Copyright [2021] [James Hammond]
All rights reserved
All rights for this book here presented belong exclusively to the author. Usage or reproduction of the text is forbidden and requires a clear consent of the author in case of expectations.
ISBN- 9798503781823
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
What is barbecue cooking?
Barbecue cooking, also known as BBQ in the UK and other countries, used fire and smoke to cook food. A variety of foods can be infused with rich and delicious flavours as they are smoked over charcoal, wood or gas-fired grills.
Many BBQ dishes have an American twist to them since BBQ-style cookery is extremely popular in the USA. However, BBQ dishes are popular across the world, with people in Southern hemisphere countries even taking a BBQ grill out onto the beach at Christmas to cook a BBQ style feast.
BBQ flavours have become so popular in the modern age that many companies have produced BBQ flavoured products to meet consumers desires. Who doesnt love a bag of barbecue flavour crisps?
A Flavoursome History of BBQ
The history of BBQ cooking is a long and exciting one. The modern BBQ as we know it has evolved from ancient practices that transformed into the BBQ style cookery we know and love today. The word barbecue is believed to be derived from an Arawak and Timucua word barabicu. The Arawak people originated from the Caribbean while the Timucua people were a native American tribe found mainly in Florida.
When Spanish explorers landed in the New World in the sixteenth century, these native peoples form of BBQ cookery impressed them and they took BBQ back to their homeland. The word barbecoa began to be used in the Spanish language as this type of cookery was popularised in Spain.
In its earliest form, BBQ cooking comprised roasting meet over a hole in the ground. It might sound simplistic compared to some of the innovative and high-tech BBQs that are available in the modern age, but the rich and flavoursome food that resulted from it gave rise to increased popularity across the world.
By the seventeenth century, BBQ had made it to English shores and, as they say, the rest is history. Over the past few centuries, BBQ has gone from strength to strength, impressing generations and driving the technology that allows us to chargrill delicious food. In the present day, an array of options is available for BBQ grills, with all kinds of cooking materials available, including coal, gas and wood.
How to Host the Perfect BBQ Party
One of the best things about BBQ food is that it encourages sociable parties for all your friends and family. Of course, when you are the host of a BBQ party you want your guests to feel welcome, enjoy an incredible ambience and taste the most delectable foods. So, what are the best ways to ensure that you give your nearest and dearest a remarkably unforgettable experience at your BBQ?
The preparation for your BBQ party begins the night before. It is important to carry out as much pre-preparation as you can. This can include making your dips and cold sides and having burger patties ready to come right out of the fridge and go straight onto the grill when your guests arrive at your gathering. Ensuring that you are ready to go on the day will lessen any stress associated with hosting a party and allow you to enjoy the day without needing to run around like a headless chicken!
Before you host your party, its also essential to be sure that you are fully stocked up with fuel for your BBQ grill. The last thing that you want to find on the day of your party is that you are low on fuel and will not be able to cook the food. Always keep a backup supply so that you will not run out and leave your guests hungry. As safety is extremely important, keep a fire extinguisher on hand just in case. The chances of needing the fire extinguisher are extremely low but it will give you extra safety and peace of mind to have one nearby/
As important as the quality of the food is, your atmosphere and dcor are equally important. Put some thought into planning your party, infusing the gathering with your signature style. Scatter chairs around the garden or patio area where you are hosting the party so that your guests have a comfortable place to rest their legs after hours of mingling with friends. Drape fairy light across small tables or wrap them around your washing line to give the party an ethereal ambience that will be particularly impressive as the sun starts to set below the horizon. You can also add other decoration like balloons and streamers to add another unique dimension to the gathering.
Dont forget the drinks! Provide a range of alcoholic and soft drinks that will suit everyones tastes. If you enjoy whipping up a cocktail or two, offer your guests a delicious Long Island Ice Tea, Mojito or Cosmopolitan. Not only will you impress them with your grilling skills but your cocktail-making skills will be a big tick in their box. Ensure that you also provide a varied array of soft drinks too so that nobody goes thirsty. If you have younger children at the party, include some drinks that will appeal to them like cordials and fruit juices. As a bonus, drinks will keep your guests happy and satisfied while you are firing up the BBQ and cooking their sumptuous meals.
If there are children at your party, offer some entertainment that will keep them occupied while they wait for their food and after they have finished their meals. Games like Twister or board games are the perfect pastime to stop children from getting bored. You can also add in a little entertainment for the adults too. Trivia quizzes are a great way to keep everyone charmed and engaged whilst also providing the opportunity for everyone to get involved and mingle. If you really want to push the boat out, why not set up a karaoke machine?
When it comes to cooking, it is your time to shine! The recipes in this book will give you the upper hand with providing your guests with unique, modern and deeply flavoursome meals that will have them coming back for second and third helpings. It is really important to cater to all your partygoers dietary needs. If you have vegetarian and vegan guests, include some options for them on your menu so that they have delicious food to eat and feel included in the gathering.
While BBQ cooking is often associated with savoury meals, sweet foods shine when they are cooked on the BBQ. Bananas, pineapples and apples can be transformed from ordinary fruits into a taste sensation with a simple roasting on the grill. Ensure that you keep a tub of ice cream in the freezer and a carton of cream in the refrigerator so that you have something smooth and creamy to serve with your desserts too.
Of course, whatever else you do during your BBQ party, the most important thing of all is to enjoy it. Whether you are an experienced host or this is your very first time hosting a BBQ, enjoy every moment. Snap as many pictures as you can for posterity so that you can fondly gaze back at the memories of the day. Stay relaxed and welcome every guest so that they can attend the BBQ of their lifetime!
Tips for BBQing
Tip One: Choose the right BBQ
Pick the right BBQ to suit your needs and requirements. Before you buy a BBQ, do some research. Consider the size of the BBQ that will fit in the available space that you have. You may choose a built-in BBQ or a freestanding one that can be put away when it is not in use. Whats more, decide on the fuel that is right for you when you are selecting your BBQ. Reflect on factors such as cost-efficiency and eco-friendliness.