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Leisure > Perfect Barbies!No, we’re not talking Barbie and Ken varieties, it’s September and probably for the UK at least the last chance for outdoor cooking to be a possibility. So let’s make the most of it! Throw a bbq party! We’ve got some top tips for achieving barbie-host perfection so read on to become the envy of your Sapphic circle! Pre-barbie day Get organised! If you want to show off your living space to its best advantage make sure you put a little bit of elbow grease into getting everything spic and span well before your guests show up to party – including your barbie! Regardless of the post-party mayhem first impressions count so if there is someone in particular you’re trying to impress this one’s a must! Think about seating – whilst some of us might be more than happy to park up on a picnic rug on the lawn – others might not be quite so willing (or able) to avail themselves of floor space. Chairs are champion – make sure you have enough!  It’s Britain – think about contingencies. What happens if it rains? You might get away with a brolly over the barbie but parasols and gazebos offer more protection and usually mean that your guests don’t have to hoard indoors. They also offer shade if it’s a scorcher – it’s a win-win either way. If you don’t have some, beg, borrow or buy before the big event! If you’re planning a night-time do – don’t forget your lights. You can get these organised and sorted the night before in most cases. Know who’s coming to dinner, that way you can cater for them. Veggies, vegan, meat-eaters, gluten-free, dieters – you’re the host, the pressure’s on you to deliver. Know your Sapphic-scoffers and be prepared! Buy all your food at least one day in advance of your party. That leaves you plenty of time for any prep that needs doing. Lots of meats taste great if marinated overnight. Buying the day before also gives you some panic space in case you forgot something! Make your dips or desserts the day before with only the finishing touches being required for the day. Organise your crockery, cutlery and anything else your guests will need to eat their meal! Don’t forget glasses (plastic or otherwise) and lots of serviettes or kitchen roll which usually turn out to be godsends on the day. Disposables are best for barbies. Make sure you’ve got a supply of bin-liners too! Don’t forget your drinks. Your guests may well be turning up drink-laden but it’s usually down to you to offer first! Think about cold storage, see if you can borrow or hire an extra fridge so you can put guests’ wine/beers in it. Failing that use a cool box or get a few buckets and fill them with iced water on the day. Cans and non-opened wine/beer bottles can be kept cool in these. If you don’t have any buckets, fill your bath with iced water and keep them there! If you’ve got somewhere to store it buy your ice beforehand. If you’re not inviting your neighbours be fair and warn them about what’s coming!! Barbie-day Get everything out and ready – your brollies, parasols, gazebos, seats, crockery, cutlery and lights. Organise all of your barbie utensils on a small table next to your barbie, that way you don’t have to keep running indoors to get things. Top barbie utensils: tongs, spatula, oven mitt, grill fork and a basting brush to add more marinade as the food is cooking. Don’t forget to keep raw and cooked food separate – you don’t want to poison the party-goers! (That is so not a good plan!) Add the finishing touches to any food that you pre-prepared and make your salads. Top-up side orders in the oven – warm up bread, baked potatoes, oven chips etc. Organise your drink coolers and spread them around the garden/patio. That means that people won’t all congregate at the exact same spot at the exact same time which can often cause a bottle-neck in your house! Keep them replenished (the coolers, not the guests – chances are the guests will be happy to replenish themselves!) Don’t forget to have some cold non-alcoholic drinks available too. Barbie cooking Allow about 40 minutes from lighting the coals to cooking. You want your coals to be glowing with a powdery layer of ash on them. You want to cook on a medium heat rather than a really hot one, so test the temperature by holding your outstretched palm about a small ruler’s distance over the coals. If you can leave your hand there for 3 or 4 seconds it’s about right. If you have to move it faster than that it’s probably too hot. Keep your grill clean by using a wire brush between courses – it gets rid of burnt on bits. If you want to prolong the barbie, pile the grey, powdery coals together and add new coals around the outside of them. If the flames keep flaring up because of dripping grease use a water spray bottle to calm them down again – not too much though, you don’t want to put them out! Make sure your meat is cooked through before serving up! Enjoy!!! |
It’s Britain – think about contingencies. What happens if it rains? |
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