Break out the Pimms, get those sunglasses out and throw some meat on the grill because summer has officially arrived!
I know that some of you, will be wondering what has brought on this sudden announcement that summer is here as it actually isn't official until June 21st! However if you have been in England this weekend you will have caught those summer vibes just as much as I have! When you're able to enjoy and entire evening outside with zero chance of rain you know that it is summer, although knowing this country that'll be the only evening like that all summer long!
So seeing as this blog is called Just a Hangry Girl and not Just a Weather Girl, what style of food is synonymous with the summer weather??? Any guesses?? Nope? .....
BBQ!!
If you know my family well then you'll know that there is really nothing we enjoy more than a good barbie, and if you haven't experienced one yet then we probs just don't like you enough! JUST KIDDING!! If you want an invite all you gotta do is ask! (oh and share this blog page to everyone you know... there's no such thing as bad publicity, eh?!). As these BBQs really are quite legendary I thought I'd share some top tips as well as some inspo pics and even a recipe for what are quite frankly the BEST POTATOES EVER!!!
So for the tips, they may seem like common sense but it never hurts to make sure everyone is on the same wavelength!
I know that some of you, will be wondering what has brought on this sudden announcement that summer is here as it actually isn't official until June 21st! However if you have been in England this weekend you will have caught those summer vibes just as much as I have! When you're able to enjoy and entire evening outside with zero chance of rain you know that it is summer, although knowing this country that'll be the only evening like that all summer long!
So seeing as this blog is called Just a Hangry Girl and not Just a Weather Girl, what style of food is synonymous with the summer weather??? Any guesses?? Nope? .....
BBQ!!
If you know my family well then you'll know that there is really nothing we enjoy more than a good barbie, and if you haven't experienced one yet then we probs just don't like you enough! JUST KIDDING!! If you want an invite all you gotta do is ask! (oh and share this blog page to everyone you know... there's no such thing as bad publicity, eh?!). As these BBQs really are quite legendary I thought I'd share some top tips as well as some inspo pics and even a recipe for what are quite frankly the BEST POTATOES EVER!!!
So for the tips, they may seem like common sense but it never hurts to make sure everyone is on the same wavelength!
- Marinade, marinade, marinade!! I can't stress this more to you, it is so important to make sure all your meat is properly seasoned and has had time to absorb the flavours before BBQing them.
- Choose your meat carefully. I don't care if you're aunt only eats the chicken breast or your cousin wants a wing. In my opinion chicken thighs are the only option when it comes to chicken on a BBQ (unless we are talking about chicken burgers 'cause thats a whole other story!) Breast becomes dry and inedible when BBQed and wings are just so damn hard to eat! I promise you even the pickiest of chicken eaters will enjoy a BBQ chicken thigh, trust me I know!
- Variety! I love the classics as much as the next person, (chicken, burgers & sausages) but don't be afraid to try something new and mix it up a bit! Recently Ive done lamb sausages, kebabs and chicken burgers! All a hit and a good way to spice up the tried and tested BBQ
- Up your side game. Don't get me wrong, at a BBQ obviously the meat is an integral part and there really is a great skill involved in cooking with a BBQ. However what really takes a BBQ meal over the edge is the sides! I like to do about 3 or 4 different salads as well as THE BEST POTATOES EVER!!
- Dont go too OTT. I know this kind of contradicts the previous tips but know when enough is enough! Two or three types of sausage is good, 10 types - not so much! There will always be another BBQ for you to try other stuff out!
So now you've had the tips, heres the recipe for THE BEST POTATOES EVER! I know I've bigged them up but trust me they are simply the best! Buttery and salty, soft yet crispy - is there anything these potatoes aren't?? With only 5 ingredients they couldn't be easier!
For 20 Potato Skins:
Ingredients
10 Large potatoes, sliced in half
100g butter
Garlic granules
Salt and Pepper
Vegetable Oil
Method
Preheat oven to 180C. Line two trays with tin foil and add a couple tablespoons of oil. Place the potatoes flesh side down. Oil the skins and add salt. Bake in oven for 1hr-1hr30m until the inside is soft and the skin is crispy. Allow to cool until you are able to handle them, you still want them to be a bit warm. Using a teaspoon carefully scoop out the inside of the potato into a bowl, ensuring that the skin remains intact. Once all have been scooped out combine the butter with the potato and all garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Mash until it becomes a smooth mashed potato. Don't worry if there are some lumps! Once the potato is mashed and tastes to your liking scoop it back into the skins. Bake in the oven for another 20-30mins so that the skin gets a little crispier and the mashed potato gets crispy on top. Enjoy!
Here is some more inspo for your next BBQ!!
Cabbage Salad with Mustard Asian Dressing and Crispy Wontons
BBQ Chicken
Green Salad with Peanut/Sesame Dressing and Crispy Noodles
Would love to see all your BBQs so make sure you tag @justahangrygirl in anything you post!
As always make sure you're following me on Insta and Facebook for more recipes in between blog posts and stories. Feel free to share, comment and tell all your friends about Just a Hangry Girl!!
Much Love