From upcycling fruit to decorative ice - make your al fresco meal the best one yet 

<p>While the sun is shining, there's no time like the present to invite some friends and family round for an al fresco feast. It's what summer is all about - sitting outside, drinking ice cold drinks and indulging in some perfectly cooked hot-off-the-barby treats.</p><p>But if you want to know how to make it the best summer meal yet, then listen up.<script async defer src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></p><p><a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> has released its summer entertaining report which lists the top food and drink trends of this year. From introducing Middle Eastern delicacies to your BBQ repertoire to swapping burger buns for veggies, here's how to take your barbecue up a notch. </p><h2>1. Decorative ice</h2><p>Ice cubes are a must-have at any summer party or barbecue and according to Pinterest there has been an 82% increase in the number of people searching for ways to liven up their cubes. Get ahead of the trend and stay ice cold by adding fruit and herbs to your <a href="https://direct.asda.com/george/george-home/George-Home-Silicone-Ice-Cube-Tray-Formica-Blue/001484036,default,pd.html?cgid=D7M1G1C14" target="_blank">ice tray</a>. It's great for livening up plain water and cocktails alike!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a data-pin-do="embedPin" data-pin-width="medium" data-pin-terse="true" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/370632244318464820/"></a></p><h2>2. Flower power</h2><p>Flowers are sure to bring a smile to anyone's face - and even more so if they're edible. According to Pinterest there's been a 32% rise in the number of foodies searching for decorative flower inspo. This year add some extra colour to your dishes and make your guests feel very special by sprinkling a few edible flowers over your offerings. Or try adding <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/edible-decorations/cake-angels-flower-fun/910002536250" target="_blank">these sugary flowers</a> to your dessert. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a data-pin-do="embedPin" data-pin-width="medium" data-pin-terse="true" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/269653096417175084/"></a></p><h2>3. Bunless BBQ</h2><p>We all love a <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/american-cheeseburger" target="_blank">good burger in a bun</a>, but if you're looking for a lighter way to serve up your beef or <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/butchers-selection-sausages/asda-butchers-selection-12-cumberland-pork-sausages/78001886" target="_blank">sausages</a>, why not swap your carbs for a veggie alternative? For example, use some <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/lettuce/asda-growers-selection-romaine-lettuce-hearts/41732" target="_blank">romaine lettuce hearts</a> as <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/moroccan-lettuce-tacos" target="_blank">tacos</a> (pictured below), or <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/tomatoes/asda-growers-selection-salad-tomatoes/393295" target="_blank">tomatoes</a> halved work a treat for <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/beef-burgers-meatballs/asda-butchers-selection-8-beef-burgers/910002976720" target="_blank">burgers</a>. As stated by Pinterest, it's what all the all the cool kids are doing as there's been a 52% increase in how to BBQ bunless. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="moroccan-lettuce-tacos" class="ci-image ci-original" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/moroccan-lettuce-tacos_GL?scl=1" style="width: 600px;"></p><h2>4. smoked everything</h2><p>As seen with Asda's new <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/shelf/flavours-of-the-world/american/1215680629714?cmpid=otc-good-_-ghs-_-how-to-have-a-fuss-free-south-american-feast-_-features-_-section" target="_blank">Southern States of America range</a>, which offers everything from oak <a gotham href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/pulled-meat-ribs/asda-oak-smoked-beef-rib-with-bbq-sauce/910002976492?cmpid=otc-good-_-ghs-_-how-to-have-a-fuss-free-south-american-feast-_-features-_-section" narrow ssm style="font-family: " target="_blank">smoked ribs</a> to, juicy <a gotham href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/pulled-meat-ribs/asda-butchers-selection-oak-smoked-beef-burnt-ends-with-bourbon-sauce/910002976848?cmpid=otc-good-_-ghs-_-how-to-have-a-fuss-free-south-american-feast-_-features-_-section" narrow ssm style="font-family: " target="_blank">burnt ends</a> and <a gotham href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/pulled-meat-ribs/asda-spicy-chipotle-pulled-pork/910002977076?cmpid=otc-good-_-ghs-_-how-to-have-a-fuss-free-south-american-feast-_-features-_-section" narrow ssm style="font-family: " target="_blank">Spicy Chipotle Pulled Pork</a> too - when it comes to barbecues, smoke really is king. And it seems it's what the people want as there's been a whopping 170% increase in searches for 'smoked everything'. From mac and cheese to onion rings and cocktails - get creative and add some extra smokiness to your grub. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a data-pin-do="embedPin" data-pin-width="medium" data-pin-terse="true" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/309270699388656117/"></a></p><h2>5. Middle Eastern flavours</h2><p>It's time to push our beloved <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/chilled-dips/asda-guacamole/910002409834" target="_blank">guacamole</a> and <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/houmous/asda-houmous/910001809379" target="_blank">houmous</a> to the edge of the table and make room for <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/cooking-ingredients/asda-harissa-paste/910002697455" target="_blank">harissa</a> and <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/smoky-baba-ganoush" target="_blank">baba ganoush</a> as there's been a 55% increase in the number of searches for Middle Eastern flavours. If you're looking for some inspiration, try our <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/jewelled-butternut-squash-houmous-griddled-crudites" target="_blank">jewelled butternut squash houmous and griddled crudités</a> which is bursting with colour and flavour. Or spatchcock a chicken and barbecue this magnificent bird which is marinated in Moroccan spices. Yum!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt class="ci-image ci-original" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/moroccan-style_spatchcock_chicken_with_dill_yogurt_GL?scl=1" style="width: 600px;"></p><h2>6. Upcycled Fruit</h2><p>We love a little upcycling project. Just take this <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/melon/asda-growers-selection-watermelon/458915" target="_blank">watermelon</a> below for example, how appealing does it look? You could also hollow out a <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/exotic-fruit/asda-growers-selection-coconut/30694" target="_blank">coconut</a> and use it for a smoothie bowls or cocktail. It's the perfect addition to any al fresco event, especially as there's been a 37% increase in the number of searches for upcycled fruit. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a data-pin-do="embedPin" data-pin-width="large" data-pin-terse="true" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/468022586265705672/"></a></p><p><em>Entertain in style this summer and stock up on everything you need <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/?cmpid=ahc-_-ghs-_-asdacom-_-hp-_-nav-_-ghs" target="_blank">online at Asda</a> or pop into your <a href="http://storelocator.asda.com/" target="_blank">local store</a>. </em></p>

6 top food and drinks trends this summer

By ASDA Admin,10th July 2017

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