A LUXURIOUS LUNCH AL FRESCO

Salads, tarts and a perfectly portable cake make the menu for Sophie Hansen’s sunshine spread to enjoy al fresco

Ithink about this menu on the hottest days, when all I want to do is lie under a tree on some soft green grass, feast on these dishes and drink ice-cold rosé. And I fantasise about it on the coldest days, when that kind of heat feels impossible. Full of flavour and texture, it is an unforgettable, completely attainable meal to make and pack up to take somewhere special. The bottom of the garden, perhaps?

I served this meal when I was catering for a group of artists that my mother (Australian artist and teacher Annie Herron) took to Burgundy. We enjoyed a picnic lunch on the last day in a beautiful spot between vines and hills where Mum had parked everyone for a morning of sketching and watercolours. It was a lovely scene and the food delivered lots of flavour and colour and, I hope, a little joy.

Add some sliced cold meats, cheeses, dips and sliced baguette and you have all you need for a truly indulgent feast.

This is one for the adults, but if you prefer you can leave out the prosecco, increase the cordial by 125ml and make up the rest of the liquid with water.

Serves eight

INGREDIENTS

4 gelatine leaves 375ml undiluted elderflower cordial 500ml prosecco or sparkling wine

Fresh raspberries, to serve Whipped cream, to serve

METHOD

Put the gelatine leaves in a shallow bowl and pour in 250ml cold water. Set aside to soften. Meanwhile, combine the elderflower cordial and 250ml water in a small saucepan and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat. Squeeze the liquid out of the gelatine leaves and add them to the pan. Whisk until the gelatine has completely dissolved. Pour in the prosecco and gently stir. Divide the mixture among pretty serving glasses, add a small handful of raspberries to each glass and pop the jellies into the fridge to set for at least three hours.

Serve the jellies topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

COOK’S NOTE Double-check the gelatine packet to see how much you need – most will tell you how many sheets you need to set every 250ml of liquid