JOURNAL

Feasting outdoors always feels like an occasion – a chance for the passionate home cook to show off flavour combinations from around the world with deliciously chargrilled meat, fish and vegetables. While even the simplest of dishes tastes better outdoors – the sound of the sizzle alone is irresistible – as much planning should go into an al fresco feast as a formal dinner party.

Spoil your guests with cooked-to-perfection cuts, sociable sharing boards and full-of-flavour summery side dishes that look as good as they taste.

So, whether you’re firing up the gas barbecue or cooking over a fire pit, entertain like a pro this summer with easy barbecue recipes guaranteed to delight family and friends.

Successful barbecuing starts with careful prep.  

Just as you would for an indoor supper party, plan your menu well in advance.

While this isn’t about a set three, four or five-course menu, there are still some basic rules to follow for a memorable al fresco feast.

The 2/3/4 ratio is a good rule of thumb when it comes to planning your menu – taking into account any dietary requirements.

For a big crowd, serve two fish or seafood dishes, three meat options with simple but delicious homemade rubs and four salads or vegetable sides, along with a bowl of dressed salad leaves.

Include in this a couple of slightly more carb-heavy dishes – think wood-roasted potatoes, chargrilled corn with a flavoured butter, homemade flatbreads or a colourful wild rice dish packed with herbs from the garden.

From sliders to skewers and crevettes, the world’s your oyster.  

The right knives, cookware and serveware makes light work of barbecue prep. From Professional knives for effortless boning, filleting and chopping, to Campden cookware for sensational sauces, serving tongs to steak knives, find all the essentials you need for expert cooking in the great outdoors.

Just don’t forget the apron!

Mix a summer cocktail to kick-start the summer celebrations – this Just Peachy Summer Cup is a delicious way to welcome guests to your garden.

Skip the formal starter and serve Hummus with Spicy Seeded Crackers and some marinated olives while the coals are heating up.

Or try our Roasted Garlic Labneh with Pink Pickled Onions and Flatbreads to whet appetites for the main event, served on one of our tactile Oak Pebble Chopping Boards.

From smokey ribs to sizzling steaks and impressive sides, wow your guests with our best-ever barbecue recipe ideas.

1. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly-cooked cuts, every time, make the effort to grind your own rub in our Large Palm Mills and serve with delicious homemade sauces from Salsa Verde to Chimichurri and aioli.

   Remember to keep raw and cooked meats apart – store everything in the fridge until you need it. Don’t reuse marinades and always give meat time to rest once it’s cooked.

1. Colourful, full-of-flavour sides make a barbecue. Impress your guests with these light, fresh, summery salads.

1. From a cooling Honey and Marscapone Tart to zingy lemon ice cream, these make-ahead barbecue desserts are a celebration of the season.