Ingredients
Feeds 4. Takes 15 mins.

The strawberry is a member of the rose family, so I’ve teamed it with rosewater for an easy dessert that has the fragrance of a summer garden. Rosewater is available from cookware specialists and some supermarkets — English Provender rosewater is at selected Sainsbury’s, Safeway and Tesco stores. Cawthorpe Roses of Lincolnshire sells 100ml for £5 including postage (01778 423830; www.rosewater.co.uk).

450g strawberries
3tsp rosewater
Handful of unsprayed rose petals
2tbsp icing sugar
200g mascarpone or 200ml thick cream
200ml strawberry coulis, optional

Wash and dry the strawberries, then hull. Slice the strawberries if large, and toss in a bowl with 2tsp of the rosewater. Cover and chill for an hour, tossing occasionally.

Gently wash the rose petals and drain on paper towel, patting dry.

Beat the icing sugar and the remaining rosewater into the mascarpone.

Layer spoonfuls of rosewater cream and strawberries in four pretty glasses or bowls. Drizzle with strawberry coulis, if using. Scatter with rose petals and serve with long spoons.

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