English Reading Practice - Baking & Cooking - Sunny Delights (C1/C2 Advanced)

As the sun graces the rolling hills of the UK, our taste buds awaken to the vibrant flavours of summer. From picnics in the park to lazy evenings on the patio, this season invites us to indulge in fresh, seasonal ingredients. Join me on a culinary journey through the sun-kissed days, as we explore delightful recipes that capture the essence of British summer.

As the UK basks in the warmth of summer (hopefully), local markets and grocery stores come alive with an abundance of fresh, seasonal produce. Here’s a glimpse of the delightful fruits and vegetables that grace our tables during the sunny months:

1. Strawberries: These ruby-red gems are synonymous with British summer. Juicy, sweet, and fragrant, they’re perfect for snacking, desserts, or turning into homemade jam.

2. Raspberries: Bursting with flavour, raspberries thrive in the summer sun. Add them to your morning yoghurt, bake them into tarts, or simply enjoy them by the handful.

3. Courgettes (Zucchinis): These versatile green veggies are at their peak. Grill them, spiralise them into noodles, or stuff them with savoury fillings.

4. Broad Beans: These plump pods hide tender, vibrant green beans. Steam them, toss them with mint, and drizzle with olive oil for a refreshing side dish.

5. Peas: Freshly shelled peas are a treat. Boil them briefly, sprinkle them with sea salt, and savour their delicate sweetness.

6. New Potatoes: Harvested early, new potatoes have thin skins and a buttery taste. Roast them with rosemary or boil them and dress with butter and mint.

7. Cherries: British cherries are a fleeting delight. Pop them into your mouth, bake them into cakes, or make a luscious cherry compote.

8. Cucumbers: Cool and crisp, cucumbers are perfect for salads, and sandwiches.

9. Tomatoes: Sun-ripened tomatoes are a revelation. Slice them, sprinkle with salt, and drizzle with olive oil for a simple yet divine snack.

10. Beetroots: Earthy and vibrant, beetroots are wonderful roasted, grated into salads, or blended into vibrant soups.

Remember, eating seasonally not only supports local farmers but also ensures that you enjoy produce at its freshest and most flavourful. So, embrace the bounty of British summer and let these ingredients inspire your culinary adventures!

Courgette, Feta, and Blackcurrant Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 medium courgettes (zucchinis), thinly sliced

• 100g feta cheese, crumbled

• Handful of fresh blackcurrants

• Fresh basil leaves

• Olive oil

• Lemon juice

• Salt and pepper

Method:

1. Toss the courgette slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-fry until lightly charred.

2. Arrange the courgettes on a serving platter.

3. Scatter crumbled feta over the courgettes.

4. Sprinkle fresh blackcurrants and torn basil leaves.

5. Drizzle with lemon juice and a touch more olive oil.

6. Serve as a refreshing starter or side dish.

If you are looking for something a little sweeter why not try this?

Nectarine and Almond Tart

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry

• 3 ripe nectarines, sliced

• 100g ground almonds

• 50g caster sugar

• 1 egg, beaten

• A handful of flaked almonds

• Icing sugar for dusting

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Roll out the puff pastry and place it on a baking sheet.

3. Mix ground almonds and caster sugar. Spread this mixture over the pastry.

4. Arrange nectarine slices in a circular pattern.

5. Fold the edges of the pastry over the fruit.

6. Brush the pastry with beaten egg and sprinkle flaked almonds.

7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.

8. Dust with icing sugar before serving.

Summer in the UK is a symphony of flavours—sweet peaches, tangy blackcurrants, and juicy nectarines. Let your taste buds dance to the rhythm of the sun, and savour these seasonal delights. Whether you’re picnicking in the park or hosting a garden soirée, these recipes will infuse your summer days with joy and deliciousness. Cheers to sunny days and happy cooking!

Check your understanding

1. What are some of the key seasonal fruits and vegetables mentioned in the article, and how are they recommended to be enjoyed?

2. How does the article suggest incorporating seasonal ingredients into one's diet benefit both consumers and local farmers?

3. Describe the method for preparing the "Courgette, Feta, and Blackcurrant Salad" mentioned in the article.

4. What dessert recipe is provided in the article, and what are its main ingredients and preparation steps?

5. In what ways does the article encourage readers to embrace the culinary opportunities presented by the summer season in the UK?

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Vocabulary

Abundance: A large quantity of something, a plentiful supply.

Fleeting: Lasting for a very short time, transient or brief.

Compote: A dessert made of fruit cooked in syrup.

Gazpacho: A cold Spanish soup made from tomatoes, peppers, onions, and other vegetables, often served with bread.

Symphony: In this context, it metaphorically refers to a harmonious blending of flavours or elements.

Soirée: A gathering or party, typically held in the evening.

Infuse: To fill or pervade with a quality or flavour.

Delights: Things that give great pleasure or satisfaction.

Vibrant: Full of energy and enthusiasm, lively.

Revelation: A surprising and previously unknown fact, especially one that is made known dramatically.