It’s not just for carnivores... barbecued halloumi is delicious
Jilly has spent lockdown spreading her time between her day job as a history and politics teacher at Dollar Academy and experimenting with new recipes.
But she has found plenty of time for barbecues after getting a new one for her birthday.
“I always cook, that’s my relaxation,” she said. “So it has been a nice time to try something different every day.
“I love a barbecue. It’s got to be charcoal for me. I just love the taste.
“I remember seeing Rick Stein take a hairdryer out and blast it on the coals to light them. I have tried that quite a few times. It does make the hairdryer smell a bit funny, but it works a treat.
“Of course, most people like a big chunk of meat on the barbecue and for me, you can’t beat a great, big steak sliced up and served with a salad, but it is actually a really versatile way of cooking, especially for vegetables.
“You could try asparagus on the grill and beetroot cooked on the coals, and stick on some potatoes wrapped in foil. “I like to put a solid frying pan on the grill and roast things like peppers, which are lovely with a nice baba ganoush or tahini dip.
“Bean burgers are great for vegetarians and vegans. I use breadcrumbs to make robust patties.
“And halloumi cooks just as well on the barbecue and is absolutely delicious.
“It’s certainly not just for carnivores. The smoky flavour can make just about anything taste good!”