Thursday, December 25, 2008

Cold Weather Means BBQ Time

By Jon Q Zimberski

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.

Wintertime grilling can be a Family affair. In fact, whenever we have friends over for a Holiday party, my grill and smoker is going strong. I've never had a complaint about the food we serve at these parties. In fact, many want to know when we're having another one!

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.

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.

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! - 15275

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