Monday, January 19, 2009

Cold Weather Means Bar-B-Que Time

By Jon Q Zimberski

Many people put up their bbq grills and equipment right after the Labor Day holiday and don't take it out until Easter the following year. If this is you, stop it! You're missing out on some of the best bbq'ing around.

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.

There are a few things you will need to keep in mind before heading out in the Winter to bbq. For starters, it will take longer for your grill or smoker to heat up. So plan accordingly.

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.

Another thing to keep in mind is the area around your grill or smoker. During the Summer, the vegetation was lush and green. Now it's dormant, brown and brittle. Just right to ignite with a spark from your grill or smoker. If you have any doubts, hose downt the immediate area around your cooking area.

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

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