Fun in the Sun

There is something quietly reassuring about eating outdoors in the summer sunshine.

It asks very little of us, beyond a sheltered corner of the garden, a table – however wobbly – and food that’s happy to be shared.

The days seem to stretch just enough for lunch to roll through the afternoon and supper to drift gently into dusk, with conversation as lively as the sparrows in the hedgerow.[Easy to pull together; pleasing on the eye; so deliciously shareable; and with a large range of chutneys to complement the flavours.]

Food itself changes with the season.

Heavy casseroles retreat to the back of the cupboard, making way for platters of charcuterie and cheeses, bowls of olives glistening with herbs, crisp salads scented with lemon, and assorted plates inviting everyone to ‘stretch or starve‘.[You just can’t beat home made sausage rolls. Follow the basics from this VIDEO RECIPE HERE, and use your imagination with the fillings.]

There are flaky sausage rolls still warm from the oven, little pastries that disappear before anyone admits to taking the last one, and generous boards of tapas where every mouthful tells a slightly different story.[Simple but stylish prawns snuggled into Stokes Spiced Mango Chutney on toasted ciabatta.]

Perhaps that’s the real pleasure of alfresco eating.

It is rarely about elaborate cooking or perfect presentation. It’s about passing a dish from one to another, tearing bread rather than slicing it, and finding that somehow strawberries taste sweeter, chilled wine crisper … and even the simplest picnic feels like a small celebration.[An absolute essential when dining outside is at least one jar of Stokes Mayonnaise – but which will you choose? Read the tasting notes HERE.]

Summer has a way of reminding us that food is never quite as satisfying as when it’s shared in the garden with friends.

Barbecues are often associated with the familiar favourites of burgers and sausages. But skewered meats and vegetables offer a colourful, flavourful, and versatile alternative that can transform any outdoor meal.

Easy to prepare and quick to cook, kebabs allow you to combine a wide variety of meats, seafood, vegetables, and even fruits to create dishes that are both visually appealing and incredibly tasty.The secret to great barbecue skewers begins with careful preparation.

Meat should be cut into evenly sized cubes, typically around 1 to 1½ inches, so that each piece cooks at the same rate. Chicken, beef, lamb, pork, and even firm fish such as salmon or tuna are all excellent choices.

Lean cuts benefit greatly from marinating, which helps tenderize the meat while adding layers of flavour.

A good marinade usually combines an oil, an acidic ingredient such as lemon juice, vinegar, or yogurt, herbs and spices, garlic, and seasonings.Thanks to Stokes, you can add instant natural flavour with selected sauces such as smoky chilli with our Chipotle Ketchup or H0t & Spicy BBQ Sauce; a sweet umami carried through our Korean BBQ Sauce; and so much more – HERE.

Allowing the meat to marinate for at least one hour, (or preferably overnight in the fridge), produces the best results.Vegetables should also be prepared with even cooking in mind.

Bell peppers, onions, courgettes, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, corn rounds, and chunks of aubergine all hold up well over the heat of a barbecue.

Cutting vegetables into similar-sized pieces ensures they cook evenly alongside the meat.While vegetables require less marinating than meat, lightly coating them in olive oil with herbs, garlic, salt, pepper, and perhaps a splash of balsamic vinegar helps prevent them from drying out. Salt also draws out their natural sweetness.When assembling the skewers, alternate meat and vegetables to create an attractive mix of colours and flavours, taking care not to pack the ingredients too tightly.

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to reduce the risk of burning on the grill. Metal skewers are reusable and conduct heat into the food, helping it cook more evenly.With a little planning and preparation, barbecue skewers become far more than a simple alternative to traditional grill fare.

They offer endless opportunities to experiment with marinades, spice blends, and seasonal produce, filling each BBQ with delicious memories.

Stokes Cheese Collection

Inspired by the art of perfect pairing, this collection balances rich flavours, sweetness and gentle heat to lift your cheese board to the next level.

This cheese collection contains the following Stokes products:

Stokes Fig Relish – A sweet fig relish with a slight tartness, brimming with dried figs (60%) and made with cider vinegar and molasses for a great complement to a stronger cheese.

Stokes Chilli Jam – A delicious sticky jam for cheese that is just oozing with flavour from the sweet chilli peppers and red peppers. Particularly good with mature cheddars and soft brie.

Stokes Red Onion Marmalade – A red onion relish made with sticky black treacle and rich balsamic vinegar. Fully flavoured with a delicious sweet sauce.

It makes an incredible gift for cheese lovers too – great value at £18.00 (plus p&p) HERE.