LUSCIOUS Strawberry DESSERTS

Bring out your sultry palate to play this Women's Day and get your taste buds singing!

SWEET PAW-BERRY SALAD

INGREDIENTS

• 100g brown sugar

• 300ml water

• Grated rind and juice of 1 lemon

• 15ml freshly ground black pepper

• 50ml orange liqueur

• 300g fresh strawberries, stalks removed and halved

• 300g pawpaw, diced

• 50g fresh mint leaves, chopped

• Extra mint for garnish

METHOD

1. Place the sugar and water in a small saucepan over moderate heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Bring to the boil and stir in the lemon juice and rind, and the ground black pepper. Remove from heat, add liqueur and set aside.

2. Mix the strawberries and pawpaw, pour the syrup over and stir the mint through.

3. Spoon into serving dishes and garnish with extra mint before serving.

FRESH FRUIT TART

INGREDIENTS

• 375g ready-rolled puff pastry

• 50g blueberries

• 50g gooseberries

• 50g pomegranate seeds

• 50g pineapple pieces

• 4 strawberries, hulled and halved

• 45ml (3T) caster sugar

• 30ml (2T) maple syrup or honey

• 1 egg, beaten

METHOD:

1. Preheat oven to 180ºC. Unroll pastry and, using a saucer as a guide, cut out 4 circles. Slide the circles onto a greased baking sheet.

2. In a bowl, mix all fruits, sugar and syrup or honey together. Place in the middle of pastry circle and close the pastry halfway by folding the ends of the circles. Brush sides with egg.