It should be no surprise that the laughing, dancing chef with the cheery shirts, who always has so much fun with his cooking, has gathered together a bunch of his good-mood recipes in his latest book, Ainsley's Good Mood Food (Ebury Press, HB $43.99).
Including all the recipes from Ainsley's new show of the same name, plus many more, this book is all about food that makes us happy!
With the show on SBS Food, Ainsley and his publishers have shared a taste of what we can look forward to. The book and show are both packed with great food, from vibrant salads to beach food, from comforting bakes to comforting classics, and some treasured family recipes too, including his mother's banana fritters.
Roasted beetroot, candied walnut and goat’s cheese salad
"Earthy beetroot works so well with salty and creamy goat’s cheese and it’s a classic flavour combination that I never tire of. I’ve used a selection of different coloured beetroot, which looks really pretty on the plate, and cooked and raw beets for added texture, but you can stick with purple beetroot if that’s all you can get hold of. Serve with fresh crusty bread."
Blueberry and almond clafoutis with cardamom cream
"A traditional French clafoutis is made with cherries but I love the unique, perfumed sweet sourness of blueberries, and they go so well with almond. The ground almonds make this slightly less custard-like than a typical clafoutis. Instead, it has more texture and flavour, like a deliciously light cake batter. Serving with a cardamom cream may sound peculiar, yet the combination of the citrusy, aromatic spice with the vanilla notes in the sweet berries really works. I like to call this bluefoutis, but maybe that’s just me!"
Caribbean cinnamon banana fritters with chocolate sauce dip
"Childhood memories of my mum’s kitchen come flooding back when I make these fritters. She used to make these banana treats with us kids hanging around in the kitchen, happily licking the cinnamon sugar from our fingers, waiting until the next batch was ready to eat!
"I’ve used a combination of plain and wholemeal flour in these vegan-friendly fritters, because I like the nuttiness, but use just plain if you prefer. I love serving them with my quick and easy chocolate sauce – it’s like a Caribbean version of churros!"
Recipes extracted from Ainsley's Good Mood Food by Ainsley Harriott (Ebury Press, hb $43.99). Photography by Dan Jones. Image of Ainsley Harriott with fritters from the television show of the same name.
SBS Food is a 24/7 foodie channel for all Australians, with a focus on simple, authentic and everyday food inspiration from cultures everywhere. NSW stream only. Read more about SBS Food
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