Sizzle this summer
In association with Waitrose. Photography by Heather Tait.
Top Barbecue Tips:
1 Give yourself plenty of time.
As with all good cooking, the more preparation you put in the better the results will be. Prepare all your salads, dressings and marinades well in advance.
2 Clean your barbecue and your tools thoroughly.
3 Use warm food. Defrost any frozen food thoroughly but also remove any refrigerated food and allow it to come up to the ambient temperature. This will help you cook more succulent dishes.
4 Never mix your raw meats. And always make sure you have a different plate for raw food and cooked food.
5 Cook through and through. I've started boiling my sausages (for 10–15 mins) before cooking them over the coals. They look disgusting and colourless in the pan but they are
cooked throughout and soon get some colour and smokey flavour back – and they're safe.
6 Be adventurous. Who wants to turn up to a barbecue as a guest to find that all that's on offer is a frozen burger and a hot dog.
7 Don't drink too much. Excessive alcohol and fire don't mix too well.
8 Keep kids and pets as far away as possible and make sure you're not in the way of their games of tig.
