Peonies and strawberries – two of my most favourite things. Celebrating the beginning of May may home feels like a paradise. Lightly scented pink peonies grace the living-room with charm. Sweet and tart strawberries bring the kitchen back to life. A splash of colour. A sweetness of taste. A promise for a summer. My imagination is opening a hidden door and I am already walking on the beach, collecting seashells, bathing in sunlight.

Luckily we do not need to wait that long to taste the summer. A delicious Strawberry Tart with Basil Cream invites hungry glances in the kitchen, eager to have a go. Fragrant Italian amaretti biscuits for the base, sweet cream filled with passion fruit makes the second layer, topped with sweet powder sugar dusted strawberries and fresh mint leaves. There is something so delicate, sweet and refreshing in these flavours. It is a simple recipe with limited steps and easy to follow instructions. Oh, and it looks divine!

The recipe comes from one of my favourite cook books by Valli Little, called Delicious Home Cooking. It is full of dishes that are super easy, look fantastic and taste divine. Seasonal chapters make this cookbook really easy to follow and ensures that you are always cooking with the best seasonal produce. It’s smart. A cook book close to my kitchen and even closer to my heart!