We are almost halfway through the school summer holidays. Anyone else exhausted? I don't think it matters if you are a SAHM, a WAHM a work at work mum or just someone who looks after someone else children. Keeping them fed, entertained and happy is bogging hard work!
Thankfully we have had some OK weather, upgrading to great weather on a few days and as I have mentioned recently I have teamed up with some local friends to organise barbecue parties which does the job of both feeding and entertaining our children. (and us if I'm honest.)
We all bring food but we have not been terribly imaginative with the menu. I think I peaked last weekend when I took some home-made slow cooker-cooked pulled pork to a friend's barbecue and if I am brutally honest there was an element of competitive side-dish gifting going on. It was nice though!
Thankfully there is lots of inspiration on supermarket shelves if you too are bored with plain burgers and bangers. Here are some recipes from Santa Maria to liven up your burnt offerings. (top tip - keep a spray bottle of water handy to calm the BBQ flames so you don't end up with charred chow.
I love the Fajita burger idea - that might have to make an appearance at our next street BBQ party. And I have used the pulled pork and pulled chicken kits - a quick and easy way to make tasty pulled pork or chicken which is gorgeous piled on it's own or with 'slaw or a tangy red onion chutney into soft buns or in wraps or on top of burgers.
Thankfully we have had some OK weather, upgrading to great weather on a few days and as I have mentioned recently I have teamed up with some local friends to organise barbecue parties which does the job of both feeding and entertaining our children. (and us if I'm honest.)
We all bring food but we have not been terribly imaginative with the menu. I think I peaked last weekend when I took some home-made slow cooker-cooked pulled pork to a friend's barbecue and if I am brutally honest there was an element of competitive side-dish gifting going on. It was nice though!
Thankfully there is lots of inspiration on supermarket shelves if you too are bored with plain burgers and bangers. Here are some recipes from Santa Maria to liven up your burnt offerings. (top tip - keep a spray bottle of water handy to calm the BBQ flames so you don't end up with charred chow.
Fajita Burger
Easy to prepare, these are perfect for feeding hungry hoards. Simply fire up the BBQ, and add Santa Maria Fajita Seasoning Mix to burgers for a Mexican flavour.
Ingredients: (serves 4)
Fajita Burger
· 500g Lean minced beef
· 1 Egg
· 1 Sachet Santa Maria Fajita Seasoning Mix Mild
· 4 Santa Maria Plain Flour Soft Tortillas
To serve:
· 4 slices mature cheddar cheese
· Half a red onion
· 2 tbsp Mayonnaise
· Santa Maria Yellow Chillies
Method
1. Mix together the minced beef, egg and Fajita Seasoning Mix and shape into burgers.
2. Preheat the grill (or fire up the BBQ) and cook burgers for about 3 minutes each side or until well cooked on the BBQ.
3. Grab the Tortillas, place the burger on top and add cheese, sliced onion, tomato, lettuce, mayo and Yellow Chillies.
4. Fold and serve with Fajita Wedges.
Pulled Pork
Perfect Pulled Pork in just 90 mins, with the Santa MariaPulled Pork Dinner Kits. Ideal for feeding the whole family, or impressing barbecue guests.
Serves: 4
Ingredients
· 1 kg pork steaks (shoulder, chops or loin)
· 2 red onions, peeled
· 100ml water
· 8 Santa Maria Mini Tortillas
· 1 sachet Santa Maria Pulled Pork Seasoning Mix
· 1 sachet Santa Maria Red Onion Seasoning Mix
· 1 sachet Santa Maria Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Method
1. Heat oven to 175°C/gas mark 4. Remove the cooking bag from the Pulled Pork Seasoning Mix and place the meat inside. Sprinkle the Seasoning Mix in and add the water. Close the cooking bag with the tie provided. Supporting the weight of the cooking bag, shake gently until the meat is evenly coated in the Seasoning Mix.
2. Place the cooking bag in an ovenproof dish, in the lower part of the oven and cook for 90 mins. Make sure the cooking bag isn’t touching any part of the oven, as it'll expand during cooking.
3. Whilst the meat is cooking, chop the red onion into thin slices, add into a bowl and sprinkle the Red Onion Seasoning Mix, until thoroughly covered. Leave for at least 10mins to soak through. But the longer you leave it, the better it'll taste.
4. When the meat is cooked, leave for a few mins before opening. Then carefully open the cooking bag. Pour the meat and juices into the dish and tear the meat apart using 2 forks. The meat should be tender and soft, and easy to shred.
5. Warm the Mini Tortillas and fill with the Pulled Pork, red onions and top with the tangy Chipotle BBQ Sauce. Enjoy this infusion of flavours.
Pulled Chicken
Fuss-free Pulled Chicken ready in a flash – the Santa Maria Pulled Chicken Dinner Kits means there is no need for overnight marinating or lengthy slow-cooking.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
· 1 Chicken (approx 1.3kg) or 4 chicken breasts
· 2 red onions peeled
· 100 ml Water
· 1 tbsp oil (if using chicken breasts)
· 8 Santa Maria Mini Tortillas
· 1 sachet Santa Maria Pulled Chicken Seasoning Mix
· 1 sachet Santa Maria Red Onion Seasoning Mix
· 1 sachet Santa Maria Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Method:
1. Heat oven to 175°C/gas mark 4. Remove the cooking bag from the Pulled Chicken Seasoning Mix and place the meat inside. Sprinkle the Seasoning Mix in and add the water. Add the oil if using chicken breasts. Close the cooking bag with the tie provided. Supporting the weight of the cooking bag, shake gently until the meat is evenly coated in the Seasoning Mix.
2. Place the cooking bag in an ovenproof dish, in the lower part of the oven and cook for 90 mins (chicken breasts 50 mins). Make sure the cooking bag isn’t touching any part of the oven, as it'll expand during cooking.
3. Whilst the meat is cooking, chop the red onion into thin slices, add into a bowl and sprinkle the Red Onion Seasoning Mix, until thoroughly covered. Leave for at least 10mins to soak through. But the longer you leave it, the better it'll taste.
4. When the meat is cooked, leave for a few mins before opening. Then carefully open the cooking bag. Pour the meat and juices into the dish. Then tear the meat apart using 2 forks. Carefully remove the skin and bones. The meat should be tender and soft, and easy to shred.
5. Warm the Mini Tortillas and fill with the Pulled Chicken, red onions and top with the tangy chipotle BBQ Sauce. Enjoy this infusion of flavours.
BBQ & Grill Mesquite Grinder, RRP £3, Morrisons
Pulled Pork and Pulled Chicken Dinner Kits, RRP £3.99, Morrisons, Ocado
Santa Maria Fajita Seasoning Mix, (Mild / Medium), RRP £0.90, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons
Disclaimer: I received some free samples as a thank you for sharing these great recipes. Views and opinions remain honest and my own.