June is a month of long evenings, strawberry punnets, festival fever and barbecue action – it’s a cracker, all right. This year I’m even more excited as it’s the Euros and my footy-loving kids are the perfect age to enjoy the tournament (although mainly as it’s an excuse to stay up extra-late).

Advertisement

Me and the team had a lot of fun planning our 'summer of sport' content. I was new to the concept of a ‘snack stadium’ but I’m now fully signed up to this architectural ode to picky bits. It’s just one of the epic sharing dishes we’ve created for all the sporting events to come this summer.

My favourite June ingredient is elderflower. Over the years, I’ve perfected my cordial technique (my first attempt had the charming addition of floating bugs, which was a steep learning curve) and this year I plan to serve a few dashes of insect-free cordial in my most elegant fashion yet – a silky posset.

Here are 10 recipes from our latest issue that bring the joy of June.

Happy cooking,

Nat

Broad bean, herb & ricotta fritters

with ricotta based topped with boiled eggs

One of the best parts of my job is working with a talented food team who provide brilliant advice, such as using broad bean skins to make vegetable stock. Try it for yourself after making these beautiful brunch fritters that truly make the most of fresh broad bean pods.

Make it now:
Broad bean, herb & ricotta fritters

Pizza salad flatbreads

Pizza salad flatbreads topped with salami, picked peppers and cheese

This pizza salad is my favourite recipe from the topped flatbread feature in our June issue. Salami, olives, roasted peppers, mozzarella and pickled chilli are tossed with a pecorino vinaigrette and loaded onto the bread for an explosion of taste and texture.

Make it now:
Pizza salad flatbreads

Lime tres leches cake

Lime tres leches cake cut into pieces

I was lucky enough to sample this one fresh from the test kitchen and can confidently vouch for the fact it’s an absolute stunner. The sponge is soaked in three milks (hence tres leches) – whole, evaporated and condensed. The lime perfectly cuts through the sweetness.

Make it now:
Lime tres leches cake

BBQ peas with pistachio dukkah & preserved lemon & mint yogurt

BBQ peas served on skewers with a yogurt dip on the side

I often get stuck in a barbecue rut and find vegetarian ideas are the hardest to come up with. This inventive recipe demonstrates just how versatile cooking over fire can be. The creamy dip is the ideal foil for the sweet, blistered peas.

Make it now:
BBQ peas with pistachio dukkah & preserved lemon & mint yogurt

Thai red curry chicken traybake

Thai red chicken traybake served in a roasting tin

A good Thai red curry paste is key to success when it comes to this chicken traybake. Once you’ve nestled your ingredients into the roasting tin, the oven does the rest of the work while you, in theory, put your feet up in the garden.

Make it now:
Thai red curry chicken traybake

Air-fryer scones

Air fryer scones topped with cream and strawberry jam

If you like getting creative with your air-fryer, this scone recipe is one to bookmark. Top these fluffy delights with clotted cream and fresh June strawberries. They can be livened up a few days after baking with a quick round in the microwave.

Make it now:
Air-fryer scones

Snack stadium

Snack stadium with boxes of snacks served around a cardboard football pitch

Why serve snacks in bowls when you can serve them in a hand-crafted cardboard stadium? This novelty big match centrepiece will go down a storm with kids, who are sure to graciously nibble the celery sticks rather than instantly demolish the mini chocolate footballs…

Make it now:
Snack stadium

Courgette & cherry salad

Courgette and cherry salad served on a large plate

The flavour combination you never knew you needed in your life. This salad is a serious bobby dazzler, with red chicory bringing even more vibrance. The cherry or pomegranate molasses brings a unique tang to the dressing.

Make it now:
Courgette & cherry salad

Football pitch party cake

Football pitch party cake with bright green icing

This bright football pitch cake will bring major 90s kids’ party vibes to your Euros viewing party. My personal recommendation is to serve it to a soundtrack of Baddiel, Skinner and the Lightning Seeds.

Make it now:
Football pitch party cake

Elderflower posset with gooseberries

Elderflower posset served in glasses topped with gooseberries

Gooseberries are such an underrated fruit. I wish we saw more of them in supermarkets as when they are treated with care and respect, they can be truly spectacular. Here, they top an elderflower-flavoured posset to offer a tart contrast.

Advertisement

Make it now:
Elderflower posset with gooseberries

Comments, questions and tips

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Choose the type of message you'd like to post
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement