In case you didn’t know this week is National Barbecue Week but of course in true British fashion we don’t really have the weather to back it up! Home Bargains sent me some lovely barbecue items and me and my husband planned a lovely night in, a BBQ supper for two, once the children were in bed. We are very much a cliche when it comes to a barbecue as my man does the grilling and I do the salads. We often have friends over for barbacues and I love hunting down some bargains to add to our outdoor dining collection. I am thrilled with the items from Home Bargains as they are perfect for planning a barbecue or outdoor party.
Sadly, the weather let us down on this occasion but as I had already planned a couple of delicious barbecue side dishes to accompany the burgers I went ahead with them and added a cheeky cocktail (or two)!
Here is what I made:
Halloumi, Roasted Vegetable & Cous Cous Salad – Roasted vegetables always go down well in our house: this one is peppers, onions, courgette and tomato, seasoned with a little salt and pepper and oregano and spayed with oil. The great thing about this is you can just use whatever you have in. Just roast them in the oven at 180C for around 20-30 minutes. I add to it some cous cous and spinach; I like the flavoured ones that come out the packet…no fuss. On top of all that goes grilled halloumi which you could easily grill on the barbecue but I just fry for a couple of minutes either side. I make this all year round but it is fantastic to go alongside a barbecue, especially as I have a few vegetarian friends who can feel left out when all they are offered is grilled meat.
Hasselback Potatoes – I use baby potatoes and slice them in a wooden spoon so they are ridged but stay as a whole potato. I just pop them in a little roasting tin, sprayed with oil and sprinkle on some garlic granules and sea salt. Roast them at around 180C in the oven until they are crisp and brown These are so easy to make and a real crowd-pleaser.
Elderflower & Prosecco Cocktail – quiet simply two thirds prosecco, one third elderflower presse, mix and add ice cubes with mint leaves inside. Refreshing and fabulous!
These look delicious served up on the plastic bowl, platter and tumblers from the Botanical Living range in Home Bargains, priced from 49p.
In keeping with the date night spirit I laid out the picnic rug (£4.99) for a cosy setting!
Thank you Home Bargains for the barbecue and picnic goodies, we were really impressed with this great value range. Hopefully we’ll have a barbecue in the sun soon!
If you are looking for more great ideas for outdoor eating check out my Pinterest Board:
18 Comments
Those potatoes look soooooooo good
May 26, 2015 at 4:42 pmThey really are, so easy to make too!
June 2, 2015 at 3:49 pmmmm they look delicious! xx
May 26, 2015 at 9:29 pmThanks Amy, it was pretty good but didn’t last long xx
June 2, 2015 at 3:50 pmI absolutely love Haloumi, it is one of my absolute favourites! We’re mad keen on our barbecues too! A couple of Christmases ago our AGA broke and we did a barbecue fry up breakfast on Boxing Day! X
Caro | http://www.thetwinklediaries.co.uk
May 26, 2015 at 10:54 pmThat’s amazing, a boxing day barbecue!! I love Haloumi too, I would have it with everything if I could! xx
June 2, 2015 at 3:51 pmYum! It all looks delicious! x
May 27, 2015 at 5:35 amThanks Maria, it was very much enjoyed! xx
June 2, 2015 at 3:51 pmOh yummm its 8am and I am now thinking about how lovely a BBQ would be. Its been so long since I’ve had one!
May 27, 2015 at 8:07 amI know, I really hope we get some in this year, we had already had several by this time last year!
June 2, 2015 at 3:52 pmI adore haloumi and those potatoes and prosecco so it sounds like the perfect BBQ to me!!
May 27, 2015 at 9:49 pmMe too, all of my favourites, just hoping to enjoy them alongside a BBQ next time!
June 2, 2015 at 3:53 pmLooks like a perfect BBQ! Love BBQ food and all the dishes and plates! Yummy 🙂 Jess x
May 28, 2015 at 1:37 pmThanks Jess, they are so handy to have for outdoor eating, we love them! xx
June 2, 2015 at 3:53 pmI am rubbish at BBQ sides and usually just do new potatoes and a salad! x
May 28, 2015 at 11:36 pmMy family always do all sorts for a BBQ so I’ve just got in the habit of making it a big feast! xx
June 2, 2015 at 3:54 pmHayley I can not wait until bbq season comes around again, I am tired of rain and snow and so ready for that glorious hot sun x
March 5, 2016 at 2:54 pmI had no idea it was national BBQ week, who knew! Your halloumi salad sounds amazing, I love halloumi, especially done on the BBQ.x
March 6, 2016 at 9:56 pm