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Summer Is A Good Time To Bar-B-Que! |
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Summer Is A Good Time To Bar-B-Que! by JonQZimberski
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!
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.
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.
Finally, make sure the area around your grill and smoker does not contain any dead grass or other dry debris that can catch fire. In the Spring and Summer, the grass and vegetation are green and less flamable. But in the Fall and Winter all that vegetation is usually dead. It's a tinder box waiting for a spark!
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!
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! |
Common Grilling Questions
