Oh the unpredictable British weather has brought us some amazing sunshine this week. So why not squeeze in a BBQ. But not just any barbeque, one with some rather unusual snacks your guests probably won't have tried before.
BBQ pizzas
A great group activityBBQ popcorn
The perfect garden snackBBQ fruit skewers
An ideal summer sweet treat
Scrap the usual oven baked, or take-away pizzas. Turn your get-together into a group activity by making these chargrilled summery pizzas
Ingredients (makes 4)
360g bread and pizza flour (or 375g plain flour)
50g fine semolina
1tbs dried instant yeast
1/2 tsp caster sugar
2tbs olive oil, plus extra to brush
Toppings (all optional, or add your own favourites)
High quality tomato pizza sauce or pasta sauce
Buffalo mozzarella
Cherry tomatoes
Prosciutto (or other dried meats)
Olives
Basil leaves
Pesto
Rocket leaves
- Combine the flour, semolina, yeast and sugar in an electric mixer, then add in 250ml of warm water.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes (or until totally smooth)
- Place in a well oiled bowl, cover and set aside in a warm place for 3 hours (until it has doubled in size)
- Take out the dough then separate into four rounds. Place onto an oiled baking tray, then cover with a tea towel to rest for 30 minutes
- Roll out the dough to 5mm thick. Brush both sides generously with olive oil.
- Char-grill on the barbeque for 2-3 minutes each side until charred.
- Add toppings, then serve.
Did you know you could make popcorn on a barbeque? Why not make it barbeque flavour too?!
Ingredients (makes 4)
2 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp chilli powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
2 tbs brown sugar
4 tbs olive oil
1 ½ tbs coconut oil
55g cup yellow popcorn kernels (55 g)
Strong tin foil
- Mix together the paprika, chilli powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and 3tbs of olive oil
- Take a square of kitchen foil about 60 x 35cm in size. Place 1 tbs olive oil and the popping corn on top.
- Fold into a loose parcel, sealing the edges, and give it a shake.
- Place on the coolest part of the barbecue for 5-10 minutes until the popping stops.
- Uncover and drizzle the brown sugar mixture over the popcorn. Carefully toss to coat.
- Tip into a bowl. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the popcorn and stir to coat evenly.
- Enjoy!
Because of the fructose in fruit, when it's grilled it actually enhances the sweetness of the fruit.
So get everyone involved in making these BBQ fruit skewers for pudding!
Ingredients (all optional or add your own)
Coconut oil spray
Maple syrup for drizzling
Vanilla yogurt for dipping (optional)
Long wooden skewers (or metal if you have them)
Fruit: cut into large chunks (around 3cm sq)
Cantaloupe melon
Fresh pineapple
Strawberries
Bananas
- Soak the wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes, to prevent them from burning while grilling the skewers
- Thread the fruit onto the skewers to assemble as many skewers as you’d like to make.
- Spray with coconut oil and drizzle on the maple syrup.
- Grill on the BBQ (low heat) for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until the fruit softens and chars.
- Serve them up, and dip in yogurt if you want!
*It should go without saying really but: please don't be a fool - drink responsibly!