The sun's shining and it's a lovely warm summer's day.
What could be better than inviting some friends around to yours for a barbeque?
Everyone loves a barbie, particularly Dads who suddenly find an interest in cooking once there are a few flames to bring out their 'inner caveman'.
Barbeques have now become fun, trendy and even sophisticated, with people experimenting with new flavours such as Caribbean, and Australian amongst others. Good barbies are now quite sophisticated cooking events and are certainly not about cremating a boring old chicken leg, covering it in tomato sauce and sticking it in a floppy bun!
Top BBQ GrillMaster Brian George offers some simple BBQ tips and advice to help you have a successful barbeque..
 Plan your barbecue well in advance. BBQ's can be spontaneous but a little planning works wonders.
Remember to also regularly remove any burnt food residue from grill bars.
Ensure grill bars are well oiled and continue to lightly oil with a heavy duty grill brush or cloth to prevent sticking.
Prepare food well in advance and store in the fridge, most meats and poultry benefit from an overnight soak in a suitable marinade.
Do not believe in quick solutions - 5-minute marinades really do not work as meat, fish or poultry needs time to absorb flavour! A simple tip that will speed up the marinating time by around half, is to place meat, fish, poultry in a plastic bag with a suitable marinade, seal and massage-in marinade for a few minutes then place in coldest part of fridge for around 30 minutes.
Fish generally is better barbecued whole, although 'meaty' fish such as Tuna, Swordfish or Shark can be barbecued as steaks.
Vegetables, even fruit can also be marinated and go great on the grill!
When using wooden skewers always soak well in water before use.
Use a variety of marinades and sauces to achieve a balanced menu and cater for a mixed flavour profile of mild, medium, spicy and hot!
Do not burn the sausages, or indeed anything! - Burnt food on the barbecue is a real 'no no'. However do ensure that all food, particularly chicken and burgers are cooked through!
Apart from an initial sear, don't cook on too high a heat, grill slowly, turn two or three times at most. Baste often.
Above all relax and take your time - enjoy!
July 2008 | 
How To Get Kids Cooking
