Food is a wonderful prop to lift the soul; I often cheer myself up with the thought of steaming hot homemade baked lasagna after the end of a terrible day or perhaps a hearty beef and vegetable soup with fresh white crusty bread to dip for those poorly days.

Allow me to indulge in my feel- good foods. You never know, maybe you'll pick up some tasty ideas for the next time you're in need of some culinary therapy.

I always mark a Sunday with a roast. It's an age-old tradition in my family and one I have adopted since getting married. At around mid-morning, after church, my mother would peel and cut the fresh carrots. I still reminisce about my little sister and me stealing one or two from the chopping board whilst mum rattled around the kitchen as I prepare my own today. That sweet crunch taste conjures up the anticipation of a delicious family meal that I could hardly wait for. There is nothing more homely then that robust smell of beef cooking in the oven, doused in garlic with a sprinkle of herbs. It slides off the carving knife when sliced and is so tender it almost dances on your tongue before melting into your taste buds. The roast potatoes are crisp and slightly browned, the potato inside is fluffy and light and is delectable when dressed in thick brown gravy. Yorkshire puddings are cooked to perfection, puffed and throbbing still from the heat of the oven. A light touch of English mustard sets the whole delicious ensemble off. Plates are devoured and a fight for that remaining spud ensues.

Delightful memories of a childhood that have infused the traditional roast as my ultimate feel-good meal; the taste of which never fails to transport me back into those relished bygone Sundays.

Perhaps my second favorite dish is battered fish and chips. Naughty, I know, but terribly gratifying all the same. Since immigrating to America I dearly miss this old English classic. Nothing is better then stopping by at a beach-front fish and chip shop in Brighton and breathing in that aroma of cooking fish and fried chips. Over the glass counter you are handed your cod and chips, wrapped in paper which is temptingly lightly soaked in oil from its hot contents. A squirt of tomato ketchup, shake of vinegar and a scattering of salt later and we have our feel-good platter. The chips are thick and ever so slightly soggy from a dipping of fat and the fish batter is crunchy to the bite, harboring that white, translucent fish beautifully inside.

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