What in the World is a Braii???

Reading Michael's emails are always a treat. He writes EXACTLY how he talks. He is ALL OVER the PLACE! I often have to Google things to learn what he is talking about and today is no exception. So in order to follow what I am talking about go quickly to his blog and read the email, it's a good one, and then come back and learn what is he is talking about in his last sentence.


So you're back! Well, it is not spelled "BRAII", so Mikey not to spell correctly, it is "BRAAI". It rhymes with "cry". This is the Afrikaans word for BARBEQUE! And all the info I read tells me it is quite the PARTY!!!
Here's something off one website I found.

"You can ask any South African braai-enthusiast what is the best thing about braaing and they will probably respond with: "The gathering of good friends, a double (2 tots) brandy and Coke and the smell of "braai vleis" (meat cooking) in the air".

Explaining your pardon, braaing is the South African way of cooking meat on an open fire. "braai" Is an Afrikaans word - Native to South Africa. Generally speaking, the type of meat most commonly used is Chops (Sheep's meat). Other meat types commonly braaied is steak, sausage (Wors), chicken and pork. The meat is usually prepared with a common meat spice and then cooked to taste - medium to rare, well done etc.

What makes braaing different from barbecuing is that a braai is only a braai if an open fire (using wood) is used as an heat source - not gas or charcoal. A fire is lit and then allowed to burn out till only the sizzling red hot coals are left over. During the time the fire takes to burn out an alcoholic drink is enjoyed usually brandy and Coke or a good beer complimented by good conversation. The average fire (+- 12 pieces of wood) will take about an hour to burn out until it is ready to braai on. The meat is then placed on a roster that is then placed over the red hot coals (plus minus 15Cm or 7.87 inches from the heat source) and turned occasionally. The meat tastes different to that cooked with gas or charcoal.

After the meat of choice have been cooked to taste, it can be served with any variety of side dishes such as toasted bread with tomato an onion as relish and potato-salad. The fire is generally re-lit and the prepared meal is enjoyed in front of the burning fire.
Here is a generally what you would require to braai:

1. 12 pieces of dry Wood - Preferable wood that doesn't burn out to quickly and that will leave you with a good heat source once it has burned out. I prefer Rooi-Krans wood.

2. Firelighters and a lighter.

3. Braai - Thongs

4. Meat of your choice. I prefer chops.

5. A safe place where an open flame fire can be lit and a bucket of water - just in case.

6. A good brandy+Coke to enjoy with your friends.

7. Roster to place the meat on."( I'm assuming they mean a roaster)

Can you just picture Mormon missionaries standing around with their brandy and Coke, waiting for meat to cook?!!! I am just kidding, but I thought this sounded pretty fun and I think when the boy returns we will plan a "braai" in his honor...
minus the brandy and coke, of course!!!