We’re approaching longest day territory here in the UK right now. The maximum hours of daylight in the year reaches 16 hours and 41 minutes in a matter of a few (long) days, meaning our evenings stretch gloriously out in front of us throughout the summer months (the depths of winter, where we barely get eight hours of light, is another matter)…

Spring is slowly but surely heading into summer (even if the amount of rain we’ve been having seems to suggest otherwise!) and with it comes a general dislike for putting the oven on. Since last posting we have moved from our stuffy flat into a far cooler house, but even now when it’s getting a bit toasty outside it’s better to keep the kitchen heat to a minimum…

We’re onto our second heatwave of the summer here in the UK. Gardens and parks are turning a delightful shade of brown, hosepipe bans are looming, and frankly, no one’s in the mood for cooking much right now (myself included)…

Summer and soup does seem to be a bit of an oxymoron. Think of soup, and your mind conjures up images of steaming hot bowls, thick and rich with earthy warming flavours - not exactly what you crave when the temperature is rising. Here in the UK, however, a summer’s day can be just as cold and dreary as a mild day in winter…

Summer is almost upon us here in the northern hemisphere, and the promise of lazy meals and BBQs outside is tantalisingly close. Here in the UK we’ve been given an extra bank holiday this year to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, so many of us will be kicking back and, weather permitting, enjoying some tasty food and drink outside with friends!