As Lanzarote experiences another spell of intense summer heat, Nerina Howell of Event & Catering Solutions Lanzarote shares some practical thoughts on staying safe when cooking outdoors. Drawing on more than 25 years of professional catering experience, she explains why looking after the food, the fire and the cook is just as important as planning the menu.
This week, Lanzarote certainly turned the temperature up.
Monday and Tuesday brought the sort of heat that makes even those of us who are used to island summers stop and take notice. With heat warnings, calima and temperatures climbing well into the 30s, it got me thinking about something we don’t often discuss – BBQ safety.
I’m Nerina from Event & Catering Solutions Lanzarote, and while I love cooking outdoors for family gatherings and celebrations, there comes a point when the weather deserves just as much attention as the menu.
When it’s hot, a BBQ can seem like the obvious choice. It keeps the kitchen cool, brings everyone together outside and creates a relaxed atmosphere. But when temperatures climb into the mid to high 30s, there are three things worth thinking about: the food, the fire and the person standing in front of the grill.
First, keep cold food properly chilled. Only bring out the meat, fish or seafood you’re about to cook, leaving the rest in the fridge. The same goes for salads, dips and creamy dressings. Serving smaller portions and topping them up as needed helps everything stay fresher and safer.
It’s also worth remembering that raw and cooked foods should never share the same plates or utensils. BBQs are sociable occasions, and when conversations are flowing it’s surprisingly easy to forget the basics. A little extra care can prevent unnecessary problems.
When it comes to chicken, I never recommend guessing. A simple food thermometer is an inexpensive piece of equipment that gives reassurance, especially when cooking thicker cuts.
And once everyone’s finished eating, don’t leave the leftovers sitting on the table while you enjoy another hour chatting. Get anything you’re keeping back into the fridge promptly.
Then there’s the cook.
Standing over hot coals on a normal summer’s day is demanding enough. Add extreme heat and direct sunshine and you’re dealing with temperatures from every direction. Keep water nearby, take regular breaks in the shade, wear a hat and sunscreen, and don’t be afraid to hand the tongs to someone else for a few minutes. If you start to feel dizzy, weak or unwell, step away from the heat and cool down. The food can wait.
Finally, don’t forget the BBQ itself. Position it well away from anything flammable, never leave it unattended and keep an eye on local weather warnings before lighting it. Sometimes the safest decision is to keep the BBQ menu but cook it indoors instead. Burgers, sausages, skewers and vegetables can all be prepared in the kitchen and served buffet-style with the same relaxed feel, just without anyone standing over hot coals in extreme conditions.
Whether I’m catering for an intimate dinner, a celebration or a relaxed garden gathering, good food is always about more than what’s on the plate. It’s also about looking after the people sharing the experience.
Keep the cold things cold, the hot things hot, the raw things away from the cooked things – and don’t forget to look after whoever is holding the tongs.
Nerina Howell
Event & Catering Solutions Lanzarote
“The best ingredients are the people around your table.”
Finally, on a slightly more personal note, today marks seven years of marriage for Matt and I. Happy Anniversary to my favourite electrician. Thank you for keeping the sparks where they belong while I take care of the sizzle in the kitchen. Here’s to many more years of good food, plenty of laughter and working as a great team.
Save The Date!
The diary is filling up fast with 2026 almost fully booked, and popular dates being taken in 2027 & even 2028. I always recommend booking early, especially for weekends and popular dates, as menus can be refined together afterwards and tailored to suit your guests, dietary requirements and budget.
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Contact Nerina
Email: nerinahowell@gmail.com
Phone: 0034 711 065 993
Website: www.eventandcateringsolutionslanzarote.com
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