Most people love strawberries and they’re at their most luscious juicy best right now, so here’s a completely different way of serving them with a twist; a very English one at that, as they’re baked in Pimm’s No. 1 Cup.

If you aren’t familiar with Pimm’s, it’s a fruitily refreshing gin-based cocktail that’s been around since 1840 and represents everything that’s summery about our English summers; torrential rain and flooding apart.

Pimm’s is concentrated and needs to be properly diluted and tweaked to enjoy as a drink – (instructions are on the back of the bottle but I’ve added it below) – in this recipe we’re using it neat.

You can make the strawberry parcels ahead of time and keep them chilled in the fridge. 25 minutes before you’re ready to eat them, arrange the parcels on the dying embers of your barbecue grill or bake in the oven. Serve in their parcels (great for outdoor eating) or transfer the strawberries and the juices to a plate, then top with clotted cream, whipped cream or ice cream.

A glass of Pimm’s on the side would be the perfect accompaniment.

Strawberries Baked in Pimm’s

STRAWBERRIES in PIMM’S

(Serves 6)

Ingredients:

1 ¾ lbs (800g) of fresh strawberries, washed and hulled

1 ¾ oz (50g) of fine white sugar

5-6 fl oz (150ml) of Pimm’s No 1 Cup

Action:

Preheat the oven to 340F (170C) – or if baking on the outdoor BBQ grill, the coals need to be cooling by the time you’re ready to cook the parcels.

Using heavy duty foil or if regular foil, double thickness – make four squares approximately 10 inches x 10 inches (25cm x 25cm)

Whisk the sugar into the Pimm’s and pour over the strawberries in a bowl – mix well. Divide the strawberries evenly between each foil square and fold up the edges to capture the liquid. Spoon the remaining Pimm’s into each parcel then crimp the foil tightly, making sure they’re completely sealed.

Bake in the oven or on the grill for 25-30 minutes. The berries need to be hot and soft but still holding their shape.

Serve with your choice of topping and…….

THE PERFECT PIMM’S COCKTAIL

Per person, you need to fill a tall glass halfway with ice. Add 1.5 oz (42ml) of Pimm’s and a slice or two of each of the following; English hothouse cucumber, orange, lemon, apple (optional) – and a sprig of fresh mint. Top this off with a lemon-lime soda (such as 7-Up) or ginger ale.

Please drink responsibly – it’s utterly more-ish and has quite a kick!