Modern barbecuing is a staple on statutory holidays, with many families having "secret" barbecue sauce recipes handed down from generation to generation. (Speaking of which, have you tried our Chocolate & Beer BBQ Sauce?)
But despite its popularity in North America, barbecuing might originally have come from the Caribbean. There, locals smoke fish and other meats over a wooden structure (lit from underneath) called a barbacoa. Spanish explorers took this concept (and the word itself) back to Spain sometime during the 14th century, and then on to the American colonies.
However, barbecue might come from the Old Anglo-Norman word barbeque, which is believed to be a contraction of the French barbe-à-queue meaning 'from beard to tail' and referring to how an animal was cooked over a fire.
The word barbecue first appeared in print in England in 1526. In 1755, linguistic scholar Samuel Johnson included it in his Dictionary of the English Language, one of the most influential English dictionaries ever published.
While there are many lively debates over the right way to barbecue, especially in the aptly-named "Barbecue Belt" in the southern region of the United States, barbecues really mean one thing only: The opportunity to share a meal with friends and family.
Oh, and winning the neighbourhood barbecue contest, which you’re sure to do with these BBQ recipes: the ever-loved Chocolate Baby Back Ribs and our Caribbean-inspired Grilled Pineapple with Tequila Chili Pepper Chocolate Sauce.
Not to mention that our Strawberry Salad with Chocolate Vinaigrette is an excellent vegetarian entrée or bed for any BBQ meat.