Is it me, or is everyone else plagued by over-zealous telesales people?

This week, I was informed by a young lady, from somewhere north of Watford, that I needed a smoothie maker.

I played dumb (not that difficult, I suppose) and denied any knowledge of such a beverage.

I thought a smoothie was another term for what used to be known as a 'lounge lizard'.

But she wasn't having any of it. "You're old fashioned," she declared, "You must move with the times".

Rising to the bait, she responded to my comment that my wet sales were mostly wine.

"You should encourage your clientele to drink smoothies, not wine, as it would be much healthier for them!" she pontificated.

I was beginning to tire of this now, wondering how a pineapple smoothie might complement a rack of lamb, or a how a raspberry version would go with lobster.

After I finally convinced the young lady that she was not only wasting her time, but also mine, she rang off to go and pester someone else.

Once I had almost dismissed the notion from my mind, I started to think of this confrontation 'outside the box' (an expression I hate, by the way).

Perhaps, I thought, a smoothie could be a good way to use up over-ripe summer fruits, instead of jam, or summer pudding, recipes for which I often publish at this time of year?

But, no. For me, this recipe is a sauce, not a drink. It will make enough sauce for summer pudding with strawberry smoothie sauce, for eight people.

Anybody requiring my recipe for summer pudding can email me: terry@friendsrestaurant.co.uk

Banana and strawberry smoothie

Ingredients (Serves eight)

1 large banana

200g strawberries

250ml vanilla yoghurt

125ml semi-skimmed milk 

4 large ice cubes, crushed

Method

Place all of the ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.

Terry's tip: Each portion supplies two of your recommended five-aday portion of fruit and vegetables.