One of the best things about British summers are British strawberries. Now I know that there are some amazing strawbs to be tried in other countries too and I’m not disputing that, but by the time they’ve flown or sailed over to British shores, then got themselves into a truck to be transported to our supermarkets, then sat on the shelves until we’ve bought them they just don’t taste so great. I’m also trying to be more of a locavore (that’s someone who eats local produce) for health reasons as well as environmental and sustainability ones too, so when our homegrown gems hit the shelves I’m all over it.

Strawberries feel quintessentially British too and apparently the classic combination of strawberries and cream has been around since the times of Henry VIII (although he looked like a man who ate more cream than strawberries) and these days it’s still a hit and gets served to the masses at Wimbledon each year for extortionate prices.

This delicious strawberry smoothie shake is basically liquid strawberries and cream, but without the dairy and sugar. I couldn’t decide whether it was a smoothie or a shake so I called it both (and I like the alliteration) but whatever it is it’s so yummy, takes two minutes to make and is great for breakfast, post-workout, teatime, whenever really! It’s also great for kids as they have no idea it’s healthy and if they’re not big on veggies you can also hide some carrots or spinach in there too and I promise you they won’t even taste them!

Serves 2

• 1 1/2 cups strawberries
• 1 cup almond milk
• 2 medjool dates
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp coconut cream

Simply pop the ingredients in a blender and whizz them up for a minute or so until smooth, then pour into glasses and enjoy! NB for a more chilled smoothie why not freeze the strawberries beforehand, works like a dream!

Love, Mrs H xx