot on BBC and marvel at how adorable he was. A big man with a big heart and a big love of food, he had an endearing way of smacking his lips together in delight as he described his creations. He was positively bursting with food loving energy. I was in London in mid winter, a small rat on a big treadmill and this guy’s fabulousness gave me hope that there was more than smog and endless tube rides in my future.

My hope proved well founded. Years passed and that malaise that can be finding your feet in your twenties passed. The big man’s cheerful face faded in my memory as I returned to Africa and never really watched television

But it seems the power of Ainsley stretches beyond the airwaves and his cooking books. The other day I rediscovered Ainsley magic on a supermarket shelf as he grinned at me from a box of cup soup. I had managed to resist his chocolate cake bars, but cup soup on a cold day is instant mix heaven. I took in the range of flavours: Shropshire Pea, Hot and Sour, Wonderfully Wild Mushroom, Scottish Style Potato and Leek. Soon I was drooling like Homer Simpson.

I checked the nutritional information – normally I wouldn’t buy cup soup as the calories outweigh the taste experience – but here I liked what I saw. Low fat, low kilojoules and no MSG, but they weren’t branded Lite. Give me healthy, don’t give me gruel. I grabbed a box of each flavour.

Unpacking the shopping at home, I put on the kettle. A little healthy instant gratification never hurt anyone. New England Style Vegetable Chowder was first to be sampled. The cockles of my heart rejoiced. I had found the elusive healthy treat that actually hits the spot. These soups are comfort food on a winter’s day without the guilt.

So far, I have worked my way through Shropshire Pea, Hot and Sour, Wonderfully Wild Mushroom and the Vegetable Chowder. I only have reservations about the Shropshire Pea – it doesn’t totally work – but this hasn’t dampened my enthusiasm for these soups in the slightest. They’re easy, taste great and are relatively guilt free. Ainsley is once again warming my winter- what a hero.