Oh yeah baby, time to get the grills on. No I am not talking about the hip hop mouth jewelery. I am talking about that sweet summer sound of gas, charcoal or wood chips heating up the BBQ.
Love, love, love BBQ season. I have one at home and one at the cottage. But usually use the one at the cottage (never home). Now burgers and hot-dogs are fine for lunch…but there are so many easy and exotic recipes for dinner. There are a gazillion books out there. I have The Complete Illustrated Book of Barbecue Techniques. I think it is one of the best covering all the basic techniques.
Here are a few interesting facts:
- It is believed that barbecue derives ultimately from the word barabicu found in the language of the Taino people of the Caribbean. The word translates as sacred fire pit.
- The biggest BBQers in the world are the Aussies, South Africans and Americans.
- Anyone notice a British influence here? Of course the Brits call it Grilling.
- Weirdest fact: we have an official Canadian BBQ Association
Enough of history. Here are some of my fave recipes that I would like to share:
Pistachio Crusted Trout
– A filet of rainbow trout (or salmon) per person
– pesto
– roughly crushed pistachios
Wrap bottom and sides of fish with aluminum paper. Spread a nice layer of pesto on the fish and sprinkle a good layer of pistachio. I like to let it sit a few hours. Grill 10min per inch. AMAZING!
Zesty Asparagus Spears
Here is the trick. Thread 3 to 4 asparagus’ on a toothpick in 3 places. That way its like a small plank and it is easy to flip right on the grill. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, a crushed garlic clove and a few dashes of tabasco. Brush on asparagus then grill about 10min.
BBQed Sweet Potato
Tired of the potato? Try a sweet potato. It takes about 45min to cook a sweet potato and it get all sweet and soft inside. Spread some butter with cinnamom or a bit of maple syrup.
Have a great meal. Send me recipes you would like to share.
Hugs and biscuits,
Evelyne
