Sunshine in a Scone

Scones are the perfect tea time treat; especially when taken just out of the oven, and enjoyed in the evening sunshine. And for an extra summertime treat, these scones have a hint of lemon (as we all know that everything lemony tastes better when the sun is shining).

Ingredients:

225g self raising flour
pinch of salt
55g butter
25g caster sugar
140ml milk
Peel and juice of one lemon
1 egg beaten

Let's get making:  

1. Heat the oven to 220C/gas mark 7.
2. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
3. Mix together the flour and salt and rub in the butter.
4. Stir in the sugar, lemon peel and juice, and then the milk to get a soft dough.
5. Turn on to a floured work surface and knead very lightly. Pat out to a round 2cm/¾in thick. Use a 5cm/2in cutter to stamp out rounds and place on a baking sheet. Lightly knead together the rest of the dough and stamp out more scones to use it all up.
6. Brush the tops of the scones with the beaten egg. Bake for 12-15 minutes until well risen and golden.

Put the kettle on, brew a pot and enjoy your scones with clotted cream and blueberry jam. (Or lemon curd, for the real lemon lovers).

If Popeye came to your BBQ...

...he'd probably bring this.

With the sun shining it's time to dust off the barbecue, pop your shades on and enjoy the bank holiday weekend. But if you're bored of the usual BBQ nosh, this salad is the perfect solution, and is a little bit fruity!

Popeye and Olive Oil Salad

Serves 8

Ingredients:

500g spinach

1 punnet of strawberries, sliced (keep a few aside for the final touches)

 4tbsp pecans, toasted

100g blue cheese, crumbled

Dressing:

40ml raspberry red wine vinegar

3tbsp sugar 

1 teaspoon dry mustard

90ml cup olive oil

2 teaspoons poppy seeds

Let's get making

1.Toast pecans over low heat and then set aside to cool. 

2. Toss the pecans, strawberries and spinach together in a large serving bowl.

3. Combine dressing ingredients and shake well. Pour over salad.

4. Toss again and then add the crumbled blue cheese. Finish off by garnishing with a few sliced strawberries.

Now all you have to do is slap on some factor 30 (eating strawberries is great, looking like one, not so great) and put a few steaks on the barbie. Oh and don't forget the beer. Strawberry beer, of course.