Barbecues are usually associated with meat and a few vegetables but there are actually many more options than you might think. Have you ever cooked breakfast or a dessert on a barbecue? Also, did you know that some types of cheese are ideal for barbecuing? Come on, live a little! Here are a few suggestions, for you to try.
Grilled fruit and vegetables
The sugars in fruits caramelize and soften on the barbecue and this means they’re ideal for many dishes, including desserts. Try barbecuing watermelon, pear, pineapple, apricot, peach, and banana. Simply brush these with oil before cooking or add some ingredients to create a taste with more complex flavors. For example, pork and pineapple go well together on a skewer.
If you’re corn fan and love the famous roasted corn, did you know that you can also barbecue it? There are a few different methods you can use and one is to remove the outer skin and the "hair". To do this, soak the corn in the water for at least twenty minutes and then put it on the barbecue for 15 to 20 minutes.
There are also different ways to eat salad this summer. Romaine and Iceberg lettuce are firmer and respond well to the heat of a barbecue. Coat both types of lettuce in a little oil before cooking them either half or whole (for Romaine lettuce) for a few minutes.
Cheese
Some cheeses are ideal for barbecuing. Have you tried halloumi cheese? It’s fairly firm in consistency and, once cooked, softens a little without melting completely. Feta, commonly used in Greek recipes, is also great in barbecued meals as it has similar characteristics. These two cheeses can be used as an ingredient in dressings on skewers, salads, and watermelon.
Desserts
As we’ve already mentioned, barbecuing fruits can add a touch of sweetness or even a big sugary hit to your desserts. If you like to taste different flavors at the same time, you might like to try chocolate banana! What’s more, it’s easy to make.
- Cut a deep slit lengthways into the banana without removing the peel or cutting through it completely.
- Insert pieces of chocolate into the slit you’ve just made, wrap the banana in foil and place it on the barbecue. When the chocolate has melted, which takes about ten minutes, your banana is ready.
Another lovely way to finish off your meal is to get that camping feeling by making S'mores. Put marshmallows on a skewer and barbecue them for a couple of minutes. Then, sandwich them between two butter biscuits or chocolate-coated Graham biscuits and enjoy!
Breakfast
There are a few accessories you can buy to help you cook a nice breakfast outside. You can use a non-stick, reusable baking sheet to cook your eggs, sausage, bacon and other favorite foods in the morning.
