How to Have a Perfect Barbecue on the Hottest Day of the Year
There’s nothing quite like a sizzling barbecue on a scorching summer day. Gathering with friends and family, enjoying the sun, and indulging in delicious grilled food is a perfect way to make lasting memories. However, extreme heat can pose some challenges when it comes to hosting an outdoor feast, and this year in the UK, we are expecting yet another heatwave. To ensure your barbecue remains a resounding success, here are some essential tips to follow on the hottest day of the year.
Keep Salads In The Shade
While everyone loves a refreshing salad, it’s important to keep them cool and away from direct sunlight, especially those containing mayonnaise. Mayonnaise-based salads can spoil quickly in high temperatures, leading to potential foodborne illnesses. Set up a shaded area or use a cooler with ice packs to keep your salads fresh and safe to consume.
Mind The Melting
When it comes to certain food items, extreme heat can cause unwanted meltdowns. Chocolate, cheese, and butter are prone to melting in the sun. To avoid any mishaps, keep these items in a cool location until they’re ready to be served. If necessary, use chilled serving trays or bowls to help maintain their consistency.
Chill Your Meats
Proper food handling is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. When it comes to meats, it’s essential to keep them at safe temperatures. Before your barbecue, ensure that all meats are wrapped securely and stored in a refrigerator or a cool box. Only take out the meat when you’re ready to cook it, minimising the time it spends in the heat.
Keep Drinks Cool
Refreshing beverages are a must-have for a summer barbecue. To quench your guests’ thirst, keep a well-stocked cooler filled with ice to chill your drinks. Consider using insulated containers or placing drinks in ice buckets to maintain their coolness throughout the event. This way, everyone can enjoy a cold and refreshing drink, even on the hottest day.
Create A Shaded Oasis
While basking in the sun is enjoyable, prolonged exposure to extreme heat can be uncomfortable and potentially harmful. Set up a designated shaded area for your guests to retreat to if they need a break from the sun’s intensity. Provide umbrellas, canopies, or a covered patio where people can cool down, relax, and continue to enjoy the day.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your barbecue remains a delightful experience, even on the hottest day of the year. By keeping salads in the shade, preventing food melting, chilling meats properly, keeping drinks on ice, and creating a shaded area for guests, you’ll be well-prepared to beat the heat and enjoy a fantastic outdoor gathering with your loved ones. So fire up the grill, savour the flavours, and make lasting summer memories with a successful and enjoyable BBQ!
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