If you think BBQs are just for the summer season, think again! Whether you’re cooking with gas, charcoal or a combination of both, the barbecue has endless possibilities.
No matter the time of year, experiences are made, and special memories are created when surrounded by friends, family and good food.
Everyone loves a relaxed BBQ in the sunshine — where mouth-watering meats and fish are served alongside plates piled high with fresh, colourful salads and generous measures of Aperol Spritz, G&Ts and beer to wash it all down.
But why not enjoy the flavours of the barbecue all year long? Believe us when we say, Christmas dinner will never be the same again once you’ve made the switch. Just imagine a juicy and succulent turkey with the added bonus of a deep, charred flavour and super crispy skin — what could be better?
And once you know the tricks, the versatile barbecue will deliver delicious results every time…
Not all burgers and sausages
There is so much more to barbecuing than the standard fare of burgers and sausages. Sure, they can taste great, too — especially with lashings of bacon jam, homemade hickory-smoked BBQ sauce or a dollop of slaw.
But there are so many other recipes to try that you’d probably never even imagined you could cook on a grill!
Ever attempted gin and beetroot-cured smoked salmon? Or blackened aubergine dip with grilled flatbreads ready for dunking?
How about beer can (yes, really!) roast chicken with tarragon butter, sticky rotisserie quail with burnt chilli harissa sauce or slow-cooked yoghurt and cumin marinated lamb shoulder? Perhaps a comforting butter bean and chorizo stew with creamy garlic and saffron aioli? Or a perfectly cooked chilli-rubbed ribeye steak complemented with zesty lime and coriander butter?
If seafood is more up your street, the BBQ also has plenty to offer in this department. From grilled white fish with seared fennel to paella ‘Pescador’ and hot-smoked salmon with potato rosti and herbed crème fraiche — there are plenty of fantastic flavour combinations to try.
Plus, just because barbecues are traditionally a meat-feast affair, doesn’t mean vegetarians should have to miss out. Why not try marinated mushrooms with smoked Spanish butter sauce and freshly baked bread or coal-roasted sweet potatoes with a tangy salsa verde?
BBQs don’t just stop at the main course though. Smoked coffee beans give puddings an incredible favour boost (coffee-smoked orange brownies with crème fraiche are always a real crowd-pleaser). And nothing lifts a decadent chocolate cake quite like a grilled lemon mascarpone cream. We bet you’ve never tried bacon chocolate brownies before either!
And when it comes to creating winter warmers on your barbecue, did you know you can even use it to make soup?! Smoked leek and potato were made for each other.
Perfecting the technique
In the world of BBQs, one brand reigns supreme: Weber. Since 1952, the experts at Weber have been perfecting the barbecuing experience, and the Weber Grill Academy ensures you can become an expert in cooking on any grill, too.
Using Weber’s signature lid-on technique, you’ll learn how to grill, roast and bake on a BBQ. You’ll be amazed at what you can cook using these simple techniques! The courses are designed to teach you a range of must-have BBQ skills — from the basics such as lighting and controlling temperature to further techniques like rotisserie, curing and smoking.
At The Abinger Cookery School, we offer a range of exciting Weber Grill Academy one-day cookery courses for those who want to discover new flavours and enjoy the best of barbecued food.
Located in the idyllic Surrey Hills countryside, the school offers the perfect setting to get grilling! Especially for all you Londoners looking for an escape from the city…
If you’re after a day out in Surrey, look no further. Book onto a course today and learn how to get the most out of your Weber — so you can wow your friends, family and colleagues and continue making special memories around the table.
