5 strawberry specials
From kids’ ices and cool desserts to flavoured gin, we think you will like these refreshing summertime treats
Strawberry milkshake
pops (see below) Hull 10 ripe strawberries and blitz in a food processor with 1 banana until smooth. Mix in a 405g can
light condensed milk, then pour the mixture into 4 paper cups. Cover with foil and push a lolly stick through the lid until you hit the base of the cup. Freeze for at least 4 hrs until solid. Warm the moulds with your hands to release the pops. Will keep in the freezer for up to two months. Makes 4.
Strawberry gin
Mix 700ml gin with 400g sliced strawberries and 100g caster sugar in a large bowl and pour into a 1.5-litre sterilised Kilner jar. Store in the fridge and stir every two days for three weeks. Strain and chill to serve. Lovely sipped on its own or served with ice and tonic water. Makes 1.5 litres.
Berry cheesecake
Put 85g ginger or digestive
biscuits in a plastic bag and bash with a rolling pin until you have chunky crumbs. Divide between four glasses. Beat 200g soft cheese, 200g Greek yogurt, 4 tbsp caster sugar
and a few drops vanilla together until smooth, then spoon over the crumbs and chill until you are ready to serve. Stir 2 tbsp strawberry jam in a bowl with 100g sliced strawberries, spoon onto the cheesecakes and serve. Serves 4.
Strawberry marshmallow mousse
Put all but 2 hulled strawberries from
a 250g punnet into a pan along with 100ml water and 25g caster sugar. Cook until soft, about 3 mins. Take off the heat and squash the berries, using a fork, until pulpy. Add 140g marshmallows, then stir until they dissolve. Cool. Whip
200ml double cream until it holds its shape. Fold the cream into the cooled strawberry mix, then spoon into four dishes and chill for about 2 hrs, or until set. Cut the reserved strawberries in half and use to decorate. Serves 4.
Strawberry & watermelon slushy
Cut 1 small watermelon into chunks and remove the skin and seeds. Freeze half the watermelon for a few hours, then blitz with the rest of the watermelon, 225g strawberries and lime juice until smooth and slushy. Pour into glasses. Serves 6.