Friends round for… the one with the BBQ
What’s better than a warm summers evening surrounded by good friends and a well prepared, delicious BBQ? We’re here to tell you where to source some of the best local produce in the South West, as well as sharing handy recipes to get taste buds tingling, and tips on creating the perfect setting, day or night, for the ultimate alfresco experience.
Plan ahead
Start by checking your guests’ dietary requirements and planning out a delicious selection of dishes and sides. Why not try something a bit different, or mix in vegan and veggie options?
If inspiration is what you need, then these mouth-watering recipes should help you out. Jamie Oliver has put together the ‘ultimate burger round up’ comprising of blue cheese and apple burgers through to nutritious and flavoursome veggie burgers. He also shares a fail-safe BBQ sauce recipe which is great with chicken and pork – watch how to make it here. If you want something a bit more adventurous, check out James Martin’s ‘Beer can piri piri chicken’ and not forgetting BBC Food’s homemade coleslaw and 5-star rated classic potato salad. If you’re feeling inspired, try barbecued corn on the cob with a brush on chilli butter flavouring.
If you’re thinking about vegetarian dishes, Waitrose has a collection of barbecue recipes that all sound delicious. We’d pick the halloumi burgers with chilli jam! As for vegan options, The Vegan Society have put together ‘8 of the best vegan BBQ recipes’ that you could serve alongside the tasty Linda McCartney range.
Time to shop
Lots of the big supermarkets do great BBQ deals throughout the summer months, but why not treat you and your guests by shopping at a local farm shop or butchers. Greendale Farm Shop and Darts Farm are nearby to our Equinox and Cavanna @ Elm Park developments in Exeter. Both farm shops offer a variety of BBQ selection boxes, meat-free options and locally grown vegetables, perfect for side dishes.
Outside the city, Riverford Farm Shop can be found within a 30-minute drive of Cavanna @ Wolborough Hill in Newton Abbot offering plenty of organic goodness as well as vegan and vegetarian recipe boxes that could work excellently as side dishes. We all know how fresh and delicious their fruit and veg boxes are, so it comes as no surprise to find they have award-winning sausages and a wide selection of organic goods to choose from.
The final touches
A jug of refreshing Pimms with plenty of fresh fruit is perfect for when guests arrive and don’t forget to get your table laid with a classic red and white checked tablecloth, plus blankets on the back of the chairs for when it gets cooler in the evening. As the night draws in, you can switch fairy lights on to create a cosy atmosphere.
And there you have it – inspiration for your next summer BBQ with friends. Enjoy!
