Since the traditional barbecue was introduced to Britain, hardly a summer goes by without us Brits having a family barbecue. For many, having a barbecue has become a regular summertime activity. For the most devoted barbecue cooks, summer is ruled by massive barbecue parties. But BBQers do not have to choose between boring repetition and outrageous get-togethers: every family barbecue can and should be an exciting family event. Here are 5 ways to make your routine evening barbecue a more unique experience:
1. Meat is not the only option
Much can be done with bread and fruits over an open flame. To make this into a fun activity with your kids, use cookie cutters to make the bread and fruit into shapes. You can decide on themes like “animals” and “letters” or ask that each shape be different from the others! Then, let your kids decide which toppings they would like to put on. Add cheese, onion and various spices to bread and cinnamon and honey to fruit. Your children will soon start to look forward to the family barbecue as they learn about food and take part in deciding the menu.
2. Make some surprise meals by foil-wrapping them
Place different combinations of chicken, fish and vegetables with sauces and spices in foil packets. These cook in less than 20 minutes and lead to no-mess, lip-smacking results. Children will love the surprise element and can easily switch packets. You can even ask your family for combo suggestions before the barbecue, or draw ingredient names out of a hat to create new meal ideas.
3. Mix it up a bit, try cooking something different
If you tend to stick to the same old beef burgers and pork sausages, why not try barbecued pizza or salmon steaks? Similarly, try to mix it up with condiments and seasoning. Sick of ketchup? Try salsa instead. Look online where you’ll find hundreds of easy recipes for barbecue rubs. These give your food that extra pizzazz and prevent the mess and drip that comes with barbecue sauces.
4. A family barbecue don’t have to be rushed
In fact, barbecue devotees will tell you that today’s quick barbecueing is an insult to the term, which should represent a process of slow cooking on low heat. You can find many slow cooker recipes online, and the wait is a great opportunity to pass some quality time with your family and friends. Entertaining backyard activities include creating an outdoor canvas to paint on or playing backyard bowling with household items.
5. Mum said not to play with your food, but there’s always an exception!
Barbecue games are great fun and tasty at the same time. In the game Glutton, each player gets a certain amount of mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese or any other side dish. Various kitchen utensils are put in a box and the players blindly pick a few. On the go, they begin to eat their dish with the items that they took out. The first to finish his or her food wins the prize!
Above all else, have fun
Finally, don’t fret! Far too many people get lost in the details of planning the perfect family barbecue party and forget to enjoy the social atmosphere and delicious food. So kick back, bask in the relaxing sun and prepare for a summer of unforgettable barbecues!