If you are like most South Africans you are probably also having a look at your calendar to see how many months, weeks and days there are until Spring. The good news is that the long wait is almost over and it is time to dust off your outside entertainment area for September. September in our country, is a month of celebration with it being Heritage Month and with National Heritage Day and National Braai Day both taking place on the 24th of September, you really have no choice but to invite over some friends and family for a day of fun in the sun.
National Braai Day has been around for a while and sets the tone for National Heritage Day as it is South Africa’s annual day of patriotic celebration. The idea is to unite around fires with friends and family to enjoy a delicious braai, all whilst celebrating our country and, the diversity within¹. “At Camp Master, we always ensure that we have a range of products available during this time so that South Africans enjoy a memorable day around the braai. On the day, the air is almost charged with electricity as everyone is gearing up to join in the fun”, said Kristin Allen, Business Manager for Camp Master.
The decision is yours when deciding how big or how small you would like to go on the day, but no matter how big you make the occasion, there are certain elements which are must-haves for the day. The first item you need is a good quality braai. A stainless steel portable braai is available from Camp Master to meet your needs. The size of your braai will be determined by the space you have available on your patio or in your garden. Unpack some comfortable camping chairs – and if you don’t have enough to go around, there is nothing wrong with asking guests to bring their own. Shade your party area with gazebos and, chill your drinks in coolers with ice.
The next step is to make sure you have enough charcoal/ briquettes and firelighters so that you can get the braai going. A popular recurring debate around the braai is why use charcoal as opposed to briquettes and vice versa. The answer to this is that it boils down to personal choice, but, there are differences between the two and how they perform in a braai. Charcoal is in its natural form and it lights faster, burns hotter, leaves very little ash and is easier to adjust the temperature. Briquettes are generally more affordable as they are manufactured from wood by-products and compressed with additives that help them light and burn consistently. The benefit with briquettes is that they burn longer and they are able to maintain a consistent temperature.
Regardless of your preference, Camp Master offers both briquettes and charcoal along with firelighters at competitive rates. Don’t forget the matches, without these no one will be having a braai.
“Before you start your braai, plan what meat to braai on the day and decide which sides you will be serving it with. An assortment of fresh salads and breads are fantastic accompaniments to braaied meat on a warm day. This also allows mom to be away from the kitchen and enjoy a bit of free time,” added Allen. As straightforward as it may seem, there is a correct order in which to braai your meat. Always braai your chicken first, then wors and tjops and save steak till last as it is the quickest.
In terms of having the right tools, you could manoeuvre your braai meat effortlessly with a braai tong, steel spatula and steel fork. One of these is guaranteed to work with your variety of meats.
“Make sure that you start planning early for National Braai Day. Given the rapid passing of time this year has seen, it’s going to be the 24th of September before you know it”, concluded Allen.
Visit www.campmaster.co.za for more information on the product range available at Builders Warehouse, Makro and Game or find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CampMasterFan/.
References:
- National Braai Day, http://braai.com/national-braai-day-mission/
About Camp Master:
Camp Master, a part of Massmart, a South African-based globally competitive regional management group, is one of the best camping outdoor brands in South Africa which provides consumers with a large range of affordable products. All products come standard with a twelve-month warranty.
WIN! We’re giving away a Camp Master braai hamper worth over R2 500! To enter, simply complete the entry form below. Terms and conditions apply. Competition ends 30 September 2017.
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Imka Webb is a freelance digital marketing expert and the digital editor of Food & Home Entertaining magazine. www.imkawebb.com
