Summer is just around the corner, which means that outdoor dining will soon be in the plans again. It’s time to dust off the grill and enjoy a meal with friends this National BBQ Week (March 3).rd-9th June) and throughout the BBQ season (all summer).
When it comes to grills, the head and sides get all the love, while desserts are often a last-minute addition or an afterthought. But don’t worry, Walker’s Shortbread has created three special sweet treat recipes to elevate your next outdoor meal.
These simple yet unusual recipes are perfect for people looking for fun options that don’t require you to spend time away from guests in the kitchen. And if the weather isn’t on your side, you can easily recreate them with your oven grill indoors to get the same grilling effect.
Strawberry shortcake ice cream
An impressive twist on delicious strawberries and cream to show off this summer when you’re grilling or celebrating BBQ week – a great option for those who say they don’t want dessert. There’s nothing better than beating the heat and kicking back with friends and family in the garden – it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
It’s really like eating strawberry shortcake, but with iced cereal!
Ingredients
Method
- Add the milk and sugar to a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring regularly, until the sugar has dissolved. Set aside to cool.
- Add strawberry puree to a medium saucepan over medium heat and boil until reduced by half, about 1 cup. The mixture can come to a gentle boil, but you really don’t want it to start boiling much. Remove the strawberry mixture from the heat and add 3/4 cup of the milk mixture and mix until smooth. Add the vanilla extract to the remaining milk and mix until smooth. Set aside.
- Add a couple of slices of strawberries to each ice mold and press them against the inside of the mold. Add some of the strawberry mixture to the bottom of the ice cubes so that they are about 1/3 full. Refrigerate for about 1 hour.
- Crumble 3-4 shortbread highlanders and add to the milk mixture. You want to be sure that the crushed shortbread is in small enough pieces to fit into the popsicle molds. Divide the milk mixture into the ice molds so that each mold is now about 2/3 full.
- Place a popsicle stick on each stick and make sure the stick falls at least halfway into the bottom layer of strawberries. This is important when removing the sticks from the mold later. Refrigerate the ice cubes for another hour or so.
- Divide the remaining strawberry mixture among the iced juices and sprinkle shortbread on top. Freeze until firm, 4-6 hours or overnight.
- Remove the ice juices from the mold by placing the mold in room temperature water for several seconds and then wiggle it free. Enjoy immediately or store in the freezer in a sandwich bag. We recommend wrapping the popsicles in baking paper to prevent them from sticking to the bag.
S’mores recipe
Walker’s Shortbread has a s’mores recipe with just the right combination of melty goodness and crunch. A fun activity to get guests around the fire and grill.
Perfect with a warm drink, such as hot chocolate, to cool off the evening.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the grill on a baking sheet and put a piece of chocolate on top of one of Walker’s Shortbread Rounds, then top with marshmallows – the thicker the better! If you’re craving a little sweetness, try adding shortbread spread to your favorite jam before topping the marshmallow. Place this under the grill for about 2-3 minutes and watch until the marshmallow is toasted. Remove from the oven and top with shortbread and press down and watch the melted marshmallow and gooey chocolate. Curl up and enjoy some s’mores with a hot drink and repeat if you need another.
- If you have an air pressure cooker, try making s’mores this way. Place four Walker’s Shortbread Highlanders upside down in the air fryer and place the marshmallow on top of each cookie. Heat to 160°C for 3 minutes. When done, open the air pressure cooker and add a square of your favorite chocolate on top of each marshmallow, then heat again at 160°C for 1 minute.
- Carefully remove from the air cooker and pat the four remaining Highlanders on top as a topping, when you open the air cooker door you will find the kitchen filled with an irresistible aroma of sweetness.
The buttery taste of Walker shortbread is what makes it so popular around the world, and warming it at home or over a campfire is the ideal way to bring its rich flavors to life. The family business dates back to 1898, when its founder Joseph Walker opened his bakery in the Scottish Highlands. This recipe is still used today, along with a masterful baking technique that ensures the brand’s iconic shortbread is baked to perfection.
Where to buy Walker:
Scotland’s Finest Shortbread is never far away and is stocked at Sainsburys, Waitrose, Co-Op and selected independent retailers or alternatively available online from the Walker’s Shortbread website.
