National BBQ Week returns for a 20th time on May 29th. It will once again be looking to encourage even more grill thrills and gastro grilling, by ensuring that as many people get involved and go for the grill. Here are our BBQ tips:
BE A GRILL MASTER
Start with a clean, oiled grill and well stoked coals that are already white hot by the time you start cooking. Avoid flipping meat fillets over and over, cook one side and then the other and then allow to rest – the juices will regroup for max flavour. Keep an area aside for any vegetarians too. And, if possible, offer non-meat foods that benefit from your smoky grill like aubergine, courgettes, bell peppers, large mushrooms and halloumi cheese.
CHOOSE A THEME
Make your barbeque stand out with a theme. It could be Jamaican, Hawaiian, Aussie, French, oceanic, tropical, a foragers’ feast (think a lovely salad with edible flowers and the like) or a regional feast featuring local meats and cheeses. Choosing a theme might encourage your guests to both bring and sample new and interesting foods.
DECORATIONS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
You don’t need to spend a lot to dress your barbeque up and either expand on your chosen theme or just add to the atmosphere. Check out charity shops for interesting tableware, tablecloths and candle holders. Dot citronella candles around the garden, although take care to put them beyond the reach of children.
GO LARGE WITH CONDIMENTS AND SIDE DISHES
Even if you decide to keep your offering to the classic burger, sausage and chicken combo, you can still pep things up with a selection of unusual condiments and tempting side dishes. Take a trip to your local farm shop and you’ll see there’s a wealth of chutneys and pickles out there. Many are inexpensive and might even be made in your local area. Side dishes could include herbed couscous, potato salad with wild garlic, gazpacho, rustic bread, a selection of mezze or tapas – let your imagination go!
PREPARE A SIGNATURE DRINK
The food will be the centrepiece, but a tasty drink will be welcome too. You could prepare an old fashioned lemonade, a refreshing cocktail or sangria. It doesn’t have to be complicated and it could make for a nice change from soft drinks, beer and wine.
PLAY GAMES
If your barbeque is an all-dayer, will include lots of kids or you just want some non-foody fun, lay on some games. From traditional lawn games, to something like giant snakes and ladders or even an egg and spoon race, games can fill lulls in the day and keep kids occupied.
National BBQ Week
