June 2017 Edition: Playing with Fire

I had decided that it was about time I started playing with fire. I mean really getting into it.

I have a dear friend (Allie) who has generously donated her four burner gas BBQ to me over 5 years ago and until now it has only enjoyed the occasional grilling.

I have to admit, cooking with fire intimidated me a little (and still does sometimes!).

So I figured that the best way to face my shyness around the barbecue is just to face the fire and get practicing.

Dozens of recipes later, along with a fire-themed food safari (birthday present from the girls) and the fantastic guidance of a number of friends who have mastered their relationships with BBQs (Dave, Simon, Cassandra), I have a whole new slew of BBQing recipes to share. As well as some newfound courage on the BBQ.

I still need loads of practice but at least I've now started my journey on negotiating the ways of the flame.

New recipes added since the last newsletter: 62
Recipes highlighted below : 31

Memphis Pork Ribs with Smokey 'n Sweet BBQ Sauce - A homemade BBQ sauce is hard to beat and this one's so amazing and smokey, I'd nearly drink it! Great combination of pre-grill rub and sauce flavours.

Korean BBQ Beef Ribs - Best tasting Korean BBQ Beef ribs I've ever had nevertheless made. Super simple to make as well.

Yunnan BBQ Pork Ribs with Caramelised Black Vinegar Sauce - This deliciously sharp caramel goes beautifully with BBQ pork ribs and will leave you licking your fingers.

Flank Steak with Ginger Sesame Glaze - Give your steak a special twist with these earthy ginger & sesame flavours.

Herb-crusted Scotch Pork Roast with mostarda di frutta (fruit chutney) - For those who have never had a tender slice of pork, this is the roast for you. Easy to make and delicious. Make sure you get that meat thermometer and take it out right on time for the tastiest pork you will ever have!

Simple BBQ Roasted Whole Chicken - Sometimes you just want to keep things simple. See how easy it is to roast a whole chicken on the BBQ with just a few ingredients.

BBQ Chicken Thighs with Sultana Vinaigrette and Roasted Apples - This delightful recipe gives grilled chicken a little extra tang!

BBQ Cumin Salmon with Cucumber Chilli Salsa - Cumin goes so well with many dishes, and Salmon is no exception. And it's even better coupled with this refreshing green salsa.

BBQ Broccoli with Lemon Butter - Simple yet elegant side dish for a BBQ lunch or dinner.

BBQ Corn on the Cob with a Cumin Salt & Lime Glaze - Lifting up this classic side dish with a little boost of flavour.

BBQ Glazed Sweet Potatoes - Kissed by a touch of maple syrup, these grilled sweet potatoes hit the spot.

BBQ Grilled Potato Steaks with Bacon and Sour Cream - For those bored with traditional baked potatoes, try this more exciting grilled alternative.

Grilled Aubergine Wraps with Feta, Mint and Chilli - For those who want a little lighter BBQ experience, this fabulous BBQ appetizer is a fantastic showstopper with great flavour to boot.

BBQ Hobo Pack with Aubergine and Tomato - Easy way to make a healthy side of steamed vegetables on the grill.

Savoury Starts...

Cloud Eggs - One of the latest food crazes this year. Nonetheless, it's really fun to make and eat. Go on, I can hear the kid just asking to try it!

Thai Stirfried Crispy Fish Fillet with Red Curry Paste - This one will knock your socks off with its fantastic flavour and texture.

Chinese Taro Yam Basket with Kung Pao Chicken - Chicken served in a bowl you can eat! This one's an epic foodie experience. Crunchy and morish!

Rainbow Pasta - You no longer need to limit yourself to monochrome pasta meals, when you can have a rainbow pasta experience.

Parisian Gnocchi - Delightful pillowy-soft gnocchi - no potatoes or ricotta needed!

Nutmeg-Spiced Provolone-Infused Eggplant Puree - I could barely believe my tastebuds when I first tried this recipe. Wow, simply wow. You'd be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't try this one soon.

Spiced Cabbage Stirfry with Coconut & Lemon - The most exciting cabbage dish I have ever had. Coconut and lemon are really unique and light complimentary flavours for an ingredient (cabbage) which is not usually known as delicate.

Christmas Rice Salad - Not your usual salad. Love this rice and greens salad with a fruity and nutty twist.

Persimmon Tarte Tatin - Hands down, one of the best tarte tatin accompaniements I have tried. Fuyu persimmons are delicious caramelised with puff pastry.

Bourbon Sea Salt Caramels - Need to stave off a mob with a little sugar? This recipe will make sure that everyone in even the biggest group can get a little sweet treat if they're nice to the chef.

Rich Chocolate Cake with Garam Masala Spice - For those who like chocolate cake but want to venture out a little bit into the jungle. This recipe will really take your tastebuds on a wild ride!

Rice Paper Baklava - Baklava's no longer only for the gluten tolerant! This dessert turns the original recipe completely on it's head with this flavourful variation that is fully gluten-free (and could even easily be made vegan). This is also probably the healthiest dessert recipe I have ever made! And it's delicious!

Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples - Why do you have to choose between two sweet classic favourites. Have them both with this recipe.

Tropical Coconut Crepe Cake - Lemon zest and coconut give this wonderful crepe cake a Carribbean twist.

Toffee Candied Nuts - Your friends and family will go crazy over these extra crunchy nuts. Just don't tell them how easy they were to make.