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• by:
• Cutler, Jan

This step-by-step guide to simple, successful cooking and eating outside offers a superb range of fresh and flavoursome barbecue treats. With advice on everything from griddling vegetables to perfection, getting the best out of your burgers or preparing a fruity punch, it's the perfect accompaniment to a quiet al fresco dinner, a large summer gathering or a children's barbecue.

Beginning with the best ways to set up your grill and griddle equipment, the barbecue recipes then kick off with bite-sized nibbles that are just enough to whet the appetite. Savour crispy Potato wedges with Basil and Lemon Dip, try heavenly Hot Avocado Halves or rustle up quick party foods such as Ham Pizzettas with Mango or Grilled Chicken Bites.

The seafood selection is hard to beat, with the wonderfully fresh Whole Stuffed Squid side-by-side with Tangy Grilled Salmon with Pineapple and Barbecued Red Snapper. International flavour comes into its own with poultry dishes: savour Tandoori Drumsticks, Jerk Chicken, Chicken Fajitas and Duck Sausages with Plum Sauce. The meat selection is surprisingly versatile, with quick-griddle recipes and slow-cooked specialities on offer. Barbecue Roast Beef is the perfect showpiece for a lazy al fresco lunch, while the Argentinian-inspired Gaucho Barbecue is the ultimate meaty feast, with a little bit of everything. Vegetarians are also well catered for thanks to Vegetable Quesadillas, Slow-roasted Squash Stuffed with Goat's Cheese and many other delightful options. Accompany any of these dishes with cooked and cold salads, dips, sauces and breads -- many of which can be partly prepared over the hot coals. Finally, a range of fruity and fun desserts and drinks make an ideal contrast to smoky, smouldering flavours try Honey-baked Figs, Calvados-flamed bananas or Toasted Brioche with Ice cream.

With 250 sun-drenched colour images to complement all 100 step-by-step recipes, you will reap the rewards of this fantastic grilling companion all summer long.