Dining Alfresco
Alfresco dining has now become very much part of the British Summertime culture. Unfortunately, the British weather is not always very forgiving and fluctuates from utterly miserable and wet to utterly miserable and hot! Needless to say on the in-between days, with light cloud and hazy sunshine and a not too hot 24*C should just about tempt you outside. And talking of Alfresco, what's a girl or guy to eat on such lovely days? Well, of course, the barbecue needs to be dusted off for starters. Here's my checklist and recipe suggestions for some delicious Alfresco dining:
Barbecue everything! - Only kidding but hey, you could try. Fish, marinated meat, chicken, vegetables, in fact, you really can barbecue most things. Invest in a good quality coal burning barbie, or if you really want to break the bank then go for one of those gas fired models so you really can light it up at the flick of a switch.
Salad, the healthy option! - No alfresco table is complete without an array of salads. Try Watermelon, sunflower seed and mint with traditional Greek feta cheese crumbled over the top for that touch of tang to complement the sweetness of the melon. Or how about an Italian style wild rocket and Parmesan shavings drizzled with some balsamic glaze.
Carbs! - You've got to have some rice, pasta or as the Cypriots like, bread on the dinner table. If anything to mop up those lovely juices from the barbecued meat and even the salad dressing. Try making some simple rice by melting some butter on a low heat and adding some vermicelli then gently frying till browned. Add some easy cook long grain rice, stir well and add water or stock as per the pack instructions. Allow to cook for approx. 10 minutes and you're ready to go. Or how about a tasty pasta salad. Try boiling some pasta shells then stirring in some pesto sauce and toasted pine nuts and sundried tomatoes, serve hot or cold.
Something to drink? - Don't forget to wet your palette whilst out there. Try a simple rose or chardonnay for wine or if you want something non-alcoholic then go for some fresh juices or one of those fizzy herbal drinks such as Ame or Schloer or Aqua libre.
