Winter might not be the best time to think about BBQ’s, or is it?!

When receiving gifts myself, I quite often get things which are about food and drink… things I’m always happy to receive. So getting something that makes me look forward to the summer even more, is always welcome.

My next foodie gift idea, isnt JUST for BBQ’s however- but can be used all year round.

Those that follow me on twitter would have seen me using rubs and sauces from Smokey Carter already, I have to say that their range has been very popular in our house ever since I first received some as a birthday gift a while back. Little did I know then, that they were going to become a regular purchase, or that they were started in a house just minutes from where I live.

Howard and Samantha Carter started the company from home by making sauces and jams as gifts for family and friends, and that explains why their Chipotle and Bourbon BBQ is so unbelievably good, after all who wouldn’t want this as a present.

Their story resonates with my own journeys – working around the world trying different cultures and cuisines, which really makes you want to recreate these in your home. As well as gorgeous sauces they also produce a range of rubs.

Their Spiced Mango and Lime Spice Rub is perfect for rubbing into a Gammon for example – and then served with a spiced Pineapple and Nigella Chutney on the side, they really turn a weekday meal into something special.

The Pitmaster BBQ Spice Rub is great on all kinds of dishes – I’ve previously used this on Ribs, Steaks and Chicken.

There Mayo is also a real treat – used as a dip for chips or spread on bread for a sausage and egg sandwich – I also like to use it instead of a hollandaise on poached eggs. My partner easily finishes this in a week or two – adding a dollop or two to many a meal.

Chipotle and Bourbon BBQ sauce is also one of our favourites along with their Carolina BBQ Sauce – this really goes with everything, great in burgers or just as a dipping sauce.

I recently had the pleasure of trying out their ‘Chilli Sauce Man Box’. The first thing I had to try were these really tasty chilli nuts – smokey with a good chilli flavour – these are very addictive and great with a beer or cider (I thoroughly enjoyed them with Jack Ratts Cider with Hops which you can also read about here)

The box also contains the mother of all hot sauces – of course it has to be a scotch bonnet chilli sauce – if you love your heat – you’ll love this beauty. It isn’t only giving you a hit of heat, but is also bursting with flavour and a slightly sweet taste – another real winner. With a taste of the West Indies, India’s Jamaican Nana would love it.

Their gift ideas are vast and cater for an abundance of people – ranging from Sugar Free Rubs to Chilli Lovers Packs and Cheese lovers chutneys – check them all out here.

WIN YOU OWN KIT

As part of 12 Gifts Of Christmas – I have joined up with Smokey Carter to give one lucky reader the chance to win this amazing Chilli Sauce Man Box.

Consisting of a heat giving Scotch Bonnet Hot Sauce, their insane BBQ Sauce, a Spicy Mayo, Pitmaster BBQ Spice Rub, Chilli Nuts, a bottle opener (For the BBQ Beers) a reusable bag and some beer mats – the set retails for £27 and can be yours by entering the competition on twitter here (Closes 30th Nov 2018)