bbq basics and tips, please..

[sara3]

I have a large-ish Weber kettle barbie. we hardly use it as it seems like a bit of a faff for just me and the kids (we don't eat lots of meat in one sitting, either). when I've done a large scale "do" some bloke always steps in with a very macho "you sit down, I'll do this!"

so, I'm never sure what kind of coals to use, what's too much (apparently I use too much), how to avoid semi-burning food (v unhealthy).. and now my 17 yr old daughter would like to throw a barbie for her mates.

does anyone have an idiot's guide, or top tips? thank you :o)

[woofgang]

http://www.livefirewisdom.com/Recipes/
a good place to start

[Mick-Talbot]

i'll step in with a very macho "you sit down, I'll do this!" if you like.

[sara3]

thanks woof.. was just looking for a basic step-by-step guide, but will read through :o)

Michael, yes.. thanks!

[ChuckFickens]

i'll step in with a very macho "I'll sit down, you do this!" if you like.

[sara3]

marvellous.. two so far ;o)

[sara3]

oh, mis-read.. I should have known better!

[Mick-Talbot]

oi, i baggsed the job first Chuck.

[Mick-Talbot]

oops , so did i ;0)

[sara3]

Michael, you also mis-read!

[ChuckFickens]

LOL :)

[boxtops]

Tongs at dawn, sara!

[merciasounds]

Light the BBQ at least 3/4 of an hour before cooking. Don't be tempted to start cooking while the coals are still flaming, wait until they look grey on top and glowing underneath - and this might sound daft, but try and cook foods of an even thickness, a steak thick at one and and thin the other will be overdone one end and raw the other. wrap fish or place on a piece of foil. Have a pot of herb/garlic infused marinade to brush onto food - no brush? - Use folded kichen towel. Enjoy!!

[boxtops]

Hi mercia, we hear you were at the darts - was it good? were you on TV?

[sara3]

thanks Mercia.. lump charcoal or briquettes? I have no idea how long I need it to be burning for.

[sara3]

and what's with the vents? are the base vents just for cleaning? and do I need the lid during cooking?

[merciasounds]

I find the briquettes a better burn, and the lid used to cover the food while it's cooking, have the vents half open to let out smoke and air in else the coals will go out having no oxygen.

Boxtops - yup I went to the NIA last night had a brilliant time - the camera panned around us quite alot, (we were sitting between a Dutch contingent and some Scottish lads) I waved my 888 card saying 'hello ABer's' not every time though, you didn't know when the camera's were on you! I haven't watched it at home yet to see if I can see us

[boxtops]

Oh brilliant - let us know if there is a clip!

[ChuckFickens]

http://www.weberbbq.c...nts_on_my_kettle.aspx

http://help.weber.com...ipes_62620_012811.pdf

[sara3]

thanks again Mercia.. I thought the lid only went on when there were big flames, lol.

and thanks Chuck.. you can sit down and watch me do all the work now!

hello Boxy :o)

[boxtops]

morning sara, apologies for "darting" into your threat <<see what I did there, LOL>>