Barbie update:

Presumably the first Alfresco Food Fortnight runs for a full two weeks, from July 21, just to stand a realistic chance of catching some sunshine.

Gastro Alfresco’s optimistic website (alfrescofoodfortnight.co.uk) is, err, no picnic. The food content is limited but it offers a “barbiometer” that forecasts the weather and “barbietiquette” tips for good manners at the outdoor grill by an expert from Debrett’s.

Overdone gems include: "Comedy aprons, chef's hats and swaggering machismo as the meat heats the grill are obtrusive and self-centred. Your guests have come to eat and socialise not to feel coerced into applauding a one-man show."

Gordon Ramsay: Indian barbecue

These recipes show you how different blends of spices can bring fragrance and aromatic flavour to your barbecue

• Grilled sweet potatoes with Indian spices

• Aromatic lamb kebabs

• Spiced chicken and cashew kebabs

How to have a green barbecue

Eco worrier Anna Shepard on how to have an eco-friendly barbecue

BACKGROUND

• How do you like your meat?

• How to choose a steak

• How to cook the perfect steak

• Kids' food expert: is Hollywood making us fat?

What a difference a day makes: how to chop an onion

Raymond Blanc gives a masterclass in a basic kitchen skill

Related Links

• Recipes for the barbecue

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• Masterclass: choosing a steak for dinner

Recipes include Corsican spatchcocked chicken with lime and coriander salsa and pancetta wrapped fresh figs with buffalo mozzarella stuffing.

How exactly it’s been calculated beats me, but next Saturday, August 2, is expected to be the most popular barbecue day of this year. It's probably something to do with the school hols and the fact the football season hasn't started yet.

Don’t hold your breath, though, more than three-quarters (78 per cent) of the 1,000 people who took part in a recent survey carried out by YourSayPays research panels have had a Barbie rained off in the past year, and weather tops the list of things which stops us eating outdoors.

The survey also confirmed that the barbeque really is a male domain, with more than two-thirds (67 per cent) of men wearing the tools holster in the head chef role. At least 23 per cent of women admitted that they don’t enjoying cooking outdoors. Presumably they are either happy to take a back seat or just prefer a well-equipped kitchen.

Burgers topped the poll of the nation's favourite barbie food taking a third of respondents’ votes. Steak came a close second, preferred by nearly a quarter, with the Aussie speciality – shrimps (prawns) – netting just 5 per cent of the votes.

Ten sizzling recipes for a barbeque

Grilled prawn and chorizo salad with tomatoes and feta by Jill Dupleix

Tandoori poussins with mango and relish by Gordon Ramsay

Griddled mackerel with gooseberry and elderflower sauce by Gordon Ramsay

Grilled Trout stuffed with Rosemary, Thyme and Garlic by Gordon Ramsay

Barbecued spare ribs by Jill Dupleix

Barbecued chicken legs by Gordon Ramsay

Barbecued sardines with mint and lemon courgettes by Jill Dupleix

BBQ Greek pork with lemon and oregano by Jill Dupleix

Heston Blumenthal's barbecue recipes including burgers and lemon sole

Peaches and Butterscotch sauce

For the best local produce in your area visit the Times Real Food Directory

Buy gourmet food online from Times Selects

For the chef Brian Turner’s best burger in the world recipe and indoor barbeque ideas visit www.stoves.co.uk/bbq

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