Monday Hot Tips #1

For some reason here at Dadding It we’ve been receiving quite a few emails recently. That’s not to say that the mail box has been overflowing, but there have been enough to make me think that devoting a little time to answering some of them would be worthwhile.  The range of questions has been diverse, everything from relationships and being a stay at home dad to cooking, home maintenance and one about brewing beer.

Exactly why the authors think that I have any expertise in some of these areas is unclear, because I don’t, and the expertise that I have in others is minimal at best.  However I think it will be fun to offer what I can which is mostly a different perspective and hopefully some common sense (Yes. I laughed at the irony of that one too).  I’ll try to answer one each Monday.  That way maybe you can get a Hot Tip from Murph.

So, to this weeks question.

Dear Murph,

In a few weeks I’m having an old workmate and his family over for a Sunday BBQ.  I haven’t seen him for a while and am keen to impress with my cooking skills.  Could you offer some suggestions as to what I should cook?  I just bought a Weber so I was considering a slow roast lamb but I’ve never done one before.  What about seafood on the BBQ?

Also I’ve missed out on making the eight in the AFL Fantasy Football league that I’m in(I’ve attached my team list). Can you offer some advice on how I can improve for next year.  I’m really embarrassed about it.  Any help would be appreciated.

Trevor from Thornbury, Victoria.

Thanks for the email Trevor.  BBQ.  Guests you want to impress.  That sounds like something that I can help with.  Simplicity is the key here.  If you haven’t done a slow roast in you Weber before I’d avoid it.  You don’t want to keep your friends waiting for hours while you figure out how to use it.

Assuming you’ve got a fair budget I’d start with prawns on skewers.  They cook fast so keep your eye on them.  Maybe marinate them in something.  It’s hard to beat a good steak too.  When BBQing I like a Scotch Fillet, though any quality cut will do, visit your local butcher.  Don’t overcook them though and remember to let them rest for the same amount of time they took to cook.  Don’t forget, the oil goes on the meat not on the cooking surface.  Fresh green salad, some imported beer and you’re good to go.   Of late I’ve been doing a stir fry on the BBQ.  If you do this remember to use peanut or sesame oil and make sure the grill plate is clean or you’ll just be using your stir fry to clean it.

As far as your AFL fantasy football team is concerned I’m not sure that I can be of much help.  I had a quick look at your team, and to be honest, they’re a bit crap.  They could almost be described as “amateurish.”

I hope that helps Trevor.  Drop us a line after the BBQ.  We’d love to hear how it does.

If you want Murph to give you the Hot Tip email him at mail@daddingit.com