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"What do you bring to the table?"
It's a question often posed in job interviews, but it's also a big consideration when it comes to a barbecue.
Over the past few months I've been to more barbecues then I count.
After years of lockdowns and restrictions, the humble barbecue has served as the centrepiece at reunions with mates, loved ones and that random cousin you might only see once a year.
And if there is anything I have learned of late, it's that everyone's opinion of what constitutes the perfect Aussie barbie is different.
For my family it's all about sausages - at times up to four different kinds, if you're lucky - paired with a potato bake, bread (for sausage sangas), some Woolies coleslaw, potato salad and not a shred of anything green in sight.
But my partner's family go all out. They are Italian; so along with steak, pork, lamb, chicken and some sausages, you often get pasta, seafood, salads, lasagne, zucchini and eggplant.
We often leave in a very contented food coma.
Another barbecue we went to featured plenty of seafood, rice dishes, noodles, turkey and some mango sticky rice for dessert.
Then there's those who went above and beyond, slow cooking brisket or smoking various meats.
One barbecue was a make-your-own steak sandwich affair with various trimmings including haloumi, rocket, pineapple, beetroot and more.
The big question is often what to bring along?
Are you famous for your creamy potato bake? Does the family demand you make sticky date pudding for dessert? Are you the cob loaf king? Maybe, you're a pro at making homemade rissoles.
Or maybe you're the one who brings the perfect bottle of wine or pre-barbie snacks.
Another thing I've learned of late is that it doesn't really matter what you bring.
Just about any dish pairs well with a perfectly cooked snag (unless great uncle Bryan is at the helm and he always manages to burn them).
The main goal of any barbie isn't too show off your culinary prowess, it's about bringing people from all walks of life - your nearest and dearest - together for a meal.
So maybe it's not about what you bring to the table, but rather leaving the barbecue with your cup of love absolutely overflowing.
And perhaps the top button of your pants undone to make room for the inevitably fully-stuffed barbie belly...
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