Summer is nearly here, really it is! And it is time to start preparations.  I love a family day/evening with food and wine and preferably no dishes and a BBQ is the perfect answer.

I had never tried charcoal BBQ before I met my husband and I am a complete convert.  The flavour is far superior to gas and you can do so much on the coals.  I found this wee gem on the interweb and it is so sodding cheap, you would be a fool not to  Portable BBQ Perfect for picnics @ the beach or park.  Or you can go all out and get a bigger one for home.  Need I repeat, no dishes! BBQ for home

It takes a bit of practice and patience, but it is worth the effort.

Drop your charcoal in the BBQ and light with some firelighters – make sure they are food safe.  It does take a while for the coals to heat, but when they are white, they are at their hottest – perfect for searing.

Some of my favourites are:

Prawns (large) marinated in garlic and chilli oil w lashings of salt and pepper (take care they don’t slip through the grill!)

Calamari with lime and corriander

Chicken with asian sauces

Sweet corn, mushrooms…. I could go on!  But the flavour of charcoal is amazing anything you have on hand – throw it on and serve with salad.

You can wrap potatoes in foil and cook as well.

GOOD LUCK!