The Strawberry Special
Some really great ways with summer's faves
Summer is here and we are smashing through strawberries by the punnet in my house. At the behest of my toddlers our berry budget is often out of hand. But now is the best time to buy them — not only are they stupidly delicious, but also so abundant that prices are decent and promotions abound. Here are some great ways to celebrate strawberries while they’re at their best.
Strawberry & elderflower French toast
Recipe
Makes 2 portions
2 thick-cut slices milk bread or brioche
200g strawberries, hulled
2 large eggs
2 tbsp elderflower cordial
A really good knob butter
1 tbsp elderflowers, washed and picked from the stem (if you don’t have easy access to fresh elderflowers just omit them)
2 heaped tbsp crème fraîche or Greek yoghurt
Heat oven to 175c / 350F fan
Quarter half of the strawberries and place in a small saucepan with 1 tbsp cordial and the elderflowers (if you have them). Stir over a low heat from time to time until just softened (around 5 mins) and set aside to cool
Place the eggs, remaining strawberries (100g) and elderflower cordial (1 tbsp) in a fast blender. Blitz until smooth
Place the bread in a large, wide bowl. Pour over the egg mixture and turn the bread in it so it’s well coated
Meanwhile heat a frying pan over a medium heat with the butter. When foaming lift the bread from the egg mixture and place in the pan. Pour over any excess mixture
When the toast is golden on the underside turn carefully and cook until golden on both sides
Top the toast with the crème fraîche and strawberries
Strawberry & ricotta doughnuts
A surprisingly simple recipe - the ricotta keeps the dough light and fluffy without needing any yeast or rising time.
