Summer Barbecues!

Nowadays, we are all careful about all the details of our culinary life. We need the right ovens, the right bread, the right ingredients, the best meat, the best wines, the most soulful chocolate, the freshest fish. Then, when it's barbecue time, we line up all our best ingredients, then drive down to the petrol station and splash out a few quid on a bag of fuel-saturated rubbish, bring it home and light it, and expect culinary heaven.

Of course, it doesn't happen.

But, it can happen. That barbecue heaven can be guaranteed, if you source good, properly made, environmentally sound, charcoal. And, the good news is, such charcoal is made and sold in Ireland.

Susan Johnson of the spectacular Ailwee Cave Company in Ballyvaughan, County Clare, sells the best charcoal we have ever come across. It is made from hazel woods, which are coppiced in strict rotation, thereby preserving the source. The charcoal is made in a barrel, which is punctured with holes. A fire is lit in the barrel, the lid is clamped on and sealed, and about 24 hours later the fire will be out and the wood can be inspected. And the flavour it gives to the food! Astonishing! A pure, natural smokiness that is nothing less than addictive. The fact that it is environmentally sound is an important bonus, but you need Ailwee Cave charcoal simply because it is the most superb cooking medium.

"For bulk orders, ring well in advance, in case the charcoal burner has gone off for his own barbecue!", writes Susan Johnson.

Just wait until you cook the entrecote Recipe of the Month with this charcoal; you won't believe the flavour. Summer is here.

Ailwee Cave, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare
Email: ailwee@eircom.net
Website: www.ailweecave.ie

Illustrations: Taken from 'Outdoor Feasts' Hugh Arnold (Kyle Cathie)