Shoppers seeking comfort foods with lack of balmy weather

The Guardian reported today that sales of strawberries have plummeted in the second financial quarter of this year, while Bisto gravy granules and Cup-a-soup are enjoying higher than average sales year-on-year (Forget sun, sea and sand: this year business is more soup by the telly, 26/07). Though they didn't mention it in their article, Domino's also announced excellent sales. Anyone spending any time in Britain this summer will know why: rain.

But I ask: why go for the freeze-dried, powdered or fast-food forms of comfort? Surely there's a better way. Obviously, buying pumpkins is not the way forward either, but comfort food comes in all shapes and sizes.

My advice is if you fancy a soup, then make one! Last night while making my five-ingredient dinner, I was struck by how easy it would be to do for a vegetable soup: stock, celery, carrot, onion, and cabbage - done. What could be more comforting than that? Add more ingredients and you may have an even better source of solace on a sunless evening.

I find it amusing that on the day that this article comes out, I have planned one of the most comforting suppers around - grilled pork chops. A classic Sunday lunch, they're often quite quick for a weeknight meal. By grilling rather than roasting, the fat content (which let's face it, in pork, can be quite high), is reduced. Trimming the fat after cooking will also help - but trim after cooking rather than before to keep the pork moist.

Served with spring greens and potatoes (mashed, boiled, crushed, however you like 'em, really), this dish is truly belly-warming. Add more veggies if you like – some grilled mushrooms perhaps? A 100 g pork chop with the veggies and a regular portion of potatoes (175 g) - and a tablespoon of wholegrain mustard - will only set you back 500 calories. And hey, since it's so chilly outside, have a glass of wine too (but just one) - you deserve it.