A Perfect Barbecue

Chipotle Beef Burgers

Chipotle paste, made from jalapeño peppers, adds a delicious smoky flavour to the meat.

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Chicken Kebabs with Roasted Red Onions

A classic Greek-style dish of skewered red onion slices and juicy chicken marinated in fresh lemon juice, garlic and oregano.

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Mackerel with Orange, Carrot & Pomegranate

This light salad makes a perfect accompaniment to the full-flavoured mackerel, with enough zestiness to cut through the oiliness of this lovely fish.

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Smoky Sausage Kebabs with Fresh Pineapple

These kebabs are quick and easy to assemble. Serve with chargrilled chunks of corn on the cob.

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Barbecued Summer Fruits drizzled with Caramel

Barbecuing fruit intensifies its flavour. Finish off with a spoonful of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of caramel and chopped pistachios.

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Spinach Patties with Blue Cheese Butter

These spinach and blue cheese patties make a great vegetarian alternative to burgers.

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Barbecue hints and tips

• Make sure the barbecue and grill are clean before cooking. Leaving coals in the drum after use will create rust and eventually holes – just wait for the coals to cool before removing.
• Controlling the heat is easiest with a kettle barbecue. With a larger cooking area, it should be possible to arrange the coals into three areas of different heat: high, for quick-cooking steaks and fish and finishing off other types of meat; medium, for chicken, sausages and cuts that take more time; and low, for keeping cooked food warm before serving.
• Double skewering – using two parallel skewers like ladders – will give you more control when turning food.

Find more barbecue safety tips here.

and to drink...

Barbecued meats need a gutsy red, and Finca Flichmann Reserva, Oak Aged Malbec 2007 Mendoza, bin 057122, fits the bill perfectly. Complex with deep-black fruit flavours, it offers excellent quality and value.

La Chapelle Rosé 2006 Côtes du Rhône, France, bin 45412, is a versatile food wine, full of flavour and character and ideal for sipping on summer evenings.

For the beer drinkers, Corona Extra 4x330ml is sure to be popular – serve well chilled.