Summer

A summery spin on meatballs and pasta that tastes even better if you cook the meatballs on the barbecue. Serve any leftovers for lunch the next day

This special summer salad comes together with less effort than you’d think, thanks to a handful of clever shortcuts. Soaking the courgette ribbons in icy water keeps them crisp and fresh, while earthy puy lentils turn this into a satisfying side

Cook these tropical dessert skewers over a high heat so that the sticky spiced cake caramelises quickly and holds its shape – if left in the pan or on the barbecue too long, it can start to fall apart

There is nothing simpler or more satisfying in summer than a tart topped with seasonal courgettes. Serve with a drizzle of tongue-tingling hot honey

Soaking the halloumi in boiling water before grilling and glazing will soften and par-cook it, so you get a fluffier, creamier centre when it’s grilled

Juicy peach is paired with grilled chicken for a fruity twist on a summer classic. Enjoy with a glass of crisp white wine

Elderflower cordial’s delicate floral sweetness enhances roasted blueberries and whipped cream in this simple six-ingredient dessert. Roast the blueberries ahead and assemble the puds to serve

Hold the clotted cream! Strawberry jam might be right at home on toast, scones or sandwiched between sponge cakes, but it has another more unexpected role to play over summer. Balanced with a splash of vinegar for sharpness and a little chilli for heat, it turns into a sticky glaze that makes griddled or pan-fried pork chops a whole lot more interesting. Brush it on liberally – the sugar in the jam helps create a slightly caramelised crust on the chops

Pass around this super-summery platter of rosé-macerated strawberries served with soft swirls of vanilla cream and shards of crispy, buttery croissants, toasted on the barbecue