Strawberry Picking and Scrumptious Recipes

Fruit picking is one of my favourite summertime activities. Berries are some of my favourite fruits but they seem quite expensive and often tasteless when you buy them out of season from the supermarket; it is always best to eat them fresh from the field. So far we have picked strawberries and I cannot wait until the raspberries are ready to harvest. Still have to wait a few more weeks for those.

This was the second time we have been strawberry picking in the last 2 weeks. We pick plenty every time so they last us a while!

When we arrived I could not believe the amount of strawberries still available; I thought the harvest may have been dwindling by now. 

The boys got stuck right in, enjoying the search for ripe, red strawberries among the foliage.

K looks so pleased with his find! D sulked on the sidelines complaining it was cold! The temperature had dropped significantly after our week-long heatwave, which I thought was great (she did not).

The boys and I had a lot of fun. R did not want to leave by the look of this photo!

We left with six, large pots full of strawberries. Now I had to think what to do with them all! Of course, strawberries and cream is just delicious, but I had plenty that could be used in other ways. Here is what we made...

Victoria Sponge with fresh cream and strawberries

Ingredients

200g self raising flour

200g caster sugar

200g butter

4 eggs

1 tsp baking powder

2 tbsp milk

Filling and topping

Double cream, whipped

Raspberry or strawberry jam

Strawberries

1) Cream the butter and sugar.

2) Beat in the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition.

3) Stir in the flour, baking powder and milk.

4) Pour into a cake tin and bake at 190 degrees for 25 minutes.

5) Remove from oven and allow to cool.

6) Once the cake is cool, slice in half.

7) Spread the bottom layer with jam and top with whipped cream.

8) Place the other half of the cake on top, spread with cream and top with strawberries.

Eton Mess

Ingredients

Strawberries, sliced

Double cream

Meringues, crushed

1) Whip the cream.

2) Add the sliced strawberries.

3) Add crushed meringue.

4) Stir and enjoy!

Strawberry and Coconut Ice Lollies

Ingredients

Strawberries, chopped

Can of coconut milk

Maple syrup or honey (optional)

1) Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.

2) Pour mixture into ice lolly moulds.

3) Place in the freezer until frozen.

4) Enjoy!