When we are blessed with good weather we want to make the most of it - that includes having a barbecue with friends and family, and thankfully, restrictions still permit a small gathering, so we can enjoy the last few days of barbecue weather.
Arranging for an outdoor bbq party is not difficult, just get the few essential items and you're on your way. Here's a list of what we think works.
Get the BBQ You Need
A lot of personal preferences go into finding the perfect bbq. When it comes to the size of the bbq you need to consider how many people you're going to be cooking for. If you are looking for a bbq that is easy to light up and clean after using then you can consider the gas bbq. However, the charcoal bbq will mean you have more flavour on your food and they can often be more affordable.
Another point to consider when getting a bbq is that the charcoal bbq takes time to reach the desired temperature for cooking, while with gas bbq this happens almost instantly. You'll also need to consider the space you have for the BBQ and where you'll store it over winter.
The Fuel For The BBQ
Regardless of what time of BBQ you go for, you need to make sure you have enough fuel. If you are cooking on a gas bbq then a canister of patio gas should be sufficient. You can get them in 5kg or 13 kg bottles. If you are cooking on a charcoal bbq, you should get matches or lighter, lighter fluid, and some charcoal to get it light up. And if you are using the charcoal bbq then you can use bbq wood chips. This will enhance the flavour of the food too.
Food Ingredients for the BBQ
Know who you are cooking for and how many people you're feeding. YOu want to make sure you inclue veggie and vegan optpions if necessary, and get it all set out beforehand - make a list. Once you have your grocery list, make sure it also includes all the additional condiments as well as drinks, and possibly something sweet for dessert.
For the main dish, you can get chicken skewers, sweetcorn, ribs, kebabs, prawns, burgers, peppers, sausages, and salad. For drinks, you can serve ice tea, lemonade, wine, beer, and homemade punch. Dessert can include fruit salad, ice cream and pavlova. If you are someone who has a bbq almost every month you can order from a snack subscriptions service online where they will deliver your assorted bbq box containing the essential ingredients needed for your party.
Accessories and Utensils For the BBQ
You need the right tools to be able to pull off the perfect bbq party. You need to keep a safe distance from the hot grill to protect yourself from burns. That is why it is necessary to get long-handled utensils which will allow you to tend to your food while keeping a safe distance from the hot grill.
You need to move the food around the hot grill safely, for this you should get a long-handled spatula, fork, and tongs. Other essential items include a few chopping boards, an apron, a marinade brush, and knives.
Meat Thermometer
When you are cooking meat on a BBQ you must ensure that the meat is cooked all the way. You don’t want to leave the inside uncooked while the outside gets burnt. This is where you can use a meat thermometer. It will check if the inside of the meat got cooked.
For cooked meat, the temperature inside cooked beef or pork is 145°C and for cooked chicken, the temperature is 165°C. Meat that is not properly cooked can cause some of your guests to fall ill, so make sure to check the temperature to prevent any unwanted situation.
Cleaning Brush For the BBQ Grill
One very important aspect of the bbq experience is how you clean the grill after use. If you use a suitable brush to clean your grill after use, you will be prolonging its life. It will also result in a better taste of your food when you will cook next time. To get rid of any burnt food or residue, you need to scrub the grates clean while they are still warm.
If you are using a grill made from porcelain or stainless steel, you need to use a brush that has brass bristles. This will prevent the surface from getting scratched. A cast-iron grill, on the other hand, requires to be cleaned vigorously so you should use a tough wire brush to clean it.
Get the Right Furniture For The Garden
In order to enjoy the barbecue you have got to be comfortable and relaxed. To ensure your guests enjoy themselves make sure you arrange for a sufficient number of chairs and tables for everyone to sit down and eat. Even if the furniture doesn't match, you can always pull it together with table lights, dinnerware, parasols and candles.
A bright table cloth and flower vases containing fresh flowers will certainly give a lively feel and look. Spread the tables and chairs in a manner so the place does not look cramped or cluttered. You can also get a music player to add some music in the background. You can arrange for a picnic rug for the children to sit on.
Barbecues are a great way to spend a lazy afternoon with your neighbours, family, or friends. The best ingredient for having a successful barbecue party is being prepared. So have a great time catching up with your favourite people and follow the tips mentioned above to host the perfect barbecue.
