June 21st, 2022
Summer has finally arrived – who’s up for some alfresco fine dining? Outdoor eating is a great way to relax, unwind, and catch up with family and friends.
Big American style BBQs are typically a crowd pleaser but why not mix it up a little this summer? How about some sophisticated charcuterie boards, or what about a vegan night to make your garden gathering a little bit greener! Read our ideas and tips below.
Platters
Charcuterie, cheese boards, sweet boards… they’re all the rage! Platters are a great way to feed a group. Guests can pick what they want and as much as they want, saving you the hassle of serving up individual dishes. A fun idea is to ask each guest to bring a platter of their own and assign them a cuisine. Take a tasty trip around the world with platters inspired by France, Italy, China, America, or whatever cuisine takes your fancy.
Vegan Feast
Fed up of boiling or frying your veg? Grilled vegetables are a great way to put a summer spin on your meals. Imagine the vibrant colours veggie skewers will bring to your table! If you’re more traditional and you typically like a meal with spuds, you can also put baby potatoes on the BBQ, just give them a quick parboil first. Summer salad combos are endless, whether it’s a brunch, lunch, or evening meal, a colourful salad is a must. Try adding some tropical fruits, like avocado or pomegranate seeds to spruce up your salad.
Pizza Ovens
Transform your garden into a pizza piazza! Pizza ovens are becoming a popular pick and there are lots of cost effective options to upgrade your outdoor area into an Italian eatery. Kids will also love these pizza parties and it’s the ideal ice breaker at your next gourmet gala. These ovens are not just for dough balls – pizza ovens can cook roast meats, breads, vegetable dishes and can sear meats and fish. Round up your family and friends for some mouth-watering Mediterranean magic!
Fire Pits
Create a fabulous focal point for your garden with a fire pit. Gather your friends and family for a communal cookout. Choose from fire pits, fire bowls, and even fire tables to flame grill meats and vegetables – perfect for chic catch-ups and Summer soirees. They can also keep you snug as the sun sets. Add ambience with cosy blankets, outdoor candles and roasted marshmallows to keep the fun rolling. Get the s’mores going with some chocolate bars and plain biscuits.
Low and Slow
The secret to good al fresco flavour is time! Don’t rush the recipe, your taste buds will thank you. Forget towering temperatures and fast flames, there is a growing trend for slower, lower heat and cooking times – resulting in tender, tastier meat.
The secret to low and slow cooking is the sear Ideal for larger cuts of meat, searing will make your grill taste extra great. Searing caramelizes the meat surface, giving you a flavourful feed, Simply add meat to a hot grill and sear each side for 1 minute. Then reduce the heat and slowly cook. In a world of fast food and quick bites, it’s good to take your time!
Rub It In
Add magic to your meat: Rub recipes can take your supper from basic to brilliant in mere minutes. Your local supermarket should have great gourmet options, or if you are feeling fancy, why not make up your own? Rubs will intensify flavour and taste. Use any combination of spices, dried herbs, salts and sugars. Sugars will add a mouth-watering caramelisation; just make sure they don't burn.
Want to really blow minds at your BBQ? Add unsweetened cocoa powder or finely ground coffee beans to wow your crowd! Use this marvellous mixture on steak, large cuts of meat, ribs and chicken.
Live it up in the sunshine this year with our gourmet garden party guide. And always keep a close eye on the kids, keeping them well away from all hot surfaces.
This guidance is for general information purposes only. Information correct as of date of publishing. This blog will not be updated or edited so the information may become outdated.
