Summer has arrived. It’s time to dig out your barbecue tongs, slip on your Birkenstocks and harvest your tomatoes. Prepare the outside seating, dust down the table tennis table. Slice courgettes at a beautiful angle and dress them with olive oil, lemon and a little chopped parsley.
Much more besides. For it is picnic season, time for barbecues; these lovely months are built for pleasure and so pleasure is what you must have. Some might need a little inspiration. Sure, we can absolutely flip burgers and roll sausages onto the grill. But those who are entertaining might want to mix things up a touch.
Here, we have a near-perfect feast, one that can be prepared and replicated for any summer event. We’ve called on some of the country’s top chefs to bring you a veritable medley, combining main courses, sides and a dessert. Feel free to add or take away. Regular barbecued meats and simple salads may be included for those who want to top up.
Ainsley Harriot
The recipes come just in time for the Eden Project’s “Big Lunch” event, which encourages the nation to put on neighbourhood soirees to combat loneliness and better connect communities.
The Eden Project, based in Cornwall, said 74 per cent of people said they made new friends last year, while 71 per cent said it helped them feel less lonely and more in touch with the people who live nearby.
Taking part in the Big Lunch is easy: over June 7-8, simply pull up some chairs, prepare some food (whatever goes, the below are only ideas) and knock on some doors.
Lindsey Brummitt, who came up with the Big Lunch idea a decade ago, aid: “The Big Lunch is easy, it’s fun and it’s for everyone so invite your street to get involved and make your community the place to be this June.
“It’s an opportunity to get together, make new friends, share delicious food and have some much-needed fun so get yourself a party pack and get your party planning started.”