Can you believe there are people who only grill during the Summer? I hope this isn't you. If it is, stop it! You're depriving your friends and family some of the best grilled and smoked foods of the year. Grillin' when it's chillin' outside is one of the best ways to prepare meats and vegetables over a hot fire. Now go get that grill and smoker out of the Garage and fire it up. You have meat to cook!
Don't think that grilling in the cold is a good idea? Why do you think that tailgating is so popular! It's not because of the football, it's because everyone likes to gather around a hot fire and cook their favorite meat. Football is only an excuse some use to go outside and grill up some tasty treats!
Any food you grill during the Summer only gets better in the Fall and Winter. It's also the perfect time to try your hand at grilling Wild Game. Many hunters have some meat in the freezer from Fall hunts plus there are a lot of grocers now carrying Wild Game. Keep in mind that most Wild Game has less fat than beef, chicken or pork so it will need special attention. Mainly, that you should cook it slower and be sure not to overcook it. It should have a warm pink center.
Grilling in the dead of Winter requires a few special techniques. First off, build your fire early. If you're using wood or charcoal, add a little extra. Your grill or smoker will take longer to heat up and take more fuel to keep it hot. Make sure you take this into consideration before you throw the meat on.
Electric smokers and gas grills may require an insulative blanket. This is especially true for electric smokers. Cold winds can quickly sap all the heat from an electric smoker and cause the internal temperature to fall below safe levels. Most electric smoker dealers carry these special blankets. Make sure what ever you use to wrap your smoker or grill, that it's fire proof. It can be easy to set anything else on fire so be careful.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when grilling outdoors during the Winter months is to keep your grill or smoker hot. Cold Winter winds can quickly sap the heat right out of your unit. This lowers the internal temperature to an usafe level, especially if you're smoking a large piece of meat.
You'll also need to take into consideration where your grill and smoker are set up. Chances are you have some dead grass or other vegetation in the immediate area. This can go up like a Roman candle from the smallest of sparks, especially if there is a wind to help it out. Always keep these areas mowed and if in doubt, hose down the area around your grill and smoker.
So just because it's a little cold outside doesn't mean you have to put up the grill. Keep them out and use them on a regular basis and enjoy the tasty treats your bbq will serve up. Try cooking your Holiday meals out on the grill. Nothing says lovin' like fresh smoked Ham or grilled Turkey for those Holiday dinners! - 16459
Don't think that grilling in the cold is a good idea? Why do you think that tailgating is so popular! It's not because of the football, it's because everyone likes to gather around a hot fire and cook their favorite meat. Football is only an excuse some use to go outside and grill up some tasty treats!
Any food you grill during the Summer only gets better in the Fall and Winter. It's also the perfect time to try your hand at grilling Wild Game. Many hunters have some meat in the freezer from Fall hunts plus there are a lot of grocers now carrying Wild Game. Keep in mind that most Wild Game has less fat than beef, chicken or pork so it will need special attention. Mainly, that you should cook it slower and be sure not to overcook it. It should have a warm pink center.
Grilling in the dead of Winter requires a few special techniques. First off, build your fire early. If you're using wood or charcoal, add a little extra. Your grill or smoker will take longer to heat up and take more fuel to keep it hot. Make sure you take this into consideration before you throw the meat on.
Electric smokers and gas grills may require an insulative blanket. This is especially true for electric smokers. Cold winds can quickly sap all the heat from an electric smoker and cause the internal temperature to fall below safe levels. Most electric smoker dealers carry these special blankets. Make sure what ever you use to wrap your smoker or grill, that it's fire proof. It can be easy to set anything else on fire so be careful.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when grilling outdoors during the Winter months is to keep your grill or smoker hot. Cold Winter winds can quickly sap the heat right out of your unit. This lowers the internal temperature to an usafe level, especially if you're smoking a large piece of meat.
You'll also need to take into consideration where your grill and smoker are set up. Chances are you have some dead grass or other vegetation in the immediate area. This can go up like a Roman candle from the smallest of sparks, especially if there is a wind to help it out. Always keep these areas mowed and if in doubt, hose down the area around your grill and smoker.
So just because it's a little cold outside doesn't mean you have to put up the grill. Keep them out and use them on a regular basis and enjoy the tasty treats your bbq will serve up. Try cooking your Holiday meals out on the grill. Nothing says lovin' like fresh smoked Ham or grilled Turkey for those Holiday dinners! - 16459
About the Author:
Don is the head griller over at Barbeque Recipes. There are many delightful barbecue recipes for you to try out over there. From Beef, Chicken and Turkey recipes to mouth watering Wild Game recipes, this site has it. While there, make sure you try out the best bbq rib recipes we've every tasted!
