KEY POINTS:
Happy New Year!
Nothing says summer like the smell of food sizzling on the barbecue. After a day in the sun and lots of swimming at the beach, food cooked alfresco over a hot grill always tastes particularly good. And, if you're lucky, it's fresh seafood you've just caught - or sweet-talked from a friendly local fisherman. If you're in the city, of course, it's even easier.
Simply head to your local fish shop for the catch of the day. If you need to, gut the fish and carefully remove all the scales. Then crank up the barbie, add a good dose of olive oil and simply throw the fish straight on. To be honest, salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon or a juicy lime is all you need to allow the pure flavour of the fish to come through. Another option is to fill the main cavity of the whole fish with slices of fennel, herbs, finely sliced red onion and juicy oranges for an extra delicious taste.
While you are waiting for the fish to cook, serve up small balls of mozzarella sprinkled with thyme, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil then seasoned and wrapped in fresh vine leaves. And to finish, look for the sweetest of nectarines and grill on the barbecue, topped with lemon mascarpone and a scattering of lightly toasted pistachio nuts.
This is a meal to be devoured wherever you are. Perfect simply on the beach, on a terrace, or in the back yard by the pool.
Chef's tip
Use fresh vine leaves if possible - alternatively, tins of unfilled vine leaves packed in olive oil can be bought at many gourmet and Middle Eastern stores.
