balsamic strawberries and cream with fresh basil: celebrating british berries and bbqs with m&s.

From juicy British strawberries to brilliant quality beef burgers, M&S have Summer all set up with their latest ranges. Vibrant desserts, perfect pastry combinations and inspiring side dishes mean you can host a glorious garden party in style. So come rain or shine, at least it'll be easy to rustle up an impressive menu.

To celebrate their bounty of berries, they've come up with some great recipe ideas to showcase the fine British fruit. I picked balsamic strawberries, basil and ice cream to round off some tasty barbecue treats. If you fancy making the most of the rest of the season, scroll on for the recipe...

Shopping list.
♥ 3 tbsp good quality balsamic vinegar

♥ 1 handful basil leaves, torn

♥ 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper 

♥ 1.5 tbsp caster sugar 

♥ 500g British strawberries, halved

♥ 4 scoops of vanilla ice cream 

Step one. Thirty minutes to an hour before serving, combine the balsamic vinegar, pepper, sugar and basil leaves in a bowl. 

Step two. Add the strawberries in the balsamic mixture and stir through. Set aside at room temperature to marinate. 

Step three. Divide the strawberries among your serving dishes or glasses. 

Step four. Top each with a scoop of ice cream, any remaining balsamic vinegar and basil leaves to garnish.

Have you tried balsamic strawberries? Or strawberries with fresh basil? Would you give it a whirl? 

I also tried their British Beef and Mustard Burgers, Creamy Potato Salad, Posh Coleslaw, Sausage Rolls and Beef and Blacksticks Crisps, for which I was not disappointed.

We finished it off with some ice cold Earl Grey Pale Ale and Wimbledon Ale, as well as the refreshing Summer Cup Fizz with hints of cucumber and mint.

Have you tried their Summer range this year? What would be on your spread?

In collaboration with M&S. Find more recipe inspiration here.