Yesterday was one of the warmest days of the year so it was spent outside. Under shade from the glorious sun for health reasons. Being a Sunday, again I was looking for the alternative ‘roast dinner’ and I think it was pretty successful.

Cooking outside is great and it is a relaxed way to spend time with your special people. I really enjoy the Welsh classic barbecue – anything and everything from Iceland, loaded into bread and smothered in sauce. However, I like to have something a like more than that.

I found a recipe for Memphis style barbecue sauce. Unlike the TexMex versions which tend to be high on the smokey flavour. Memphis sauce is considerably less smokey whilst having a peppery kick. Same basic ingredients of tomatoes, onion, and garlic but cayenne pepper gives the lift.

Chicken breast portions marinated in the sauce with mixed peppers then barbecue in cast iron griddle pan on the lowest setting the of the smoker (still about 200C) for an hour and 10 minutes whilst also there were foil covered jacket potatoes drizzled in olive oil with a pinch of coarse sea salt. Next to another cast iron pan containing carrots, cauliflower, courgettes, potatoes wedges, and … cherries. A lovely hint of sweetness. A splash of olive oil and a good sprinkle of oregano and then cocooned in foil to make for a makeshift steamer.

Considering the cooking time and temperature, the chicken was literally melt in the mouth. Another family Sunday without any stress – except the washing up.