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.
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!
I even fire up the grill on days when there's snow on the ground. In fact, I much prefer to grill outside when it's cold rather when it's 100 degrees. There's just something about being gathered around a grill cooking meat when it's 30 degrees outside. Try it, you'll see what I mean!
Before you head out and fire up the grill, keep these few tips in mind. Remember, your grill or smoker will take longer to heat up. So start your fire early. This includes you gas grill guys and gals. As a general rule, if you have one of those thin wimpy grills, it will take more wood, charcoal or gas to get it hot and keep it hot. Make sure you plan accordingly.
Cold Winter winds can sap the heat right out of an electric smoker. Make sure you have an insulation blanket handy. You can find these at most places that carry electric smoker or online at retailers like Cabelas. The blanket will keep your smoker warm and will allow your meat to cook evenly. Don't use anything flamable to insulate your smoker and do not use normal insulation! That should go without saying, but you know someone is likely to try it.
Since your grill will cool down quicker, I like to use a little extra wood or charcoal. This helps the meat cook better and keeps your grill at the right temperature. Also, try and place your grill or smoker out of the wind. Even gas grills can have a problem staying hot if there's a cold North wind blowing on it.
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! - 15359
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!
I even fire up the grill on days when there's snow on the ground. In fact, I much prefer to grill outside when it's cold rather when it's 100 degrees. There's just something about being gathered around a grill cooking meat when it's 30 degrees outside. Try it, you'll see what I mean!
Before you head out and fire up the grill, keep these few tips in mind. Remember, your grill or smoker will take longer to heat up. So start your fire early. This includes you gas grill guys and gals. As a general rule, if you have one of those thin wimpy grills, it will take more wood, charcoal or gas to get it hot and keep it hot. Make sure you plan accordingly.
Cold Winter winds can sap the heat right out of an electric smoker. Make sure you have an insulation blanket handy. You can find these at most places that carry electric smoker or online at retailers like Cabelas. The blanket will keep your smoker warm and will allow your meat to cook evenly. Don't use anything flamable to insulate your smoker and do not use normal insulation! That should go without saying, but you know someone is likely to try it.
Since your grill will cool down quicker, I like to use a little extra wood or charcoal. This helps the meat cook better and keeps your grill at the right temperature. Also, try and place your grill or smoker out of the wind. Even gas grills can have a problem staying hot if there's a cold North wind blowing on it.
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! - 15359
About the Author:
Don is the resident griller over at bbq recipes. Take a trip over to see the many recipes he has. You'll find everything from brisket to grilled Turkey recipes. Try out one of his latest baby back rib recipes, we recommend the Baby Back Ribs Done Right recipe. Mmmm mouth watering!
