Elevate Your Summer Grilling with BBQ Week Recipes from the Charlie & Ivy's Kitchen

There’s a certain feeling in the air when the sun finally decides to show its face after a long winter. Suddenly, everyone gets the same idea: it’s time for a barbecue. The smell of sizzling food over coals is practically a British summertime tradition. And with the 30th National BBQ Week kicking off on the 25th of May, there's no better excuse to get the grill out. But let's be honest, a truly great barbecue is about more than just burnt sausages and dry burgers. It’s about flavour, and that's where things can get really exciting, especially for true food lovers.

So, what’s the secret to a brilliant barbecue?

It all comes down to the prep. A simple bit of meat or a few vegetables can be transformed into something incredible with the right additions. This is where the magic of good marinades and dressings comes in. A flavourful marinade doesn't just add taste; it makes everything more tender and juicy. Think about it – a chicken breast on its own is fine, but one that’s been soaking in a spicy, tangy sauce? That’s a game-changer. This is where a fantastic local producer, Charlie & Ivy’s, comes into the picture. Based on their farm in the Yorkshire Wolds, they create award-winning oils, dressings, and mayonnaises that are packed with flavour. Everything is made using top-quality ingredients, including their own cold-pressed rapeseed oil, making their products a brilliant gift for anyone who appreciates good food.

The ultimate bbq feast box

To make life easier and a whole lot tastier, Charlie & Ivy’s has put together the perfect kit for any grilling enthusiast: the BBQ Feast Box. It's basically a one-stop shop for taking a barbecue from average to amazing. It’s also brilliant for anyone stuck on what to get a friend or family member who loves cooking outdoors. So, what’s inside this box of tricks? Well, it’s a proper treasure trove of flavours.

• Chipotle Chilli Mayonnaise: A creamy mayo with a smoky kick of chilli. Perfect for burgers, chips, or as a dip.

• Smoked Garlic Mayonnaise: A rich and deep-flavoured mayo that's amazing with kebabs or grilled potatoes.

• Spicy Chorizo Marinade: This gives a smoky, paprika-rich flavour to whatever it touches. Great for chicken, pork, or even roasted vegetables.

• Peri-Peri Marinade: The classic spicy and citrusy peri-peri marinade is a must-have for chicken or even some tasty cauliflower steaks.

• Garlic, Oregano & Balsamic Bread Dipper: An award-winning oil that’s perfect for dunking crusty bread into while waiting for the main event.

• Smoked Chilli Dressing: A versatile dressing that can be drizzled over salads or used as another marinade.

• A recipe booklet: The box even comes with its own recipe booklet, full of ideas and inspiration to get you started. No more guessing!

The feast box is a brilliant starting point for anyone looking to up their game. It’s all about making delicious food simple. As the team at Charlie & Ivy’s puts it,

"The perfect Barbecue Feast Box for food lovers everywhere. With marinades, dressings and mayonnaise, all your favourite barbecue must haves are bundled together to make your Barbecue the best! Along with your selection of Charlie & Ivy's products, there's a recipe booklet to help inspire you when cooking over the coals."

Let’s get cooking: some top recipes to try

Having all these amazing flavours is one thing, but knowing what to do with them is another. The included recipes are designed to be easy to follow but deliver impressive results. Here are a few ideas from the recipe booklet to get your taste buds going.

Beef kofta kebabs with smoked garlic mayonnaise

These are always a crowd-pleaser and are surprisingly simple. The blend of spices makes the beef incredibly flavourful, and they are perfect for cooking on the grill. The kebabs are even better when served with a dollop of cool, tasty smoked garlic mayonnaise.

• Ingredients: 500g British beef mince, a large handful of fresh parsley (chopped), 2 tsp ground coriander, 2 tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp ground chilli, 1 tbsp Smoked Garlic Mayonnaise, salt and pepper, and some lime wedges for serving.

• Method: Simply mix the beef mince in a bowl with half of the chopped parsley, the mayonnaise, ground coriander, cumin, and chilli. Season it well. Once it’s all mixed, shape the mixture into 10 sausage shapes around some wooden skewers. Let them chill in the fridge for a bit. When ready, get them on the barbecue or fry them in a pan. They need to be turned regularly until they are properly cooked through. Serve them with the rest of the parsley, some fresh lime wedges, and a big bowl of the smoked garlic mayonnaise for dipping.

Spicy smashed potatoes with feta dip

Forget boring boiled potatoes. These are crispy, spicy, and seriously addictive. The Spicy Chorizo Marinade gives them a wonderful smoky heat that works so well with the salty feta dip.

• Ingredients: 1kg baby or new potatoes, Spicy Chorizo Marinade, 100g crumbled Feta Cheese, 50g Greek Yoghurt, and a handful of mint leaves.

• Method: Boil the potatoes until they are nearly cooked. Let them cool down a bit while covered in the Spicy Chorizo Marinade. Once they're cool enough to handle, gently crush each potato to flatten it slightly. Brush them with any leftover marinade and then pop them in the oven for about 45 minutes until they are nice and crisp. For the dip, mix the rest of the feta with the Greek yoghurt. Serve the hot potatoes scattered with the remaining feta and some fresh mint leaves, with the dip on the side. They’re a fantastic side dish for any barbecue spread.

Peri-peri barbecue cauliflower steaks

Who says a barbecue is only for meat? These cauliflower steaks are a brilliant option for vegetarians or just anyone wanting to try something different. The peri-peri marinade gives them a proper kick.

• Ingredients: 1 large cauliflower and a bottle of Peri-Peri Marinade.

• Method: It couldn't be simpler. Slice the cauliflower into 2cm thick "steaks". Drizzle the peri-peri marinade all over them, making sure they are completely covered. Let them sit for at least an hour. Then, cook the cauliflower steaks on the barbecue, turning them now and then until they are tender and a little charred. They can also be cooked in a griddle pan or through a good roasting in the oven. It's a quick and simple dish that is surprisingly satisfying.

Spatchcock chicken with barbecued corn & chipotle chilli mayo

This is a real showstopper. A whole spatchcock chicken (which just means it's been flattened out to cook more evenly) marinated in the peri-peri marinade becomes something special. The roasting or grilling gives it a crispy skin while the inside stays juicy. It’s perfect for feeding a group of hungry people.

• Ingredients: 1 large spatchcocked chicken, Peri-Peri Marinade, 6-8 corn on the cob halves, 6-8 lime wedges, Chipotle Chilli Mayonnaise, and some flat-leaf parsley.

• Method: Coat the chicken all over with the marinade, rubbing some under the skin too. Let it sit for a couple of hours. When you're ready to cook, you can either do it on the barbecue or give it a good roasting in the oven for about an hour and a half, until the skin is crispy and the juices run clear. While the chicken is cooking, boil the corn for 5 minutes, then finish it on the grill with the lime wedges to get that lovely chargrilled flavour. Serve the whole thing on a big platter, with the chicken, corn, and limes, scattered with parsley. And don't forget a big bowl of the Chipotle Chilli Mayonnaise on the side. Absolutely delicious.

With the Charlie & Ivy's BBQ Feast Box, anyone can create an incredible outdoor feast. It's all about celebrating great ingredients and simple, delicious recipes. Happy grilling!