Kona Salad (Serves 8)

Ingredients
•3 unpeeled pears cored and thinly sliced
•9 cups or 500g bag of gourmet lettuce
•1 cup of crumbled blue cheese
•¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
•¾ cup of toasted almonds chopped in large pieces
•6 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice
•2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
•1 teaspoon of granulated sugar
•½ cup of extra virgin olive oil
•¼ teaspoon of course salt
•1/8teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

Method
In a large bowl gently toss pears, salad mix, blue cheese, onions and almonds. In a separate bowl mix the orange juice, rice vinegar and sugar then whisk in the olive oil and salt and pepper. Pour over the salad and gently toss. Serve immediately.

Cooks note:If pears are not available you can substitute with fresh peaches, strawberries or other berries.

Strawberry Soup (serves 6)

Ingredients
•2 ½ pounds frozen strawberries thawed with juice
•2 cups of double cream
•¼ of sour cream
•1/3cup of plain yoghurt
•1 tablespoon of sugar (optional)
•½ fresh strawberries halved for garnish

Method
Mix strawberries, cream, sour cream and yoghurt in an electric mixer or blender. Beat at low speed to a smooth consistency. Add the sugar if desired. Chill and stir well before serving. Garnish with fresh strawberry halves.