| It’s the start of August and the summer | | | | don’t be tempted to turn it too frequently. You |
| holidays are approaching. My children are already | | | | want the meat to cook at a good temperature to |
| packing the RV, we’re not even going for | | | | mobilize the natural sugars and if you turn it too |
| another two weeks but I can’t dampen their | | | | frequently the meat simply doesn’t get up to |
| spirits. | | | | temperature. Likewise the seasoning |
| I’ve still got another 11 days (and counting) at | | | | “protects” the meat so again one side not |
| work so I can’t afford to let myself go yet but | | | | seasoned will get up to a higher temperature and so |
| just as I see the excitement in the kids’ eyes I | | | | bring out more of the natural flavour. |
| know that I’ll be the same once I get the | | | | For the balsamic vinaigrette it’s just 4 parts |
| portable grill out of the garage. | | | | extra virgin olive oil to one part balsamic vinegar, give |
| I love to camp in Europe not just because of the | | | | it a good stir (to create and emulsion) and drizzle |
| freedom to go anywhere but also because of the | | | | over the sliced meat. It’s so simple but so |
| myriad of interesting people that I meet on the way. | | | | effective. |
| Walk around the campsite anytime after 1.00pm and | | | | Another example of simple traditional food that’s |
| you’ll start to see the smoke rising as the | | | | great for the barbecue grill is Greek style. Diced lamb |
| families gather for a lunchtime cookout. Provided I | | | | or pork in a marinade bowl with olive oil, the juice of |
| prefix my introduction with a polite “Bon | | | | one lemon and a sprinkling of dried oregano, leave it |
| Appetite” or “Buen Provecho” I can | | | | for an hour and then thread onto skewers. Ten |
| usually get a quick nosey to see what’s cooking | | | | minutes on the grill and serve in a pita bread with |
| and how they’re doing it and the best bit of | | | | salad and tzaziki. |
| course is when the complement is reciprocated and | | | | For the Tzaziki: |
| they come over to see what I’m cooking. | | | | · 1 medium cucumber peeled and finely chopped |
| There have been many a time when these friendly | | | | · 225ml or ½ pint yoghurt |
| exchanges become more competitive and a small | | | | · 2 cloves crushed garlic |
| portion of whatever has been cooked is brought | | | | · 1 tablespoon olive oil |
| over to my pitch for sampling. Of course I have to | | | | · 1 teaspoon vinegar |
| reciprocate! Neither party can speak the other’s | | | | · ½ teaspoon salt |
| lingo so the international language of Europe is once | | | | Just stir all the ingredients together and refrigerate |
| again food – and barbecue food to boot. | | | | for at least an hour to let the flavours come |
| What better way to pick up some free smoker | | | | together. |
| recipes than wandering around the campsite? It’s | | | | Simple flavours, fresh meats and that’s all there |
| also amazing to see just how simple some of the | | | | is to it. The European camping tour really has |
| flavourings are. | | | | produced some fantastic BBQ Smoker Recipes and I |
| In Italy for example, meat (generally beef or lamb) | | | | hope that this year will be no exception. |
| seasoned well with salt and pepper cooked on the | | | | Resources: |
| grill until pink and then served up with a traditional | | | | BBQ Smoker Recipes - Free barbecue grill recipes & |
| balsamic vinaigrette and lemons. | | | | meat smoker cooking ideas on gas, charcoal or |
| The meat should only be seasoned on one side and | | | | electric. |