The Cooking Zone
Tips and Products for the Expert Chef and Aspiring Chef
| Barbecue |
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The word barbecue conjures up visions of sumptuous food cooked on a grill, the freedom of the outdoors, laughter, fun and frolic. A barbecue is a great way to enjoy the company of friends and get to know your neighbours better. When inviting a host of people the problem that arises is how to cook enough to satisfy such a large number. The trick is to cook some of the food like sausages and chicken legs ahead of time. You’ll find they taste just as good when they are heated up just before serving. This will leave you enough time and space for the other dishes that go on the grill during the party. You could have about three dishes as the main course, accompanied by a variety of salads. Different kinds of bread could complete the meal. The range of barbecue grills on the market today is amazing. Whether you want a gas, kettle, charcoal or disposable grill, there are plenty of models to choose from. Select one that best suits your requirement. Having invested in a barbecue spit, it’s time to think of what food is right for the occasion. Burgers fit the bill splendidly. Add to this succulent spare ribs and chicken wings done to a crisp, and you’re on your way to pleasing even the gourmets among your guests. For those who love spicy cuisine, go Asian and serve spicy kofta burgers. The method of barbecue cooking is what makes the food irresistible. It’s wrong to imagine there’s no art in cooking up a barbeque. Externally charred meat and pink insides on a very hot grill is not what barbecue cooking is about. It involves a process. No quick fixes here. You start by marinating the meats. The well-seasoned sauces tenderize the food, give it that special taste and keep the meats from drying out. Start your barbecue oven going about half an hour before you begin to cook. The coals need time to heat up to the desired temperature. Besides, this prevents cross contamination. When the glowing red coals become a hazy white, it’s time to slap your first steak onto the griddle. The barbeque equipment available today takes you to a whole new level as far as cooking experiences go. Besides grilling and baking, roasting and even frying are the options that the latest barbecue grills offer. To get your meat just right there are a few guidelines you may want to keep in mind. Trim the excess fat, don’t keep jabbing at the meat and above all don’t turn the burger over and over. Care should be taken to use eco friendly lighters that don’t pass on noxious fumes to the food on the griddle. Protect the food from bacteria, chiefly the dreaded E.coli 0157. Beef products are especially susceptible to this strain of bacteria. Be sure to clean the equipment before and after you use it. It helps prevent unwanted infection. A barbecue is an informal do with everyone relaxed and comfortable. Enjoy the bonhomie and companionship and the scrumptious spread. That’s what barbecuing is all about. |
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