Are you one of those people who think barbequeing is only for the Summer? If so, you're missing out on some of the best grilling times of the year. Maybe you don't wear white after Labor Day, but you better break out the grill and smoker because you can server up mouth watering food during the dead of winter.
Fall and Winter offer backyard grillers some of the most favorable weather to grill outdoors. Insects are at a minimum and the heat off the grill will not help cook your bones along with the hot Summer sun! It's nice to be able to relax and cook the way you want without sweating all over the bbq.
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.
If you're using an electric smoker, you may have to wrap it in an insulating blanket. You can generally by these as accessories from vendors who sell smoker supplies. Whatever you use, make sure it's fire proof. I know one fellow who set his smoker on fire and ruined one of his Wife's quilts after wrapping his smoker!
Try and move your grill or smoker out of the wind. This is especially true if you have one of those flimsy metal or cast aluminum units. It can be difficult to keep these hot and cooking properly in a stiff Winter wind. You'll probably find yourself needing to add extra wood or chacoal to keep it hot.
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.
If you're one of the many who have been depriving friends, family and yourself of smoked and grilled foods in the Winter. Now is the time to stop. Go get that grill out and fire that baby up and start cooking some good food. Your Wife called and said it was okay! - 16463
Fall and Winter offer backyard grillers some of the most favorable weather to grill outdoors. Insects are at a minimum and the heat off the grill will not help cook your bones along with the hot Summer sun! It's nice to be able to relax and cook the way you want without sweating all over the bbq.
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.
If you're using an electric smoker, you may have to wrap it in an insulating blanket. You can generally by these as accessories from vendors who sell smoker supplies. Whatever you use, make sure it's fire proof. I know one fellow who set his smoker on fire and ruined one of his Wife's quilts after wrapping his smoker!
Try and move your grill or smoker out of the wind. This is especially true if you have one of those flimsy metal or cast aluminum units. It can be difficult to keep these hot and cooking properly in a stiff Winter wind. You'll probably find yourself needing to add extra wood or chacoal to keep it hot.
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.
If you're one of the many who have been depriving friends, family and yourself of smoked and grilled foods in the Winter. Now is the time to stop. Go get that grill out and fire that baby up and start cooking some good food. Your Wife called and said it was okay! - 16463
About the Author:
Don is the numero uno Grill Master over at Barbecue Recipes. There are many wonderful bbq recipes for you to try out over there. From Beef, Chicken and Turkey recipes to tender and flavorful Wild Game recipes, this site has it. While there, make sure you try out the best bbq rib recipes we've every tasted!
