If the Twitter feed during the first episode of Poh Ling Yiew's new series on the ABC is anything to go on, Poh's Kitchen Lends a Hand has very quickly captured the hearts of the viewing audience. 'Watch it now, it will nourish your soul', and 'What an inspiration!' were among the many positive tweets. I loved it too!

Former MasterChef Australia contestant and television cooking show presenter, Poh, has taken the opportunity to lend a hand to people who are using cooking to help heal and inspire. The thing I like the most is that Poh has such a warm, effervescent and genuine way about her. Her compassion for the champions she meets throughout the series is truly touching.

Watch as Poh creates food for the homeless in her hometown, works with STREAT, a Melbourne community program getting troubled youths off the street and into the hospitality industry; helps a team of cooks with disability face up to their biggest ever test; visits a Victorian town where food is helping to heal after devastating bushfires; and takes on the role as camp cook for troubled teens on an outback adventure. The series concludes with a dramatic and life changing trip to the slums of Cambodia. 

Poh's Kitchen Lends a Hand screens on ABC1 at 8.00pm on Tuesday for six weeks from 11 September. 

Images appear kind courtesy of the ABC.

Afternoon TV is generally dull, but one of the more colourful programs is Ready Steady Cook, where some of Australia's top chefs go head to head against guest contestants.

The bubbly Janelle Bloom makes frequent appearances, in between writing cookbooks and her regular spot on Radio 2GB. When asked her thoughts on Ready Steady Cook, Janelle says, "It is challenging and choatic, but the most fun I've ever had in a kitchen and the best job I have ever had." This is evident by Janelle's huge smile on every episode.

Ready Steady Cook goes to air at 2.00pm from Monday to Friday.  For more information, visit the web site