Ainsley Harriott - Ainsleys Good Mood Food: 100 easy, comforting meals (including all the recipes from the major ITV series)

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First published by Ebury Press in 2021

Text copyright Ainsley Harriott 2021
Photography copyright Dan Jones 2021

The moral right of the author has been asserted

Cover design by Smith & Gilmour

TV Series Home Economist: Claire Bassano
Project Editor: Lisa Pendreigh
Designers: Smith & Gilmour
Photographer: Dan Jones
Food Stylist: Bianca Nice
Props Stylist: Max Robinson

Colour origination by Altaimage, London

ISBN: 978-1-473-59703-7

This ebook is copyright material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in any way except as specifically permitted in writing by the publishers, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorized distribution or use of this text may be a direct infringement of the authors and publishers rights and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly.

Theres no two ways about it food can definitely lift your spirits and put you in a good mood. I first realised this as a young boy watching and helping my mum cook for family and friends. She was a wonderful home cook, and I could see the love she put into her food and the way it would bring a smile to peoples faces. The kitchen was always a busy place, full of laughter and music. Thats when my love of cooking started. Watching all those happy people enjoying my mums food is probably what inspired me most to become a chef. I, too, wanted to spread some joy through cooking. Of course, this was followed by many years of training and hard work in restaurant kitchens, but that initial drive never went away. Food doesnt have to be fancy; if its made with love and passion, it will always bring some happiness even if its just from the enjoyment of making and sharing a meal.

Although weve been through some difficult times recently, being kept apart for months on end, in some ways its helped us to slow down and rediscover the joy of cooking. Whether its cooking for one, cooking for the kids, or rustling up something special for the community, weve all had the time to look again at our favourite recipes. Old-fashioned casseroles, retro school-dinner recipes and hearty pasta bakes have all had a revival perhaps as weve looked to the past and to the familiar for a bit of comfort and feel-good nostalgia. Food is so evocative, and the taste, smell and texture of a dish can bring back all sorts of memories. Whether its the smell of fresh bread baking or a casserole cooking on the stove, food can evoke memories of family, comfort and childhood. Whenever I smell the unique aroma of pimento, or allspice, Im immediately taken back in time and can see my mum stirring a dutchie pot of tasty Caribbean stew. Food to me is also about sharing, and as we returned to a bit of normality over the summer it was fantastic to get back to eating together. Cooking for my kids, even now theyre older, still brings me so much joy, and we often get together for a homemade pizza or curry night.

You cant beat sharing great food, good conversation and a drink or two with family and friends. Thats one reason why I love barbecuing and summer dining: theres something magical about cooking and eating outside. Obviously good weather helps, but even on a dull day sharing something like my Fiery BBQ Glazed Pork Ribs with a group of mates is a fabulous thing indeed. As I said years ago in my Barbecue Biblefinger-lickin food is deliciously sociable! Of course, a little splash of booze is also a good way to lift the mood and a dash of rum in a marinade never goes amiss. I had the pleasure of cooking on the beach at the Carbis Bay in St Ives for the series and, even though we had some rainy days, the joy of being outside in the sea air was fantastic. The smell of the barbecue brought a crowd of people to the beach, and it was lovely to be cooking up some delicious recipes in my outdoor kitchen. It was something we perhaps valued even more because of the strange year wed all been through. Ive shared some tasty barbecue recipes in the book for you to enjoy, with colourful salsas and side salads to add some zing. If the weather isnt ideal or you dont have the luxury of a garden, you can always use a chargrill pan to bring the taste of the summer barbecue inside.