The biggest holiday of the American Summer approaches.

The charcoal alight!

In just over a week, the Stars & Stripes will be decorating everything that doesn’t move and some things that do.  The scent of gunpowder from fireworks and outdoor grilling will fill the warm seasonal air, as America celebrates its independence from us Brits.

So, what more apt at this time of the year than to  share  some of my family’s favorite recipes for barbecues with you (meat, sides and booze) and I promise, hand on heart, this will be a burger and hot dog free zone.   But, if not these mainstays of BBQ land, what?  My preference is for something spicy, fresh and ethnic and in this, my first post for the big day, I will explore an easy to prepare recipe of Middle Eastern origin which deliver this in spades.

With a wonderful blend of dusky exotic spices and a taste of the Levant, it is the delicious and savory:

Middle Eastern Chicken