The sun is out so it’s time to dust off the BBQ! The only problem is it’s been so long since we had nice weather some of us are as rusty as last year’s BBQ. Fortunately, we’re here to help with some handy hacks to make the most of the hot weather and the BBQ season.
Prepping Pointers
1. In the flurry of BBQ prep, stay safe by using coloured chopping boards to keep your raw food, cooked food and salad separate.
2. Soak your wooden skewers in water before putting them on the BBQ to help prevent them from catching fire.
3. Avoid sticky fingers when rubbing down meat by putting it, along with your dry spices, in a freezer bag or jar then shake, shake, shake it like a Polaroid picture until coated.
4. Splash a little water on your meat to capture a smokier flavour.
5. Take some empty jam jars and fill them with a blend of water and essential oils or citronella. Top with tea lights to make some bug-repelling decorations
Cooking Cues
6. Having trouble lighting your BBQ? Find a cardboard egg carton and swap out the eggs for some coals/briquettes. Toss it into the pit and light the carton. The super-flammable cardboard will help kickstart your coals and get you lit up in no time!
7. Once lit, manage your heat by lighting your coals gradually, so you have a hot area and a cooler one. Keep the temperature low and take your time. Enjoy the sunshine!
8. When cooking asparagus or other skinny veg, thread a wooden skewer through the top and bottom of several pieces. This saves them from the fiery doom of falling through the gaps in the grill.
9. And remember: “If you’re lookin’, you’re not cookin’!” Keep the lid closed while cooking to get the best BBQ results.
Tasty Tips
10. Place fragrant wood or herbs on the grill to get a richer flavour. Good options include applewood, hickory, rosemary or fennel. Use rigid, woody growth rather than green branches.
11. Rosemary can also be used as a handy and flavoursome kebab skewer!
12. Fill a spray bottle with some cider and apple vinegar and give your burgers a spritz to make a tasty and succulent burger.
13. While sauces are great in burger buns and over kebabs, wait until your meat is off the BBQ before adding them. Sauces and BBQs don’t mix!
14. When cooking fish, place it upon a bed of lemon slices. This not only adds great flavour, but also saves your BBQ from fish scales sticking to the grill.
15. This summer, make the most of the outdoors! Invite your friends and family over and thanks to our hacks, you’ll be a barbeque boss! If you need ideas for refreshments, check out our recipe page for delicious cocktails, including party-sized Sangria and Bloody Marys!
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