This project for Unilever was a branding campaign for Knorr soups and sauces. I created a series of advertorials for placement in consumer magazines in five European countries.
Tagline: Mealtime Magic starts here
Main headline: A Feast for the Senses!
Subhead: Secret ingredients for a great meal…
Main text: What does it take to be a good cook? A lot of time and effort? Absolutely not! If you enjoy preparing and eating good food, you already have the ‘secret ingredients’ of world-famous chefs – smell, taste and an eye for detail. Add a pinch of spices or a taste-tempting sauce, and watch an ordinary meal become a feast for the senses!
Delectable scent-sations
The aroma of herbs and spices activates our emotions and whets the appetite. Spices can also make a fun guessing game for little chefs who are helping in the kitchen! While you cook, let your child smell different spices and try to guess which one it is.
For example, kids love the warm and friendly smell of cinnamon – they can mix a bit of cinnamon with plain yoghurt, sugar or honey, and add chopped apples for an easy and healthy dessert that the whole family can enjoy.
When you reach for your favourite spices, try using them in different way. Like mixing dried basil or chives with softened butter. This savoury herb butter can be spread on bread for a new taste treat, or used to season cooked vegetables. Experiment to create your own mood magic!
A feast for the eyes
Who can resist feeling hungry, or having a little taste, while stirring a rich, thick sauce? Use sauces like an artist’s colourful palette to accent meats or vegetables. Golden curry sauce adds a burst of colour, and taste, to ordinary noodles or rice. When frying a steak, toss in some chopped green or red pepper to use as a garnish. Top with a creamy béchamel sauce and be prepared for compliments! Good meals delight the eye and make each bite a pleasure.
Taste-tempting textures
Most people like a variety of textures in their meal – crunchy, chewy or smooth and creamy. Surprise the palate with unexpected combinations and turn ordinary foods into a new sensory experience.
Kids and adults alike will take a new interest in green salads when you add a pleasing ‘crunch’ with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or croutons. It takes seconds to grate a carrot and add a crisp, visually appetising orange topping to an ordinary green salad. To add a Southeast Asian flair, include a dash of soy sauce and lime juice to your usual vinaigrette dressing, along with a tiny bit of dried chilli. Top the salad with coriander leaves and chopped peanuts.
When the meal is ready, slow down and take a moment to enjoy all its details – the colours, textures and flavours. Let the delicious smells naturally awaken your appetite. Then enjoy the first bite of your food. Mindful eating brings a pleasant ambience to mealtimes and makes good food taste even better.
Compliments to the chef – you deserve it!
