Name me a better excuse to make a sweet sharing board than a sunny afternoon with friends... I'll wait.

Of course, it had to feature strawberries, and my board has them three ways: fresh strawberries, strawberry jam and a strawberry cheesecake dip. 

Perfect for grazing with friends, sharing with family, or simply making an ordinary summer day feel a little more special. 

Ingredients

• 200g full fat cream cheese (room temperature)
  
• 125g mascarpone 
  
• 40g icing sugar, adjust to taste
  
• ¼ tsp almond extract
  
• Pinch of salt 
  
• 150ml double cream
  
• 3 tbsp strawberry jam
  
• 1 shortbread 
  
• Small mint leaves to garnish

Method  

1.    Beat the cream cheese until smooth
2.    Add the mascarpone, icing sugar, almond extract and salt. Beat until combined
3.    Pour in the double cream and whisk until the mixture is thick, light and fluffy
4.    Fold through the strawberry jam, leaving a few swirls rather than mixing completely
5.    Crumble the shortbread on top and garnish with small mint leaves 

To finish the sweet grazing board, arrange the following around the strawberry cheesecake dip:

• Strawberries
  
• Raspberries 
  
• Jammie dodgers
  
• Clotted cream
  
• Mini meringue nests
  
• Shortbread rounds
  
• Sports mixture
  
• White chocolate buttons 

Top Tip

For the best texture, make the cheesecake dip up to a day in advance and keep it chilled. Add the shortbread crumble just before serving so it stays crisp.