At this time of year, I'm always reminded of when we bought our cottage nearly 20 years ago, one of its most endearing aspects was the maze of strawberry plants, growing wild in all sorts of nooks and crannies around the property. I have always adored wandering around the yard, pinching strawberries, still warm from the sun, to pop in my mouth as I tend to the garden.

Left to ripen on the bush and eaten without refrigeration there is no better way to welcome Spring than with strawberries. If you find that a punnet of store bought strawberries haven't quite got the flavour punch you’re expecting, try drizzling a little Vino Cotto over them to bring out the sweetness. It makes every difference. ~ Maggie