When the days were sunny and the BBQs were fired up

Looking at the weather outside you might be forgiven for thinking barbecue season has passed us by. We’ve had a typical few weeks of British summer where the summer dresses have been accessorised with jumpers, leggings, waterproofs and some days even socks and boots! It does feel like summer has gone but I’m being optimistic and hoping for many bbq days ahead.

A few weeks ago, when we were making the most of a Sunday when it was actually hot and sunny, we had some friends over for a play in the garden, splash in the padding pool, run around under the sprinkler and of course an afternoon-long bbq lunch.

Where the kids are more than happy with a sausage or burger in a bun and a few sticks of cucumber, it’s nice to at least look like you’re trying to make an effort with a few extra dishes. Now sadly I’m not talking filet steak or lemon sole, although if I had more time to prepare I definitely would be. Between my friend Ling and I we came up with a few crowd-pleasing dishes which the kids tucked into and enjoyed as much as we did.

The first is my favourite homemade cheat’s coleslaw, an old Jamie Oliver recipe which is so quick to make and really yummy. All you do is mix the following ingredients together and add salt and pepper as desired.

1 apple, peeled and grated
2 carrots, peeled and grated
1 tbsp grated parmesan, or any hard cheese you have
1tbsp mayonnaise
Squeeze of lemon juice

It’s such a light recipe and just as good with a salad as much as with a bbq.

Ling had made some gorgeous sausage rolls before she arrived and also a fab cous cous salad, something my friends will know I’m a bit of a sucker for as it’s my work lunch box staple! She also made a lovely potato salad, with lots of fresh dill on top which was so nice.

To make the cous cous salad, you can just make up some cous cous and throw in whatever you have in the fridge that you fancy. I usually use some chopped up cucumber and peppers, a bit of feta, lots of chopped mint if aI have it and a generous amount of lemon juice. Chick peas are also good if you have them, and of course crumbled feta cheese, which if you ask me is good with absolutely anything.

I nearly always make a few quick veggie kebabs as well, with halloumi – again if I have any in.

I bought most of my ingredients for the barbie from Aldi, I do a lot of shopping there anyway but they are particularly good for things like sausages, these really nice brioche burger buns and if you can spot it in the photos, this wicker napkin holder with the American-style burger bar napkins. I think the holder was about £4 and the napkins were £1. Who can resist the bargain aisles in that shop?

We also tried their lamb kebabs which you can see here cooking, and they were really delicious.

What are your bbq favourites?

x Julia

This post was written in collaboration with Aldi.