The trick to producing a creamy smooth ice cream is to create very small ice crystals. This ensures that, as it hardens in the freezer, it retains the proper creamy texture we all know and love.

So for now, it's back to Summer. I thought I would write about some desserts that would suit an alfresco dining menu. Even if you don't have any garden furniture, you can take a table and chairs outside and hang some fairy lights on the fence or trees, chill some wine, beer or soft drinks, and then enjoy a long, languid meal.