Backyards Made for BBQs & Family Fun
by Carlisle Homes
Enjoy the summer in your Carlisle EasyLiving backyard, perfect for relaxing, entertaining and family fun.
Why move into an apartment when you can have your very own house, complete with a backyard and all the extras? Having a great outdoor space transforms the way you live and enjoy your home. Not only does it provide a whole extra ‘room’ for entertaining, but it allows for smooth flow between inside and out and creates the perfect safe spot for the kids to get active (and out of your hair!)
Our EasyLiving homes makes entertaining just that – easy – with the best in modern amenities and styling. Pictured is Springwood.
From the moment you step inside one of our great-value Carlisle EasyLiving homes, the lifestyle opportunities become clear. Enjoy barbecues with friends and family all summer long in your spacious alfresco area (with the option to upgrade to an even larger outdoor space if you prefer) and let the kids get all the fresh air and fun they need in your own lush backyard.
With three roomy bedrooms (all with walk-in robe or built-ins), there’s space for guests to stay over, and with a layout that cleverly positions some of the bedrooms at a good distance from your open-plan living and alfresco areas, you can carry on socialising indoors or out without risk of waking the baby from naptime. Got older kids? There’s a cosy rumpus/theatre room they can claim as their own to hang out with friends, play video games or enjoy movie nights together as a family.
The spacious living areas of our EasyLiving homes have direct access to the outdoor alfresco area to allow guests to flow easily in and out as the day progresses. Pictured is Renwick.
Other features first-time home buyers will love include two fully appointed bathrooms (so no arguing over who gets first shower in the morning!), guest powder room, spacious walk-in pantry so you can keep your open-plan kitchen clear and tidy, study nook, double lock-up garage and internal laundry.
To help you kick off the outdoor entertaining season in maximum style and flavour, here are some great barbecue recipes to try. Let the good times begin!
Embrace the flavours of summer with this juicy Grilled Chicken in a bright and zesty lemon thyme marinade.
Grilled Chicken with Lemon and Thyme
Prep time – 10 minutes
Cook time – 20 minutes
Servings – 4
Ingredients
4 Chicken Breasts, bone-in, skin-on
2 Lemons
4 Garlic Cloves, crushed
3 Sprigs Thyme, or 1 teaspoon dried Thyme1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and more for grilling
Sea Salt and Ground Black Pepper
Method
Step 1: Pat chicken breast dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Place chicken in a large bowl and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Step 2: To prepare the marinade, slice 1 lemon crosswise into thin rounds, and remove any seeds. Rub sliced lemons with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and set aside. Slice the remaining lemon in half and squeeze juice into a small bowl. To the lemon juice, add crushed garlic, thyme and 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and mix until combined.
Step 3: When chicken has reached room temperature, pat down dry again to remove any moisture drawn out by the salt. Rub chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Pour lemon juice marinade mixture over the chicken and set aside for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare your grill on medium-high and grill the sliced lemons, until lightly charred, turning once. Transfer lemons to a plate. Grill the chicken skin side down, until skin is browned and starting to crisp, about 15 minutes. Turn chicken over and continue to grill on flesh side until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Transfer chicken onto plate and let rest for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Scatter grilled lemon slices on chicken and season with salt and pepper and serve.
If you love a beautiful cooked piece of Steak, this recipe is for you. This no fuss guide will have you cooking a perfect steak for your guests each and every time.
Perfectly Grilled Steak
Prep time – 5 minutes
Cooking time – 8-10 minutes
Servings – 4
Ingredients
4 Rib-Eye Steaks, boneless, 3 to 4cm thick
2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sea Salt and Ground Black Pepper
Method
Step 1: Remove steaks from refrigerator and let sit covered for 20 minutes, until at room temperature.
Step 2: Once at room temperature, coat steaks with oil on both sides and season liberally with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Prepare the grill on high heat and transfer the steaks on the heat. Cook until golden brown and slightly charred, for about 4 to 5 minutes. Turn the steaks over and continue to grill for 3 to 5 minutes for medium-rare, 5 to 7 minutes for a medium or 8 to 10 minutes for medium-well.
Step 4: Transfer steaks onto a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Light and healthy, this Grilled Salmon is made special with a sweet and peppery honey ginger marinade and will be a star at your next barbecue.
Honey Ginger Grilled Salmon
Prep time – 10 minutes
Cook time – 10 minutes
Servings – 4
Ingredients
4 Salmon Fillets
1 teaspoon Ginger, minced
1 teaspoon Garlic, minced
1/3 cup Soy Sauce
1/4 cup Honey
Method
Step 1: Mix ginger, garlic, soy sauce and honey in a small bowl and stir until combined.
Step 2: Line salmon fillets into a large plate and drizzle marinade over the fillets until completely covered. Set aside for 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare grill on medium heat and place salmon onto grill. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve immediately.
This recipe for Grilled Vegetables is the perfect side dish for your backyard barbecue. Simple yet full of flavour, it’s a delicious way to get your daily serving of vegetables all in just one meal!
Grilled Vegetables
Prep time – 15 minutes
Cook time – 10 minutes
Servings – 4
Ingredients
2 Portobello Mushrooms, cut in half
4 Small Vine-Ripe Tomatoes 1 Zucchini, cut into rounds
4 Asparagus Spears
1 Red Capsicum, cut into rounds
1 Red Onion, cut into rounds
2 Garlic Cloves, minced
1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sea salt and Ground Black Pepper
Method
Step 1: Place all vegetables into a large bowl and add garlic, olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss vegetables, coating every piece with the oil and set aside for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the grill on medium heat. Grill the vegetables until tender and lightly charred, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately.
Sink your teeth into these delicious and tender beef burgers at your next barbecue. Serve with toasted burger buns, sliced vegetables and an array of condiments for a crowd-pleasing meal. For vegetarian guests, you can substitute black beans instead of meat for a delicious veggie burger option.
Home Made Beef Burgers
Prep time – 20 minutes
Cook time – 10 minutes
Serving – 6
Ingredients
750g Beef Mince
1 cup Breadcrumbs
1 large Brown Onion
1 Egg, lightly whisked
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
2 Garlic Cloves
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sea Salt and Ground Black Pepper
Method
Step 1: Place the beef mince, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, parsley, garlic and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl. Mix until combined and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Divide the mixture into 6 patty portions and shape each portion with your hands into a patty. Transfer to a tray and with the back of a spoon, dent the center of each patty so they don’t puff up during cooking. Chill the patties in the fridge for 30 minutes prior to cooking to ensure they stay in shape and allow for the flavours to develop.
Step 3: Prepare your grill on medium heat. Cook patties for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until browned and cooked through. Serve warm.
Want more inspiration? Look out for more summer recipes and entertaining tips on our Home Files blog or follow us on Instagram @CarlisleHomes.