• 1 telegraph cucumber
• 1 tsp salt dissolved in a cup of water
• 1 clove of crushed garlic
• 2 tbsp wine vinegar
• 2 spring onions
• 1 pinch of chilli powder
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Toasted sesame seeds to garnish

Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and scoop out and discard the seeds.  Slice the cucumber thinly and place in the salted water to chill for about ten minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Drain the liquid and place the cucumber in a dish with the garlic, spring onions, vinegar and spices.

Crush the sugar and toasted sesame seeds and use this to garnish the salad.  You could also add in a few cherry tomatoes if you want it to look festive!

• 450 g fresh strawberries (hulls removed)
• 6 mini meringues
• 80 ml cranberry juice
• 450 ml cream

Chop the strawberries and place them in a bowl with the cranberry juice.  Cover with cling film and place in the fridge until ready to assemble the rest of the dessert.

Whip the cream to soft peaks.  Place the meringues in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.

When ready to serve fold the cream, strawberries and crushed meringues together and spoon into glass dishes.  Decorate with extra strawberries and chocolate