| If like me you've noticed the days are warming up | | | | spice powder |
| then you know we are getting into the barbecue | | | | 3. Plain yogurt, chopped mint leaves, lime juice |
| season. Spring is definitely here and what better way | | | | Side Dishes: Mixed green salad, Boiled New Potatoes, |
| to celebrate than to invite your friends round to | | | | Bread, Coleslaw, Pasta salad |
| spend some time with you and your family. There | | | | Snacks: Olives, Crisps, Nuts, Dips |
| are many reasons why my friends and I enjoy a | | | | Drinks: Chilled Beer, Sparkling white wine, Fruit juice |
| good barbecue so much: shared cooking duties, lazy | | | | and Cocktails (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). |
| afternoons in the sun, fun for all the family, and lots | | | | Preparation: |
| of different tastes to explore. | | | | 1. Just drop your choices of cubed meat and fish into |
| Barbecues are best when they are fairly spontaneous | | | | the various marinades and leave covered in the fridge |
| and kept simple. A few cuts of meat and a variety | | | | for a couple of hours in the morning before your |
| of marinades to drop the meat into for a couple of | | | | guests arrive. |
| hours and you're half way there. Whether you're still | | | | 2. Ensure all the drinks are chilled. |
| shaking off the winter blues or already charging | | | | 3. Turn on the party music. |
| headlong into thoughts of long summer days then a | | | | 4. Thread the marinated meat onto skewers to |
| barbecue is a great way to get going. Get together a | | | | make kebabs - get all your friends involved in this |
| few good recipes, a garden full of friends and just | | | | messy duty! |
| relax and enjoy. | | | | 5. Make the side dishes - or better still delegate out |
| A little up-front planning will help to ensure that your | | | | to various friends and family while you put your feet |
| barbecue party is the best that it can be. Forget the | | | | up in the garden with a glass of bubbly. |
| burnt sausages and dried up chicken legs it's easy to | | | | Action: |
| create and enjoy tasty food from your own garden | | | | 1. Light the barbecue, and then leave until it's ready |
| barbecue. | | | | to cook on. |
| Now let's get the food sorted: | | | | 2. Assemble friends and family in the garden with a |
| Meat: Lamb, chicken, monkfish (all off the bone and | | | | glass in hand. |
| cut into bite-sized chunks), plus some Tuna and Beef | | | | 3. Cook the kebabs and steaks on the barbecue |
| steaks. | | | | ensuring you turn them regularly. They should each |
| Marinades: Below are my three favourites, you just | | | | only take 10 - 15 minutes. If you're not sure just cut |
| need to pop the ingredients for each one into a | | | | one open to see if the inside is cooked. Take care |
| blender with a little salt and pepper. | | | | not to have the barbecue too hot or the outside will |
| 1. Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, chopped chilli pepper, | | | | burn before the inside is cooked. |
| chopped coriander leaves | | | | Then relax and enjoy the food, drink and company |
| 2. Olive oil, soya sauce, chopped ginger, garlic, five | | | | of your friends and family. |