Whether you`re planning to entertain guests or have a family meal in your garden, these tips will come in handy. Let’s begin with the accessories you`ll require to make your barbecue a success.

Wire brushes: Scrape clean the cooking grill with a wire brush after you’ve finished cooking.

Basting brushes: Use a long-handle brush for applying oil or sauces to the meat while it is being barbecued.

Skewers: Skewers are available in metal, wood and bamboo. Wooden or bamboo skewers should be soaked for 1 hour in cold water before use. Metal skewers are ideal for meat that requires longer cooking time.

Meat thermometer: This is ideal for testing large roasts.

Hinged wire rack: This is excellent for holding food and allows one to easily cook fish and other delicate food like small vegetable pieces or cottage cheese.

Long handled double-pronged fork: A long-handled double-ponged fork is useful in placing food on the grill or testing whether the meat or vegetables are tender.

Spatula: A long handled spatula is ideal for turning foods that are delicate to handle, lest they fall apart.

Water-spray: A water-spray bottle comes in handy in the event of flare-ups.

Fire-proof barbecue mitts: These are ideal for handling hot skewers, splits, grills etc.

Fuels: The basic fuels used are charcoal, briquettes and wood chips. Some varieties of charcoal like mesquite and hickory have a distinct scent. Aromatic woods, nuts, herbs and spices all add to the scent of the fire.

Text: Rehana Khambaty

Also read:
Barbecue recipes

Image: Flickr/creativecommons alisdair