We're having a heat wave?

According to the Met Office we can prepare for a BBQ weekend! 

Firstly, we need a BBQ!  Our last one rusted away to nothing as we left it outside (must take better care of the new one!).  Now do we buy a cheap one, an expensive gas one or build one from old bricks?  Always fancied the old brick idea and there are Youtube videos giving instructions but would we use it enough?  Where would we build it so it wasn't in the way or set fire to the house? Can we build it by Saturday?!  Think I've talked myself out of that one then. 

So, cheap or gas??  Do you get the same smokey flavour with a gas BBQ?  Do I like the smokey flavour?! Is charcoal cheaper than gas? Would I remember to look after a gas one?

 

Aldi have a dual burner for sale at £50.

But I prefer this one on Amazon at £99.99 reduced from £227.50


















On the other hand I can get a basic charcoal BBQ for as little as £7.50 then spend the rest on food!

Why spend anything at all?  As a brownie I remember cutting an H shape out in the grass, folding the turf back, building a fire and toasting a sausage on a stick.  Once we were fed and the fire extinquished we put the turf back and went home.  Do they still do that kind of thing in the brownies?  I shudder to think how raw that sausage was!

Okay, next we need food and drink. 

I found a great little BBQ recipe book in a charity shop last year.  Lots of burgers and kebabs but it also has vegetarian and sea food sections. 

Here's Honey and Lime Prawn Kebabs with Salsa:

• Using a non-metalic dish whisk 3 tbsps honey, 1 chopped red chilli, 2 tbsp olive oil, juice and zest from 2 limes, 1 crushed garlic clove, a small piece of grated ginger and 1 tbsp chopped coriander together then add 32 peeled prawns.  Toss well, cover and leave in the fridge for 3 hours.
• To make the salsa chop up 2 tomatoes, dice 1 mango and 1 small onion, chop 1 small red chilli and mix them all up with the zest and juice from 1 lime and 2 tbsp coriander leaves (chopped).
• Thread the prawns on skewers and BBQ for about 4 minutes.  Serve with rice and the salsa.

Delicious with homemade Elderflower Wine!