Amsterdam Foodie

I’m so glad all this racquet and ball nonsense is over. Tennis and I have a chequered history: I was so bad at it at school that forcing me to do it bordered on child abuse. But every cloud has a silver lining ‘n all that, and in this case it’s strawberries. Sweet and sexy and juicy in July… and not just with cream.

I have my friend Geoff’s facebook status to thank for the idea for this salad. He mentioned something about strawberries and prosciutto and mint and a little light bulb popped up above my head. Salad!

So here is July’s creation: strawberry salad with a little rocket dressed lightly in balsamic – not as thick and sweetly aged as I’d have like it to be (that was a hint if anyone wants to buy me a present) – and paired with salty prosciutto, zingy mint and fresh cool ricotta. In the photo, I served it on a sharing plate. Then I ate it all myself. Living alone is the greatest.

My reaction reminded me of when my friend Natalie tasted a cocktail her boyfriend had just made her: ‘it’s like a party in the mouth!’ she declared. Well this, my friends, is a summer garden party in the mouth.

And then I sipped a glass of dry rosé between mouthfuls. And my life was momentarily complete.