Despite a devotion to home-made soup that rivals only my dad's, I have to admit that Heinz Tomato Soup has made a tin-can-shaped hole in my heart.
My dad used to joke that Mr Heinz often begged for his lentil soup recipe, but he declined to share. Heinz needs 57 varieties, but my soup is so good I only need one, he would say, ladling our bowls from his ancient pressure cooker. Dad's soup was delicious, and I flatter myself that I can make a passable imitation of it. But when it comes right down to it, I would beg Mr Heinz for his tomato soup recipe.
For years I have tried to recreate Heinz at home. Even my best attempts, while feeling virtuous and healthy, don't come close. Tomato soup comforts me when I am blue, warms me when I am cold, and always evokes fond memories. Forget chicken soup. When I am ill, Heinz cream of tomato soup alone calls to me. First made in the UK in 1910, one hundred years later, during January 2010, Heinz sold 57million cans of it in the UK, as we stocked up during a very cold winter. My passion is shared.
Heinz tomato soup somehow gets better when eaten outdoors. I have taken flasks of home-made soup to the beach only for it to taste worse when eaten outside. I cannot explain it. The heart wants what it wants, and this heart wants Heinz tomato soup outdoors.
This summer, I've been lucky enough to heat up soup twice in the beach hut we've rented. It was mostly warm and sunny, but as soon as there was a cloud or breeze, I rushed into action.
Tomato soup outdoors - heaven. I am laying down memories for the next generation. Heinz, your future is safe in my hands.
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