Lisa Faulkner has partnered with Red Tractor to support their BBQ campaign, so we caught up with her to talk about the importance of BBQs during the British summer and why they are the next big thing in cooking.
Lisa Faulkner
Why have men traditionally worn the BBQ crown?
I'm not sure that is the case anymore, but I suppose years ago when men cooked far less, the BBQ was seen as their domain as it was the only chance they got to play with fire and cook at the same time - boys and their toys and all that!
Why do you think it's time that women reclaim the BBQ reigns?
I think we love cooking on BBQs just as much as men do and now the cooking duties are more split the BBQ has become something that everyone loves to cook on as it means two things - the weather is good and summer is here.
Why are BBQs the next big thing in British gastronomy?
Everything tastes so good on a BBQ - you can't quite replicate that at home. Some of the best restaurants in the world now cook on open fires and that's also had a big impact in recent years.
Please tell us about the inspiration behind the dishes your created for this campaign.
Quick, simple and as tasty as possible is what I always try to achieve with my recipes, hence why working with Red Tractor has seen so good. As you know- the quality of the produce is such that the flavour is guaranteed. It's good to mix it up from the classics like burgers and sausages and try something new and original
Why have BBQs been synonymous with underdone burgers and burnt sausages over the years?
I think BBQs are getting a bad rep because of this. You just need to be careful and monitor what you've got on. It can be difficult to tell that the meat has cooked due to the charcoaling particularly chicken. If in doubt pre-cook in oven and then finish on the BBQ to give the same flavour.
Why are BBQs so socially important to families and friends this summer?
Brits love a BBQ. Having a BBQ is one of the first thoughts you have when the sun's out. It brings people together. Everyone can get involved. One person on the BBQ, one person making salads, you can use fresh produce from the kitchen garden and fresh herbs. Everything can be super local.
Can you tell us about a typical BBQ at your house?
White wine, chilled reds and good beer in the garden. Lots of fresh salads, friends, family, the kids running around and most definitely a summer pudding.
What is your favourite food to cook on the BBQ?
The steak tagliata recipe I made for Red Tractor's new campaign is one of my favourites. You also can't beat barbecued sirloin with harissa paste or barbecued lobsters with Garlic Butter, new potatoes and chorizo.
You are an actress and a chef, so do you have a preference between the two disciplines?
I have loved cooking as long as I can remember and have such fond memories of being in the kitchen with Mummy and my sister Victoria. But I always remember where I started and still enjoy it - once an actress, always an actress but being a cook gives me more time with the family. Masterchef turned it into a career unexpectedly.
You released your last cookery book in 2015, so do you have plans for another?
I am currently in the middle of writing my 4th cookbook which is equally stressful and wonderful at the same time - it's due to be published next spring so watch this space…
What is next for you?
I will continue to create recipes and cook on TV. I am so excited about this 4th book and I can't wait to share it with you. I am off to Australia to film for This Morning doing a new strand with them - you never know- John may even join me for it.
Throughout May and June Red Tractor are giving away a £500 BBQ every day for eight weeks, simply enter your details at win.redtractor.org.uk
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