Scorching BBQ Tips

Keeping food fresh!

• Food in the fridge is best kept at below 5° to help it to stay fresher for longer.
• If you have lemons that are close to their best, combine them with a touch of sugar and some sparkling water to make refreshing lemonade. Alternatively you can slice lemons and store in the freezer to have as a cooling addition to drinks.
• Fruits such as strawberries, grapes and blueberries and herbs such as mint can be put into ice cube trays with water and frozen to make fun ice cubes.
• A cool box or bag can help to keep food that’s kept outside fresh and tasty.
• Put salad leaves in a bowl with some ice water to pep it up and revive their freshness.

Money saving tips

Spice up your barbeque budget with these hot tips.

Many of us are now spending around £35 on food or drink for every barbeque we throw. Here are some top tips to use what you already have and help your money go further.

• Any veg that is near its best can be brushed with olive oil and chargrilled until soft on the barbeque. Courgettes, aubergines, peppers and tomatoes work especially well.
• Store-cupboard essentials including dried noodles, pasta and cous cous can be great for bulking up any barbeque side salad.
• Spare veg including carrots, cucumbers and peppers are great when chopped into sticks and served with a dip.
• If you have herbs that are close to their best, add them to olive oil and they can be used as a marinade for lots of barbeque meats including king prawns, beef and chicken.
• Fish is great on the barbie! If you have any in your fridge or freezer, wrap it in some tin foil and add to the barbeque.
• Ice lollies are always a hit with the little ones. They can be made using any fruit juices, smoothies or yoghurts and an ice-lolly mould!
• Bread that is going stale can be made into croutons – a tasty addition to any salad. Have a look at the recipe here.

When the sun goes down…

When the barbeque is over, don’t waste the leftover food – follow this advice to keep it fresher for longer.

• Leftover meat should be wrapped well and kept in the fridge – it will be good for 2 days. If you are not going to use it in time, pop it in the freezer for a later date.
• If your bread rolls have gone stale, they will be great when toasted. Alternatively you can make them into breadcrumbs and freeze – ideal for stuffing, bread sauce or with cheese for a gratin topping.
• You can use any leftover potatoes to make a potato salad – simply add some spring onions and mayonnaise!
• If the weather lets you down and you have uncooked barbeque food, pop it in the freezer for another time.

Handy reuse ideas

Here are some helpful tips for reusing everyday objects to save money at your barbeques.