Think New For The Summer BBQ
Well if summer ever decides to arrive and stay, then the old BBQ will get it’s usual workout. I just love the whole eating outside bit – everything just seems to taste so much better. And it’s a good time to try out new recipes on your family or unsuspecting friends. But the great thing when you’re preparing food for the BBQ is that you can just keep it simple and rely on using good products. And I thank God for that because whilst I enjoy good food, I wouldn’t say I was the expert cook!!
A great place to start is with that fresh seafood, in particular, my favourite – the scallop. Toss your lovely fresh scallops in a bowl of either the Cathedral Cove Natural Macadamia Chilli Kelp Sprinkle or Lemon Kelp Sprinkle and slip them onto the pre-heated oiled and buttered hot plate at a medium to high heat. Cook for 1 minute each side. A lot of people overcook scallops and lose their succulent flavour. The Kelp Sprinkle is yummy - experience the best from the land and the sea – crushed macadamia nuts, sea kelp & spices form a healthy combination – simple but so yummy. You may have tried these at the Whitianga Scallop Festival. Also lovely on a piece of eye fillet seared and then cooked in the oven.
Be adventurous with your salad dressings and remember to try new ones – there’s Peplers Black Raspberry Vinaigrette, Tamarillo Vinaigrette or the Bentwood Barn Citrus Chilli Dressing (an oil-free combination of Thai & Citrus flavours – great on green salads) to name a few.
Do you want that special dip to go with your crackers or Jatz sticks – combine 2-3 teaspoons of the Mighty Mushroom Smoked Oyster Mushroom Powder with 250g Lite Cream Cheese. Mix together and chill for one hour. It’s sensational and yet so simple to prepare.
How about that dessert that’s not too bad for us – make or purchase your pancakes and then just drizzle with the Lemon Fresh Lemonade Mix – a combination of squeezed lemon juice and pure honey. Light yet very good. You can always add a little dollop of cream or yoghurt!! Plus of course you could add this mix to your cocktails and even make some good old-fashioned lemonade for the kids – sure beats the endless cans of fizzy drinks. A product with many uses!!
And the first of a few BBQ handy tips –
· Bring food to room temperature before you start cooking – don’t cook those steaks straight from the fridge.
· Season steaks with salt & pepper a minute or two before cooking.
· Never marinate your food in metal dishes as this can taint flavours – always use glass or ceramic dishes.
More ideas next week on what you can add to your barbecues this summer.
Most of these products can be found on my website www.tastesfromaroundnz.co.nz Check it out and enjoy good local products.
By Karen Pervan
Tastes from around New Zealand