I was recently asked to try a couple of recipes for M&S to celebrate the summer berry season and with it being one of my favourite places to shop I was only too happy to oblige.

 

I knew 2 desserts would be too much for our little family so I timed the baking with us going on holiday to Devon so we could share them with the Grandparents.

My chosen recipes were a no bake strawberry and passionfruit cheesecake and a raspberry and coconut traybake.  I won’t lie, I was nervous I’d do something wrong but actually both recipes were very easy to make and looked pretty darn good if I dare say so myself.

 
I started by making the cheesecake base and then while that was in the fridge I quickly mixed the ingredients for the raspberry and coconut traybake.  You have to bake it in a low oven for quite some time and add the raspberries and coconut near the end.  I will admit that I cooked it for longer than the recipe stated because I thought it wasn’t cooked enough but I really didn’t need to.  No one complained about the crispy edges though haha.

While the traybake was cooling down I beat the cream cheese, icing sugar and vanilla extract before adding the cream, lime juice and zest and then smoothed that onto the base ready to go back in the fridge.

Once we reached Devon and the kettle was on we all tried the raspberry and coconut traybake which was delicious with our cup of tea.  I was surprised the raspberries held their shape and it still tasted great even though I used desiccated coconut instead of the flakes stated in the recipe.

 

 

As the sun was shining we had a BBQ in the evening and after we ate I decorated the cheesecake with strawberry slices and passionfruit.  This one for me was the winner!  I’ve made a few cheesecakes before but I think this is definitely my favourite and everyone else was pretty impressed too.  The flavour combinations are just perfect with the sharp lime and passionfruit and sweetness of the strawberry.  The recipe made a good 10 servings and it was all gone in less than 2 days.  I even caught my husband with his head in the fridge and a spoon in his hand!  Apparently he couldn’t be bothered to get a plate haha.

 

I can thoroughly recommend you have a look on their website for more mouth drooling recipes.  I now want to have a go at making their Rhubarb and Custard Pavlova, Elizabeth Sponge Cake, Chocolate Nut and Berry Slice and the Eton Mess Meringue Cake.

Although I got all the ingredients from M&S in Poole you can also get them from Castlepoint in Bournemouth too.  M&S is passionate and committed to the sustainable sourcing of quality British ingredients.  They have worked with some of their berry suppliers for over 40 years and is proud to work with farmers who have been farming for generations.

I'd love to know if any of you have a go at making one of their recipes.  Any slices in the post for taste testing will be gratefully received and devoured in seconds.

 

 

 

If you enjoy bowling with the family then I’d definitely recommend a trip to Hollywood Bowl at Tower Park in Poole.  We visited recently with some fellow bloggers and had such a great night chatting and playing with the kids.  

 

My son Sam and daughter Lucy spotted the arcade as soon as we went in and ran off to drive cars and shoot zombies while the Mums got to know each other a little. 

 

 

The venue is huge with a large diner and bar area plus plenty of bowling lanes.  I was pretty excited to be told we would be in the VIP area which had big red curtains, posh comfy leather seating, tables and old movie memorabilia on the wall.  There’s even a button to press if you need help or would like to order a drink which was great.

 

 

We put the kids on one lane and us Mums on the other lane and once the names were punched in we were off.  We put the sides up on the kids lane and some of them used the ramp to help get that big heavy ball towards the skittles.  I felt really sorry for my 6 year old son as he kept only getting 1 or 2 skittles down while his little sister got strike after strike haha.

 

 

By the time we were on our last go the kids were all friends and I enjoyed seeing them bond together.  Before finishing our long game we ordered food which was delivered once we were seated in the diner.

There was plenty to choose from on the Diner Menu with burgers, hot dogs, sharers and salads.  The children had the choice of burgers, hot dog, chicken nuggets, spaghetti bolognese and a tomato and mascarpone pasta dish.  My son went for the chicken nuggets and the staff very kindly swopped his veg for some cucumber and carrot so Lucy could share. 

 

I went for the Hollywood Burger which was topped with Monterey Jack cheese and streaky bacon.  Everyone enjoyed their dishes and the kids ice creams went down a treat too.  If you’re out for a special occasion and there’s not too many of you then you can reserve the table inside a very cool Mustang!  My son loved it and I’ve promised to take him back for dinner in the car very soon.  

 

 

If you’re looking for a night out without the little darlings then you can hit the bar and enjoy one of the many cocktails on offer.  Maybe keep them for after your game of bowling though in case your aim is a bit squiffy.

The staff at Hollywood Bowl are incredibly accommodating and friendly and I have no doubt that they will do everything they can to ensure you and your party have a great visit.

 

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