Barmy For Barbie Recipes

We’re officially heading into the season of BBQs!

Let’s all be honest, throughout the summer months we like to find any excuse to spend more time outdoors - to sit outside, enjoy the sunshine and share a BBQ with loved ones. Many of us will be lighting the BBQ in coming months so here are some fantastic recipes to get you going.

Steak barbecued to perfection

Ingredients

2 lbs of steak (such as ribeye, strip, or sirloin), at room temperature

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Method

1. Preheat your barbecue to high heat.

2. Rub the steak all over with the olive oil. Put a baking tray in the oven. In the dry mix, make a well and add the liquid. Combine the mixture quickly with a cutlery knife.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

4. Season the steak generously on both sides with the spice mixture.

5. Place the steak on the barbecue, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until the desired level of doneness is achieved.

6. Use tongs to flip the steak, and be careful not to pierce the meat with a fork, as this will allow the juices to escape.

7. Remove the steak from the barbecue, and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain into 1/2-inch-thick pieces.

8. Serve the barbecued steak with your favourite side dishes, such as grilled vegetables, baked potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Barbecue Pork Belly Ingredients

2 lbs pork belly, skin on

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup hoisin sauce

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup rice vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon grated ginger

1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetarian Skewers

Ingredients

1 large aubergine, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 large courgette, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 large red onion, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 red pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 yellow pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces

8-10 skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling)

Marinade

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, Chinese five-spice powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Place the pork belly on a large cutting board, skin side up. Using a sharp knife, score the skin in a crosshatch pattern, making sure not to cut through the meat.

4. Brush the marinade generously over the pork belly, making sure to coat both the meat and the skin.

5. Place the pork belly on the grill, skin side up, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.

6. Flip the pork belly over, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and tender.

7. Remove the pork belly from the grill, and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into 1/2-inch-thick pieces.

8. Serve the barbecue pork belly with your favourite side dishes, such as coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or corn on the cob.

Method

1. In a large bowl, whisk together all of the marinade ingredients.

2. Add the aubergine, courgette, red onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper to the marinade, and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

4. Thread the marinated vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between the different ingredients.

5. Place the skewers on the grill, and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are cooked through and tender.

6. Remove the skewers from the grill, and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

7. Serve the vegetarian kebabs with a side of quinoa salad or a fresh green salad, if desired. Enjoy your delicious vegetarian kebabs straight from the grill!

LEGO® in libraries project launches in Essex

An exciting project has launched today in Essex, giving children the chance to develop their problem-solving, literacy and coding skills.

The project, funded by Essex County Council, is bringing LEGO® Education kits into libraries in priority Levelling Up areas across the county.

LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential kits use a combination of relatable LEGO® minifigures and blocks, alongside Lenovo Chromebooks, to challenge young learners aged 6-11.

As well as encouraging children to develop their problem-solving skills using science, technology, engineering, arts and maths (STEAM) concepts, they will also get the chance to learn how to code.

Free, bookable LEGO® in libraries sessions will launch in libraries in Basildon, Canvey Island, Colchester, rural Braintree, Harlow and Tendring from 30th May. These must be booked via libraries.essex.gov.uk/news/lego-inlibraries

LEGO® in libraries is jointly funded by two of the council’s programmes, Digital Essex and Multiply in Essex. Digital Essex is working to overcome the causes of digital exclusion, which include access, affordability, and adoption of the skills needed to use digital technologies.

Multiply offers courses to help Essex residents improve their maths skills at work and at home. Free Multiply courses are available across every area of Essex to help parents and carers feel better able to support their child with their schoolwork. There are also courses available to help people manage their personal finances and increase their confidence using numbers in the workplace.

Cllr Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council, said: “LEGO® in libraries is a great new opportunity for children in Essex, not only to develop their English and maths skills, but also their digital ICT skills. In addition, it helps them to become familiar at a young age with using different forms of technology, all while having fun!”

Find out more about LEGO® in libraries visit libraries.essex.gov.uk/news/lego-inlibraries