Summer smells of strawberries

Recipe: Jamie at The Cake Eating Co.

Photos: Josh at Hohua Photography

My favourite thing about summer is the fact that in the space of a few months my garden becomes laden with fresh fruit. Berries are my favourite and strawberries seem to be the only one that I manage to grow with any level of success. If only they grew on trees it would be so much easier!

This recipe is a mix of quirky flavours which come together in delicious harmony. If you haven't tried either balsamic or peppered strawberries by themselves before make sure you do. They are delicious on their own or as a side to pretty much everything. I am a little bias though as I don't think a strawberry can do any wrong. 

I had a little bit of fun and made this dessert in a 1970's colour palate of oranges, pinks and browns. If you want to liven it up a little try cutting the balsamic glaze and replacing it with a mint sauce or try making a burnt milk custard.

I have garnished this dessert with little flowers from the garden, violas (my favourite) and geraniums. I choose all the flowering plants in my garden so that they are also edible. They go great not just on desserts but also add delicious pops of colour in salads and are complimentary flavours in infusions with many herbs and fruits. 

Peppered strawberry cheesecake

Cheesecake

250g mascarpone cream

250g cream cheese

100ml cream

100g strawberries (sliced and coat with cracked pepper. Leave to sit for at least 30 minutes)

140g castor sugar

3t gelatin powder

60ml water

Method

1. Soak the gelatine in the cold water to rehydrate.

2. In a food processor blend the mascarpone, cream cheese, sugar and strawberries

3. Bring the cream to the boil, remove from heat and mix in gelatine. Add to food processor and blend until well mixed in.

4. Pour into a tin to set. I have use 3" tart tins for mini cheesecakes. They will take at least 2 hours to set. 

Cheesecake base 'crumble'

100g butter

50g icing sugar

100g flour

50g rice flour

20g honey

Method

1. Cream butter and sugar until pale. Beat in honey.

2. Sift flours together and fold in. 

3. Roll out dough on a lightly floured bench, transfer to a lined tray and bake for 12 minutes until golden. Leave to cool. 

4. Using your hands or a food processor break the biscuit down to a crumb.

Balsamic glaze

100ml balsamic vinegar

100ml brown sugar

Method

Combine the two ingredients in a pot over a medium heat. Cook until they form a thick syrup, remove from heat and set aside.

n.b. Keep your eye on the pot the whole time during this process. It is a small volume and will easily burn.

Strawberry compote

100g strawberry

1 teaspoon cracked pepper

10g sugar

Method

Combine ingredients in a pot. Cook over a low heat until the strawberries are soft. Blend until smooth.

Mint creme

150ml cream

1/2 teaspoon gelatine

20ml cold water

20g sugar

20g fresh mint

Method

1. Hydrate the gelatine in the cold water.

2. Bring the mint, cream and sugar to the boil in a saucepan. Set aside for 20 minutes to let the mint infuse.

3. Bring the cream mix back to the heat, strain through a sieve onto the gelatine. Mix in and let set for a couple of hours.

4. Once set whip with a hand held mixer.

To assemble

Brush the balsamic glaze over the plate, over the top of this crumble the base biscuit.

Slice the cheesecake in half and place on top of the biscuit. Pipe or spoon the compote and creme around the plate. Finish with fresh flowers, mint and cracked pepper 

{Beauty Corner} Summer Simplicity...

Sun filled beaches, cafe hot spots, light breeze, sunsets and balmy evenings, children's laughter, relaxation… summertime.

Life can get so busy and complicated and it’s not until summertime and the new year that we slow down and begin to re-evaluate our lives, our schedules and priorities.

How can we keep the simplicity of summer throughout our year?  Loving our friends and family, keeping true to our feelings and making sure we prioritise ourselves and our families. Entertaining without fuss, enlarging our lives to include others, valuing time spent with those we love.

One area I like to stay uncomplicated is my makeup. This last year I have searched and found makeup that truly is fuss free and denotes summer simplicity which can last all year.

I tried many different types and forms of foundation last year including Cream to Powder and various liquids.  I finally settled on Avon Mineral Foundation.

Avon has come a long way  and continues to have an edge in the makeup market providing their customers with a no questions asked 90 day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.  What other makeup company allows you to swap colours or makeup types until you are happy with your purchase?

I choose to use Avon Mineral Foundations.  I prefer a dewy, youthful look from my foundation which the Avon Mineral Liquid Foundation on its own provides.  However I also have in my makeup drawer Minerals Powder Foundation, with this you can create a flawless, full cover that lasts and lasts.  It’s summer tested and lasts through perspiration and even quick swims so it is a perfect complement to Summer Simplicity.

Avon Smooth Minerals Liquid Foundation features a lightweight breathable formula that provides skin with a flawless, long-lasting finish. The formula contains mineral glow pearls to maximize natural vibrancy and skin radiance; and is free of talc, oil, artificial dyes and fragrances. Suitable for all skin types.

Avon Smooth Minerals Foundation Lightweight powder foundation containing 100% naturally derived pigments creates a luminous, flawless finish. Ideal for sensitive skin. 100% naturally nourishing with pure mineral colourants enriched with vitamins.  Free of talc and fragrance. Free of dye and preservatives.

My other Summer Simplicity Favourites:

Avon Glimmersticks Retractable Eye Liner My favourite colours Saturn Grey for a soft day look and Blackest Black for a more defined or evening look.  Glimmersticks have a colour-dense formula for a smooth, clean line. Glides on to define eyes with perfect precision. Long wearing. Swivels up and down so it never needs sharpening. 

Avon Extra Lasting Lip Gloss (up to 8 hours) This lipgloss application is smooth and even, the colour I use is "Neverending Nude", it is a perfect companion to Summer Simplicity, it is natural looking and you don't have to keep re-applying it, so that means it is also very good value for money. Avon promotes this lipgloss as extra-lasting (up to 8 hours) and I have found that I only have to reapply a couple of times in the day to keep it fresh.

Avon SuperExtend Extreme Mascara I find this mascara gives the look of lash extensions. Lashes look longer and thicker.  It has a Magnetic Fiber Formula - magnetic fibers work like magnets to instantly attract lashes and extend them to extreme new lengths.  Summer simplicity tip:  Apply mascara to the bottom lashes first to stop wet top lashes touching your eyelids before they are dry.

If you have any products you'd like me to cover or want to know how I achieve certain makeup looks then head on over to my website and leave a comment. Alternatively you can just comment below.

This post was guest written by Debby Hoffman of www.avon2you.weebly.com. Debby is a mum to two girls and loves anything makeup and Avon.