English summer is here at last

What could mark the start of a balmy English summer more than a meal comprising local broad beans, peas, mint and strawberries? OK, the meal I cooked last night was Italian in essence, but for me an early summer risotto made with the first of the thumbnail-sized broad beans, incredibly sweet peas and intensely flavoured mint is the first true taste of summer. And what can be more relaxing than sitting down in the shade of the garden for half an hour with a glass of chilled rose whilst podding peas and broad means. It's pure foodie heaven. I rounded off with a bowl of surprisingly full-flavoured Somerset strawberries. I don't often eat strawberries until a bit later - early July usually - but the conditions have been perfect over the past week and these tasted amazing. I think it's going to be a very good summer indeed!