How To Throw The Best Barbeque Ever!

It’s official! July is finally here and with restrictions on gatherings easing we can all get down to our fave summer activities. Staycations are still very much in vogue and really, is there a better way to enjoy Costa Del Home than with a good old fashioned barbeque? Outdoor gatherings are still the best way to meet up with friends and family, so we’re helping you throw the best barbie ever, and with national barbeque week finally here there’s no better time to up your grill game.

We have great recipes that the whole family can get involved with from delicious classics, healthy veggie options and scrummy sides. Of course, you can’t have a garden party without a comfy outdoor space so we have some tips and tricks to totally transform your garden.

Healthy Classic Burgers

Everyone loves a good old fashioned burger. A stable of the Great British Barbeque, this recipe gives the people favourite a healthy upgrade. 

For four servings you’ll need:

• 400g lean beef mince
• 5 finely chopped spring onions
• 140g finely grated carrot
• 2 finely chopped garlic cloves
• 2 tsp dijon mustard 
• 1 medium egg (beaten)
• 1 tbsp finely chopped tarragon
• 25g watercress
• 1 ½ tsp rapeseed oil

This fancy twist on your run of the mill burgers is surprisingly easy to make. All you need to do is:

1. Mix  the mince, egg, spring onions, carrot, garlic, tarragon, and mustard with a fork
2. Season with salt and pepper and separate mix into 4
3. Flatten into 10cm wide and 2cm thick patties, wrap in cling film and chill for 30 mins
4. Toast the buns on griddle or barbeque until marked with lines
5. Brush each burger on both sides with the rapeseed oil and cook for five mins on each side 

And that’s it! Since this recipe uses lean mince for the patties these homemade burgers are a much healthier alternative to normal supermarket fare and all in 5 easy steps. 

(Source: BBC GoodFood)

Smokey Mushroom Burger

Every big barbeque these days needs a show-stopping veggie option, and we have just the recipe for you to impress all the herbivores at your cookout. Not to mention, this burger gives a great alternative to red meat for a healthier option.

For four servings you’ll need:

• 4 large flat mushrooms
• 1 tbsp of olive oil
• 2 finely chopped roasted red peppers
• ½ small bag of chopped thyme leaves
• 50g fresh breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp sundried tomato paste
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp golden caster sugar
• 3 thinly sliced red onions
• 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
• 3 peeled garlic cloves
• 50g mayonnaise
• 4 crusty bread rolls
• 25g shredded cheese

This mushroom burger comes with a delicious garlic mayo topping that’s super easy to make. To make these veggie alternatives all you have to do is:

1. For the garlic mayo, wrap the cloves in foil and cook on the barbeque for 20 mins until soft. Leave to cool then mash with a fork, then mix the garlic with mayonnaise and chill in the fridge 
2. Remove the stalks from the mushrooms and finely chop them, then heat a pan with a drizzle of olive oil on the barbeque and fry them until soft and golden in colour. Add the breadcrumbs, tomato paste, peppers, thyme and paprika and cook for five mins more.
3. Rub the mushroom caps with olive oil and top with ¼ of the mixture and set aside 
4. Fry the onions in a pan on the barbeque or hob until soft and golden, then add the caster sugar and vinegar and cook until caramelised and sticky
5. Pop the stuffed mushrooms on the barbeque (stuffed side up) covered with foil or with the lid closed and cook for 20 mins until soft through. Split the rolls and heat them on the barbeque, spread with garlic mayo, top with salad leaves, a stuffed mushroom, sticky onions and a sprinkle of grated cheese

These stuffed mushroom burgers are fun and easy to make, have less than 300 calories, and are even one of your five a day. If you fancy a guilt-free indulgence then these burgers are for you.

(Source: BBC GoodFood)

Barbecued Chicken Fajita Skewers

Every garden party needs a great side. These barbecued chicken fajita skewers need a place on your table, and the best part? They’re perfect for getting the kids involved in your party prep.

For 6 to 8 skewers you’ll need:

• 3 limes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 crushed or grated garlic cloves
• 4 chicken breasts
• 3 mixed colour peppers
• 1 red onion
• 2 ripe avocados
• 6 halved cherry tomatoes
• Warmed tortillas
• Optional: chopped coriander, sour cream, salsa or hot sauce for the grown-ups to serve

These skewers add a  twist to any bbq, and the whole family can get involved with the cooking. To make these fajita skewers you need to:

1. First up is the marinade. In a large bowl juice 2 of the limes and add the oregano, olive oil, cumin, paprika, and garlic and mix. Then add the diced chicken breasts to the marinade and ask your wee ones to stir the marinade and chicken and set aside.
2. Cut the peppers and onions 
3. Make up the skewers by threaded the marinated chicken and veg onto the skewers then set aside
4. Next up is the guacamole. Stone and peel the avocados and tip into a bowl with the cherry tomatoes, one squeezed lime and mash. This is a fun task for the little ones and you can use a pestle or potato masher
5. Cook the skewers on the barbeque for 10-12 mins turning as the cook. Serve the skewers on heated tortillas with the guacamole and any of the optional toppings 

These skewers are a safe, fun, and yummy side dish that the entire family can get stuck into making, and are a surefire favourite at any barbeque.

(Source: BBC GoodFood)

Serve Up The Perfect Space

We’ve already talked about how to make the perfect garden on the Taylor’s blog, but this time of year it bears repeating! To get your garden barbeque ready all you need is some high-quality furniture and a few finishing touches. Every party needs some comfy seating and the Pacific Lifestyle Rio Bistro Set comes with two cosy chairs and a side table for all your goodies.

For a touch of comfort that turns your patio from drab to fab with no effort, why not try an outdoor rug from the Think range? There are heaps of styles on offer to suit every home decor, and we have the perfect finishing touch with this outdoor Thomas Kent Wall Clock which will elevate any outdoor space.