In no order whatsoever:

Strawberries from my garden: sun-warmed and super-fresh, sweet and juicy. Extra delicious because they managed to grow despite the weather (UK strawberry harvests are poor this year), despite the snails making a special trip up the fence to eat them (the strawberries grow in a hanging planter), and despite my neglect of them.

Raspberries from the allotment: I'd like to say thanks to the mini flock of birds that rise up from our plot whenever the gate is opened, for leaving me a handful of delicious raspberries. (Yes, I know I should net soft fruit.) This is the first time my few canes have fruited, so there's an added novelty value.

Elderflower 'champagne': Two weeks on, the home-made fruity fizz that I blogged about two weeks ago had its first tasting last night. It's not as sweet as last year's, but that's good, and it has the subtle floral notes you'd expect. And it's very, very fizzy!

Beetroot soup with cumin: I like a personal recipe recommendation - this one comes via AAY's Natalie, from Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, on Nigella Lawson's website. The recipe is very simple: beetroot is cooked with cumin, and the finishing touch is a dollop of spiced yogurt. Beautiful!

Shaved garden salad: Oo-er, sounds a bit rude? Quite - I reckon someone in M&S's marketing department is sniggering every time they walk past the chilled cabinet. It's an inspired mix of salad leaves with sliced apple and fennel, plus a tangily citrus dressing. I've been eating it with some crumbled blue cheese on top.

The five best things I ate last week

What have you enjoyed eating or drinking this week, at home or on holiday?