Welcome to issue number 3 of the Barbecue Online newsletter from Calor Gas

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http://www.barbecue-online.co.uk
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Contents:

1. Let there be light
2. And this month’s winner is...
3. Cover-ups aren't just for politicians
4. Outdoor Barbecuing is for 'real men'
5. Tips and recipes

Any feedback or contributions for next month to info@barbecue-online.co.uk

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1. Let there be light

Most of us, when asked how to illuminate a winter barbecue would think of a handy bedroom window. Sure enough, a 25-foot high light bulb and a set of open curtains will illuminate your garden pretty well, especially if you like your bedroom lit by an industrial strength 100w light bulb.

This solution is not however, without its drawbacks. Light from a single source has a tendency to cast impressive shadows at unfortunate moments. Should one stand facing towards the light and be dazzled, or face away from it and have your burgers disappear into a black hole of shadow. You could stand side on and pick out your cooking food in a vivid bass relief combining a bit of dazzle with a bit of shadow. There are a couple of alternatives to the 'What light from yonder window shines' method:

Alternative number one: Buy a torch of small diameter or practice jaw stretching exercises. Firmly grip the torch in your mouth (having first turned it on) and allow the natural movements of your head to cast a controlled source of illumination across the sizzling feast. If using this technique, you may well want to warn your friends that any attempt to engage you in conversation will result in underdone burgers and an overdone torch. Also, the enforced staring at a single spot on the barbecue may have slight self hypnotic effects and the inevitable saliva running down the torch will not endear you to the, suddenly not quite so hungry, guests.

Alternative number two. Invest in some garden lighting. Gas powered garden lighting is very easy to install and is guaranteed to be non-hypnotic and saliva free. A range of styles are available to suit your garden and pocket. Even the most determined shadow will have a tough time casting itself in-between two garden lights.

Even better they are useful for much more than just barbecues, allowing you to enjoy all that hard work in your garden throughout the year, providing a delightful new look to your plants.

For more information about garden lighting take a a look at:
http://www.barbecue-online.co.uk/barbecue_equipment/garden_lighting.htm

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2. And this month’s winner is...

Congratulations Nicloa Wimble, you are the winner of a Calgary Gas Barbecue. We'll be in touch.
And congratulations to all of you who have won our smaller prizes.

You can find all the details you need to enter our various competitions on the following web page:

http://www.barbecue-online.co.uk/barbecue_competitions.htm

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3. Cover-ups aren't just for politicians

The steady drip of water and the blowing of the wind can reduce the hardest of rocks to deep river valleys and impressive ravines. What chance does your barbecue equipment stand in the elements of a British winter? I suppose that you could describe rust as a water feature, but it's more likely that you will see it as an expensive and time consuming problem.

Even for those of you blessed with space in your garage or shed the pride of your garden culinary forays needs a little more protection (note the 'you', my garage floor is currently arousing archaeological interest). The solution is both simple and cheap, a barbecue cover. Let's face it, if it's good enough for a bird cage, it's good enough for a barbecue. I've had to delete my following comments about the relative costs of barbecues and pet birds, following objections from my more sensitive colleagues, but I think you get my drift ;)

Save money next spring by visiting the following page:

http://www.barbecue-online.co.uk/barbecue_equipment/barbecue_accessory.htm

(look for 'barbecue covers' and follow the links to our BBQ Shop)

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4. Outdoor Barbecuing is for 'real men'

When a man volunteers to do such cooking, typically the following chain of events is put into motion:

(1) The woman goes to the store.

(2) The woman fixes the salad, vegetables, and dessert.

(3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils, and takes it to the man, who is lounging beside the grill, drinking a beer.

(4) The man places the meat on the grill.

(5) The woman goes inside to set the table and check the vegetables.

(6) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is burning

(7) The man takes the meat off the grill and hands it to the woman.

(8) The woman prepares the plates and brings them to the table.

(9) After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.

(10) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed "her night off."

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5. Tips and Recipes

Hot off the press this month come the following tips from our site visitors. Thanks folks...

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Instead of paying out for potions to clean shiny leaf plants like bay. Use 50-50 milk & water, brings the leaves up a treat!

Karawl (not really a barbecue tip but adds to the ambience)

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The Captains Choccy bananas.

Ingredients:

4 Bananas (or one per person)
One small bar plain chocolate, grated (I prefer Bournville)
One tablespoon brown rum per banana
Squirty cream
12"square of foil per banana

Method:
Place a banana on a piece of foil and cut down middle
Add generous amount of grated chocolate
Add aprox one tablespoon of rum
Fold foil around to seal
Bung it on the barbie for 2-3 minutes

Open foil and squirt cream on and eat.
ENJOY

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That's all for now. Any contributions to the newsletter or just feedback are always welcome.

info@barbecue-online.co.uk