Hopefully 40 is the new 30

The Setting!


There was no doubt in my mind where I wanted to have my 40th Birthday Party.  I could only think of one place where we could celebrate, away from the summers crowds, with our closest friends and still enjoy our favourite pastimes of cooking, eating and playing with fire!  Since this is the allotment blog, I suppose I don't need to keep you guessing as to where the event was held!  We are lucky to have such an idyllic venue and hopefully we can make use of it again very soon!

The Allotment...

...with people.

The Menu!


1 Bone In Shoulder of Pork for Smoking
1 Butterflied Leg of Lamb for Direct Cooking over the flame.
A couple filets of Salmon, Mackerel, and Plaice
Lots of sliced Courgettes, Potatoes, Peppers, Garlic, Onions for grilling
Pita Bread
Raita (Cucumber and Yogurt Dip)
Clive's Homemade Bread
Leafy Salad

I tried to stick to Mediterranean flavours as much as possible, mainly because that is what I have grown this year and also they are so simple and very tasty!  So lots of garlic and olive oil, mixed with plenty of fresh herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, mint and basil.  Throw in the a few chillies for good measure and that was the base of all of the dishes that were made.  I will try and post the recipes in a later post.

Lots of Olive Oil, Oregano, Garlic, Mint and Chillies!

Having the BBQ at the allotment at this time of the year is like having a BBQ next to a free fruit and veg market.  We had all the courgettes, garlic, onions, chillies and potatoes that we could eat. In fact, midway through the preparation, we decided it would be nice to have a green salad, so we grabbed handfuls of lettuce (thanks Chris), some red spring onions, basil and coriander and mixed up a very tasty, leafy dish to go with all of the grilled options.

Lee putting out the wares 

The guests of honour

The Friends!

The weather managed to hold out and we ended up with an excellent day for a BBQ!  There was plenty of sun and of course while the boys slaved over the hot BBQ's the girls manage to do what the girls do best, sit around in sunglasses waiting to be fed!

The Girls looking very glam!

The boys discussing how nuclear fusion is possible

Speaking of fusion...

Richard does some last minute Raita

I cook....Clive prays

I am worried some of those eyes might be shut Clare!

Birthday Boy and a hot little number he picked up at the BBQ!

Lee winds down after hot day as co-grill jockey!

Thank you to all of our great friends for making it an absolutely fantastic day.  We appreciated all of your help with transport, equipment, furniture, photography, food and drink.  However most of all we enjoy your excellent company!