The British BBQ
One of the things that makes Britain truly great is the ability of its citizens to cook outside in all weathers. The best example of this type of cooking is of course the BBQ.
The BBQ is a unique form of cooking that seems to attract the male of the species. It is usually undertaken with a bottle of beer close by and when appropriately sunny it is essential that the clothing above the waist is removed and that shorts and sandals are adorned.
The more usual attire for the British BBQ however, is shorts, a waterproof jacket and an umbrella. The weather will not put off the chef, with his special apron; oh no, rain just makes him more determined.
The first important task involves lighting the coals, not an easy job as the wind is bound to gust every time the match is struck. Fire-lighting fluid helps to overcome this little irritation. Although this occasionally leads to a hairy flashback moment.
It is now vital that the charcoal achieves the perfect grey-white colour which indicates that cooking temperature has been achieved. Whilst waiting, in the kitchen, the oven is switched on and the chicken is put in to cook. It will only be placed on the BBQ for the last five minutes to ensure it gets that perfect BBQ colouring and taste.
Once hot the BBQ gets filled with sausages, burgers, more sausages, some little Chinese ribs and more sausages. It is important that at least three times the amount of food is cooked than needed. After a few minutes the meat is blackened and then a burger and sausage are chosen to be cut open to check if they are cooked enough. This decision always involves at least two people.
When the food is served the guests brave the chance of further rain by eating outside, often shivering in the unseasonably cold weather.
Of course not all BBQ's are as I have described. I went to a friends BBQ tonight and although the weather was poor and for a while the cooking was carried out under a parasol it didn't rain properly until the end of evening. The food was barbecued to perfection and tasted fabulous. Moreover the company was brilliant.
It simply was a great British BBQ.
The BBQ is a unique form of cooking that seems to attract the male of the species. It is usually undertaken with a bottle of beer close by and when appropriately sunny it is essential that the clothing above the waist is removed and that shorts and sandals are adorned.
The more usual attire for the British BBQ however, is shorts, a waterproof jacket and an umbrella. The weather will not put off the chef, with his special apron; oh no, rain just makes him more determined.
The first important task involves lighting the coals, not an easy job as the wind is bound to gust every time the match is struck. Fire-lighting fluid helps to overcome this little irritation. Although this occasionally leads to a hairy flashback moment.
It is now vital that the charcoal achieves the perfect grey-white colour which indicates that cooking temperature has been achieved. Whilst waiting, in the kitchen, the oven is switched on and the chicken is put in to cook. It will only be placed on the BBQ for the last five minutes to ensure it gets that perfect BBQ colouring and taste.
Once hot the BBQ gets filled with sausages, burgers, more sausages, some little Chinese ribs and more sausages. It is important that at least three times the amount of food is cooked than needed. After a few minutes the meat is blackened and then a burger and sausage are chosen to be cut open to check if they are cooked enough. This decision always involves at least two people.
When the food is served the guests brave the chance of further rain by eating outside, often shivering in the unseasonably cold weather.
Of course not all BBQ's are as I have described. I went to a friends BBQ tonight and although the weather was poor and for a while the cooking was carried out under a parasol it didn't rain properly until the end of evening. The food was barbecued to perfection and tasted fabulous. Moreover the company was brilliant.
It simply was a great British BBQ.
Dear Ed
ReplyDeleteDon't forget to mask the smell of barbecue fuel with rosemary and other herbs and to enhance the flavour. Barbecue marinades are also a nice touch and require no mixing or creating. You just soak your chicken or meat overnight to allow the flavours to penetrate your chosen meat. Delicious!