Top Barbecue Tips - Tips for a Succesful Barbecue

With top barbecue tips you will have a safe and enjoyable barbecue. The sun may not shine all the time here in Britain, when it does you won’t want to be stuck indoors - head for the garden and enjoy a barbecue.

A great barbecue is one of summer's pleasures. – at least, it should be. A major factor in creating success is don’t let your barbecue get out of hand, I don't mean the fire itself , but the amount and type of food you cook and drinks you serve.

My motto - keep it simple.

Ten Tips For Top Barbecues

1. Be organised: place the ingredients and foods to be cooked on a table close to the barbecue.
2. Any raw foods not being cooked immediately should be kept in the fridge until needed.
3. Use large freezer bags for marinating. Add food and marinade, seal and shake. Leave the bag in the fridge, shaking it occasionally, until you’re ready to cook.
4. Soak wooden kebab sticks in cold water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent scorching. Wipe metal skewers with a piece of kitchen paper dipped in cooking oil before use to prevent food from sticking.
5. Use flavored oils on unseasoned meat, fish or vegetables for added flavor and easier cooking.
6. Wrap food in a double layer of foil to protect it from heat and retain moisture.
7. Use hinged wire baskets for small pieces of fish, meat and vegetables; makes them easier to turn. Always oil the baskets before use to prevent foods sticking.
8. Only place foods near the hot coals to sear the outside of the food initially, then move further away to prevent cooking the outside before the inside.
9. Always cook chicken and pork right through. The meat is cooked when the juices run clear when pierced with a sharp knife.
10. Use bundles of fresh hard-stemmed herbs, whole garlic cloves laid on the coal to bring added flavor to your food. Aromatic wood chips also work well.

Safety, Safety, Safety - 10 Tips for a Safe Barbecue

1. Thaw food before cooking and always keep raw food covered and out of the sun.
2. Dress appropriately - bikinis or loose clothing is not a good idea. Always wear an apron and use oven gloves and tie long hair back.
3. The right tools for the job. Use barbecue tools, designed for the purpose with long , heatproof handles.
4. Make sure the barbecue is on a level, solid surface. Keep away from trees, hedges, fences. Never move a lit barbecue.
5. Do not use flammable liquids to start a barbecue and never add them to a lit barbecue.
6. Keep a fire extinguisher or fire blanket handy – just in case and never leave a barbecue unattended especially when there are children around.
7. Keep a spray bottle of cold, plain water handy to douse flames in case of flare-ups
8. Dispose of ashes responsibly and always make sure they are completely cold beforehand.
9. Make one person responsible for the barbecue and remember; alcohol and cooking do not mix.
10. Keep children and pets away from the barbecue at all times, even when cooking has finished.

If it rains…most barbecue foods are suitable for cooking indoors under a grill or in a hot oven (400°F, 200°C, gas mark 6.) so don’t let rain stop play.