Summer Is A Good Time To Bar-B-Que!
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.
The cool weather of Fall and Winter offers us backyarders a time to get out and grill up some of our favorite meat. Since the weather is so nice, why not make it a family affair? To me, cooking in the Fall and Winter sure beats standing over a hot grill when it’s 100 degrees outside. In fact, as I write this, it’s 28 degrees outside and I have a Venison roast in the smoker. Talk about good eats!
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.
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.
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.
Now go that grill fired up. You’ve been missing out on some of the best grilling of the year. In fact, you should try and grill and smoke some of your Holiday meals. A Ham right out of the smoker will surely put a smile on everyone’s face. Not to mention what a smoked Turkey will do!