The Simple Pleasure of Strawberries and Cream

Sometimes, the finest things in life are the simplest. And few combinations capture the essence of British summertime quite like a bowl of fresh strawberries and cream.

Whether you’re sitting in a deckchair watching the tennis at Wimbledon, enjoying a picnic in the park, or rounding off a garden barbecue, strawberries and cream is a timeless treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face. 

It’s more than just a dessert, it’s a taste of sunshine, nostalgia, and effortless indulgence.

A Match Made in Heaven

There’s a reason strawberries and cream have stood the test of time. The natural sweetness and slight tang of ripe strawberries is perfectly balanced by the rich, silky smoothness of cream. It’s a textural delight too, soft, juicy fruit contrasting with that cool, velvety drizzle.

This classic pairing dates back to Tudor times, with legend attributing its popularity to Thomas Wolsey, a close associate of Henry VIII. Yet despite its long history, it has never gone out of fashion, and for good reason.

Local and Seasonal

Strawberries are at their best when they’re in season, typically from late May through July in the UK. Buying British berries means you’re supporting local growers and getting the freshest, most flavourful fruit available. 

Look for plump, deep red berries with a fragrant aroma. And whatever you do, don’t store them in the fridge for too long, strawberries are best eaten fresh and slightly warm from the sun.

Wash them and remove the tops before serving them.

You can keep things traditional with a splash of single cream or go richer with double cream. Some prefer theirs whipped, others lightly poured. A dusting of sugar or a hint of vanilla is optional, but really, the stars of the show speak for themselves.

Dress It Up (Or Don’t)

While strawberries and cream are glorious in their simplest form, there’s room for play if you fancy getting creative. Add a twist with a crack of black pepper or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Layer it up with crushed meringue for an impromptu Eton Mess. Or pop it on top of a scone for a glorious nod to afternoon tea.

But more often than not, the plain and pure version is the one that hits the spot.

A Bowlful of Joy

In a world that’s constantly rushing, the ritual of sitting down with strawberries and cream is a small, delicious act of slowing down. It’s a dish that doesn’t demand fuss or finesse. It simply invites you to enjoy.

So next time the sun peeks through the clouds, head to your local greengrocer, grab a punnet of strawberries, and pour over the cream. Because sometimes, happiness really is that easy.

A Simple and Decadent Recipe for Raspberry Fool

If you’re looking for a classic British dessert that’s as delightful as it is easy to prepare, look no further than the raspberry fool. 

This creamy, fruity treat has graced tables for centuries and remains a firm favourite for summer gatherings or a quick indulgent pudding no matter what the time of year.

Here’s how to make your own using fresh raspberries, sugar, and rich double cream.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

300g fresh raspberries

75g caster sugar

300ml double cream

Method

Prepare the Raspberry Purée

Begin by rinsing the raspberries gently under cold water and patting them dry with a clean tea towel. Reserve a small handful of raspberries for decoration, then place the rest in a mixing bowl. Add the caster sugar and use a fork or potato masher to crush the raspberries into a thick purée. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can press the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the seeds, though this step is optional.

Whip the Cream

Pour the double cream into a large mixing bowl. Using a hand whisk or electric mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, as you want a light and airy texture rather than a stiff one.

Combine the Layers

Gently fold the raspberry purée into the whipped cream, creating a marbled effect. Take care not to overmix, as the dessert looks more appealing with streaks of vibrant pink running through the cream.

Chill and Serve

Spoon the mixture into serving glasses or bowls, then chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld. Just before serving, garnish with the reserved raspberries and, if you like, a sprig of fresh mint for an extra touch of elegance.

Tips and Variations

Sweetness Adjustments: Taste your raspberries before starting; if they’re particularly tart, you may wish to add an extra tablespoon of sugar.

Add a Twist: For a grown-up version, stir in a splash of raspberry liqueur or a drizzle of elderflower cordial to the purée.

Alternative Fruits: While raspberries are traditional, this fool works wonderfully with other soft fruits like strawberries, blackberries, or even gooseberries.

Final Thoughts

Raspberry fool is a celebration of simplicity, with its fresh ingredients and minimal preparation. It’s an ideal recipe for those seeking a quick dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavour or presentation. Enjoy this quintessentially British treat with friends, family, or simply as a self-indulgent treat!

Swizzels introduces Strawberry & Cream Squashies, freshly picked, just for you

Due to a surge in popular demand, Squashies Strawberry & Cream flavour are now available nationwide in your local shops!

The flavour of the summer's with us, and Swizzels don't want to miss it! 

So, what is the story behind Squashies? 

Back in 2012 sweet chefs at Swizzels were looking at creating some utterly awesome new sweeties recipes. And they hit on a new recipe for success, taking some of your favourite Swizzels flavours and creating uniquely soft and foamy, deliciously moreish sweets. (You can't just eat one!)

Since then they're added more and more fantastic flavours to the range to help bring joy, fun and frivolity and fun to the everyday lives of folks old and young all over the country. 

But there's even more! Because Swizzels has introduced a new Squashies Van! All this summer they'll be taking their special dedicated Squashies van around the country to give sweet fans the opportunity to try their Strawberry & Cream Squashies.

Dates and locations will be announced very soon. Like to see them near you? Tag them on social media, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, just search for Squashies. 

https://swizzels.com/

The Coolest Drink That Everyone's Talking About. With a Unique British Twist

The nation has been going crazy for clotted cream cold brews and shakes with a global coffee house chain pushing the latest trend of the drinks scene, especially with the "last gasp" British end of summer heatwave!

Cornish Trewithen Dairy can't get enough of these creamy, indulgent drinks and they have released their very own favourite flavours that anyone can make at home.

For an authentic experience, the cream must be Cornish. Trewithen Dairy uses only milk from Cornish herds to make their award-winning crusted clotted cream. It's gently heated and left to cool slowly, which lets the cream rise to the surface to form the famous thick golden crust. 

The Cream Tea Shake

Shake base:

50g Strawberries

200ml Milk

1 scoop Vanilla ice cream 

Topping:

1 spoonful Trewithen Dairy Cornish clotted cream

Granola sprinkle (pinch)

Half a scone 

Fresh strawberry slices

Strawberry jam

Method:

Start by blending your shake base until it's smooth and frothy. Add the halved strawberries, one scoop of ice cream and chilled whole milk and blend.

Spoon strawberry jam into the bottom of your glass and pour the milkshake up to the top.

Next, add half a scone (place a straw through the middle of the scone first so that it is held ready to drop on top of the glass) spread with jam first then a dollop of clotted cream. 

Garnish with a sprinkle of granola and fresh strawberry slice

 

Tropical Eton Mess Shake

Shake base:

100g Banana 

75ml Milk

75g Natural yoghurt

½ tsp Ground turmeric 

Juice of 1/2 lime

50g Pineapple 

15g Honey 

Topping 

1 scoop Trewithen Dairy Cornish clotted cream

Coconut flakes

Broken meringue 

Chocolate drops [optional]

Method:

Blend the banana, 100ml of milk, yoghurt, turmeric, tinned pineapple and honey into a creamy base until smooth. 

Feel free to add more milk if you want it more frothy.

Next, add the toppings.

Enjoy your amazing shake!

Chocolate - Red Velvet S'mores

Shake base:

50ml Beetroot juice (Obviously raw beetroot juice, not with any vinegar added!) 

200ml Milk

1 tbsp Cocoa powder 

50g Raspberries

Topping:

Chocolate brownie

Raspberries

Chocolate sauce

Marshmallow (blow torch)

White chocolate chips

Trewithen Dairy Cornish clotted cream

Method

Start by blending your shake base until it's smooth and frothy. Add the beetroot juice, chocolate powder and fresh raspberries to whole milk and blend.

Squeeze chocolate sauce up and down the side of your glass to get the vibe going and pour the milkshake up to the top.

Next, add the clotted cream, a few raspberries and some chocolate chips on top plus a few cubes of chocolate brownie. Sprinkle with marshmallows.

Finish with a blowtorch to toast the marshmallows and create a s'mores style shake.

 

Tiramisu Affogato

Shake base:

50ml Coffee 

150ml Milk

1 scoop Vanilla ice cream

Topping:

Candied orange zest

Sponge biscuits

Cocoa powder dusting

Trewithen Dairy Cornish clotted cream

Method

Start by brewing strong coffee in advance and chilling down in the fridge. To make your shake base, blend the milk, a scoop of ice cream and the coffee until smooth and frothy.

Next, add the clotted cream on top. Add in a couple of sponge biscuits and some candied orange zest. To finish, burn your orange zest to give off a fragrant aroma and dramatic style.

Finish by dusting with cocoa.

https://www.trewithendairy.co.uk

SKIPPY® Peanut Butter Choc Chip Swirl Pots

(Uses 6 Small Ramekins)

Ingredients

130g SKIPPY® Peanut Butter Choc Chip Swirl 

300ml fresh whipping cream

1 tablespoon sifted icing sugar

Half teaspoon vanilla extract

Extra 2 tablespoons SKIPPY® Choc Chip Swirl Peanut Butter to drizzle

Directions

Spoon the SKIPPY® Peanut Butter Choc Chip Swirl into a small bowl.

Pour the whipping cream into a medium sized mixing bowl and whisk the cream until it begins to thicken but is still somewhat loose. At this point, stir in the vanilla essence if you are using vanilla. (Why wouldn't you use vanilla?)

Using a fork gradually work a spoonful of the SKIPPY® Peanut Butter Choc Chip Swirl into the double cream until it's combined, repeat with the rest of the Peanut Butter until it's all blended. At this point, it should have the texture of a mousse.

Next, gently fold in the icing sugar.

Spoon the mixture into the ramekin dishes and level each one off.

Put the extra SKIPPY® Peanut Butter into a small bowl and blast for 10 seconds in a microwave on the lowest setting then drizzle on top of the mousse and then chill.

Alternatives to milk?

There are many alternatives to cow's milk. Goat and Ewe's milk are two that are also from lactating animals. Ideal if someone in your family is allergic to cow's milk.

However, if you are looking for non-dairy replacements you can try Soya milk, oat milk, pea protein milk and now there is also potato milk substitute for dairy milk.

There are also plant-based non-dairy butter substitutes, non-dairy cream substitutes and also non-dairy cheese substitutes, too.

Farm shops, delicatessens, wholefood shops and also most supermarkets stock these non-dairy alternatives, Plus you can buy them online from specialist retailers and also from Amazon who stock a wide and growing range of grocery items and foodstuffs.

One thing that does puzzle me, however, is why there aren't, as yet, any non-dairy liquors to go up against Sheridan's, Bailey's Irish Cream, Carolans, Kerrygold and St Brendan's? 

Or perhaps these do already exist and I just haven't come across them yet? I'll start doing some research and I'll let you know what I find out!

Aldi brings out a real Wimbledon Winner with the return of Baileys Extra Thick Strawberry Cream

Back by popular customer demand, the limited-edition Baileys Extra Thick Strawberry Cream (£2.19) has returned exclusively to Aldi stores ahead of the Wimbledon season. And Aldi shoppers can bag this treat now.

Following its great success last year, the supermarket predicts it will sell enough of the cream to fill around 10 swimming pools!

Made with 100% yummy British cream, it’s deliciously rich and indulgently thick which makes it a perfect doubles partner with Aldi’s Specially Selected Strawberries (£2.85, 400g). And with strawberries expected to be bigger and sweeter than previous years due to the cooler spring weather, Aldi's shoppers will be in for the ultimate treat when paired with this decedent summer topping.

For those who want something even sweeter, why not try pairing it with Aldi’s Dessert Menu Strawberry Cheesecake (£0.85, 400g) for an overload of creamy strawberry delight?

The launch comes as Aldi serves up its first ever Swing Ball Championships, which is open and free to book during 3rd – 7th July.

Baileys Extra Thick Strawberry Cream is available in Aldi stores now, while stocks last, of course!

Make Mother's Day extra-special with the help of Devon Hampers

If there is one thing everyone can agree on, it's that a delicious cream tea tastes heavenly and that's why a Devon Hampers Luxury Cream Tea Hamper is the perfect gift on Mothering Sunday.

The hamper is full of delectable treats including four freshly baked scones, that are rich, light and sweet and the perfect size for a spoonful of the smoothest Devon clotted cream and a spoonful of strawberry jam that's filled with flavour. 

There are other suitable treats, too. Real fudge, tasty biscuits and a bottle of delicious Devon cider, or why not brew the perfect cup of Cornish Smuggler Tea for a quintessentially English treat on Mother's Day? 

Prosecco Devon Cream Tea For Two Hamper £30.50 including delivery

If your mum loves her afternoon tea treats, the Prosecco Devon Cream Tea For Two hamper is a wonderful luxury gift hamper to arrive on her doorstep. 

The hamper features freshly baked scones, the finest Devon clotted cream and strawberry jam, made in the same village as Devon Hampers,  all to be enjoyed with a cup of perfectly brewed Devonshire Tea, or a glass of the finest Prosecco.

Devon Hampers Celebration Cream Tea Hamper from £55 including delivery

The Devon Hampers Celebration Hamper will make your mum's day with a traditional cream tea the star of the show, but with some carefully chosen extras too. For the cream tea, there are two freshly baked scones, just the right amount of crumble, and the perfect amount of lightness, with the smoothest Devon clotted cream and richest  strawberry jam ready to be piled on top in big spoonfuls. 

Included in the hamper are other flavours and tastes of the Westcountry too, such as cheese, crackers, chutney, a fruit cake and a bottle of Prosecco, making this the ultimate hamper to celebrate Mothering Sunday.

Devon Hampers also has a GLUTEN FREE Cream Tea Hamper (from £24.50 including delivery)

And a VEGAN Cream Tea  (from £23.50 including delivery)

To place your orders please visit https://www.devonhampers.com/

St Piran's Day 2023 five Recipes to Celebrate Cornwall's National Day

Every year on March 5th, the Cornish community celebrate St Piran, who is one of the patron saints of Cornwall. Proud manufacturers of Cornish clotted cream (with Protected Designation of Origin), Trewithen Dairy, reflect on the duchy's legendary ambassador and how the county still commemorates St Piran to this day.

About Saint Piran 

According to Cornish legend, St Piran was tied to a millstone and thrown into the Irish sea by orders of the king. Famed for washing up on the shores of Perranporth beach (which is named in his honour), it was said that St Piran lit a fire one night and in doing so discovered the precious metal, tin.

The design of the Cornish flag, originated from the flag of St Piran - The white cross on a black background is said to depict the discovery of tin. The 'white metal' flowing from the Cornish black rocks. 

How is St Piran celebrated? 

The week running up to 5th March is known as 'Perrentide' and sees towns and villages across the entire county celebrate with all things Cornish: pasties, cider and the all important cream tea with lashings of clotted cream spooned over a generous layer of jam. 

Francis Clarke, who is the director at Trewithen Dairy says: “We are immensely proud to be amongst the brilliant array of food and drink producers in our county and to champion our Cornish heritage whilst inspiring new ways to enjoy the classics. What better way to celebrate this tradition than with delicious Cornish clotted cream and butter flavoured with Cornish sea salt.”

The best Cornish recipes to celebrate St Piran's Day

Berries and Cream Cornish Pasty

It is said that the mighty Cornish pasty was traditionally made with one side meat, the other filled with jam to create a two-course meal. We've deep-filled pasties with berries and cream for a majestic sweet-treat. Perfect for packing on a picnic or enjoying on St Piran's Day.

Banoffee Cornish Fairings

With their tell-tale crackled top, golden syrup flavour and spicy ginger bite, Cornish fairings are a step up from your everyday ginger biscuit. They were once so popular at fairs that the name stuck and they've been known as the fairing ever since. Trewithen Dairy put a twist on this Cornish classic, with a banoffee inspired treat.

Stargazey Pie

This iconic Cornish dish is the perfect centrepiece for your dinner table to wow your guests. The fish are designed to 'gaze at the stars' and don't worry – you don't have to eat the heads. Legend has it this pie was created after a brave fisherman, Tom Bawcock, ventured out into stormy seas to fish when the townsfolk of Mousehole were facing starvation. He returned triumphantly with an abundance of seven types of fish, which were cooked up in a pie and served to the community.

Cornish Junket

A dish from the West Country, comforting junket has been enjoyed for generations. Traditionally finished with a scrape of nutmeg, we love ours flavoured with real vanilla, saffron or rum. Play around with toppings too – perhaps adding blood orange, salted caramel or caramelise some sugar for a crunchy crème brulee finish.

Scone Revolution - Dark Side of the Moon Scone

Reimagining the traditional cream tea, this chocolate, orange, clotted cream scone is the perfect twist on a classic. 

Francis Clarke says: “Scone Revolution is all about reimagining the cream scone.  We all love the classic, of course, but tear down the traditional boundaries and there is a whole new world of flavour sensations and stunning aesthetics to discover.  Our clotted cream is far niftier than you think!”  Francis continues: “We've had a lot of fun trying out new pairings and hope that we will inspire a new wave of cream tea lovers to create their own and share these with us here at Trewithen Dairy.”

The 'Scone Revolution' is all about adding some life to the traditional cream tea at the same time highlighting the many outstanding and versatile qualities of the award-winning Trewithen Dairy clotted cream.  Made in Cornwall, to a traditional Cornish recipe from milk produced in the county, Trewithen Dairy clotted cream has 'Protected Designation of Origin' status. Only by achieving all of these strict criteria can it be called Cornish clotted cream.

RRP £2.45

Trewithen Dairy's Cornish Clotted Cream is available in 200g and 400g sizes, available to buy direct from supermarkets across the South West or via Ocado.com. For more information, visit their website, www.trewithendairy.co.uk.

Thistles The Rougemont Hotel gets an afternoon delight from local sisters

Thistle's Exeter hotel, The Rougemont, saw Exmouth sisters Tilly and Ellis Jephtha reign supreme and crowned the best bakers as local finalists battled it out to revitalise the classic British pastime and create the ultimate afternoon tea.

In an attempt to see their very own afternoon tea recipe on the Nelson's Lounge and Bar menu at The Rougemont Hotel, competition finalists, Tilly and Ellis Jephtha, Phyllis Liles and Charlotte Baker were invited to take part in an exciting 'bake off' at the hotel, where entries were judged on visual appeal, taste, smell and texture.

The judging panel comprised the mayor of Exeter, councillor Marcel Choules; Mrs Stella Fernyhough, food judge from Chudleigh Women's Institute of Devon; Shane Munro, group development manager, Food and Beverage, Guoman and Thistle Hotels; and Mark Beedell, general manager, The Rougemont Hotel.

The winning entries from Tilly and Ellis saw the judging panel torn between Tilly's scones with thick Devonshire clotted cream and homemade passion fruit and raspberry jam and Ellis' scones with cream, raspberry blackcurrant and rhubarb jam.

In the end the panel thought the sisters were equally deserving of first place thanks to the superior taste and texture and taste of their scones, and the overall presentation of the dishes!

The sisters' winning entry features as the hotel's specialist, traditional Devonshire afternoon tea on its new teatime treats menu.

Mark Beedell, who is the general manager at The Rougemont Hotel said: "After weeks of collating entries for the competition, we're extremely pleased to award both Tilly and Ellis the title of ultimate afternoon tea champions.

“Their creations will make fantastic additions to our afternoon tea menu at Drakes Restaurant and we're certain that our guests will be as excited as we were when sampling their afternoon delights."

After impressing the general manager with her passion for cooking, Tilly who is the baker in the family and wants to study Catering at Exeter College next year has also been offered work experience at The Rougemont Hotel.

This will help her in her college application, plus it will give her the opportunity to experience all departments in the hotel. Also, and to assist her in building her experience whilst studying, Tilly has been invited to join the team on day release after she has started her college course.

Says Tilly: "The competition has been a wonderful experience which I feel will benefit my future career in catering, and I very much look forward to starting my work placement at The Rougemont Hotel."

FACTFILE:

The Rougemont Hotel in Exeter is a stylish Victorian building situated near the city centre and Rougemont Gardens. The hotel's Drakes Restaurant is relaxed and welcoming and features home cooked favourites and modern European dishes, perfect after a spot of shopping or sightseeing.