Croissants are a family traditional treat and have been baked in my home since I remember. They are light, soft and have a beautiful crust due to the dough which is a combination of shortcrust pastry and yeasted dough. The croissants can be packed with anything you can think of: plum or strawberry jam, chocolate, caramel sauce or fresh apples in cinnamon. I love them with sweet cherries inside, sprinkled outside with icing sugar and served with vanilla custard on side. They're great for party, picnic, family event or an elegant afternoon tea plate. You will love them with your first bite. Find the recipe here….
Quick Picota Cherries Breakfast Jam
This recipe can be used for any summer berries which are currently in season. You can use fresh strawberries, blueberries, sour cherries or raspberries – anything you are fond of this summer. I’ve chosen Picota cherries as they are available in markets for only a few weeks a year so I want to enjoy them as long as I can this summer. Quick breakfast jam goes well with fresh bread, French baguette or bread roll but believe me, crumpets topped with this fresh jam and a dash of Crème Fresh taste divine. Find the recipe here…
Sweet Cream Ice Cream with Picota Cherries and Red Wine Sauce
This is basic homemade ice cream, very simple and natural. It’s a silky, luscious and classic custard-based treat, ideal for any accompaniment - chocolate, caramel, peanut butter. I enjoy Sweet Cream Ice Cream topped with fresh fruits or fresh fruits sauces because its natural sweetness makes a perfect combination with the semi-sour taste of fruits and both create an ideal contrast of flavours. This simple Sweet Cream Ice Cream can also make a fancy dessert, just needs elegant company – Picota Cherry and Red Wine Sauce. Find the recipe here…
Picota Cherries and Red Wine Sauce
I've chosen Picota cherries to make this delicious sauce. They are sweet, firm and have the unique flavour that comes from their stones and easily blends with red dry wine and spices – cinnamon, clove and lemon grass. The sauce is reasonably sweet but very aromatic and the combination of these ingredients makes it very elegant. It’s great served with chocolate cakes and panna cotta, perfect as a topping over cream or vanilla homemade ice cream, for any fancy dessert you may think of. One of my favourite things to make with Picota cherries lately. Find the recipe here…
Picota Cherry Confitures
Picota cherries are underrated and often chosen to sell as a "value" option because they are smaller, uglier and without stalks. But I do enjoy these firm cherries with big stones from the Jerte Valley in Extremadura in Spain because are always perfectly ripe, juicy and extremely sweet. They make an ideal clafoutis, fantastic summer soups, great gazpacho, crumbles, pies, amazing jams and confitures. When these summer berries are in season - only 6 weeks of the year, I make Picota Cherries Confitures which have a beautiful burgundy colour and sweet flavour with a hint of bitterness. They are delicious and can be a perfect substitute for the strawberry jam at the afternoon tea. Find the recipe here…