Can you believe there are people who only grill during the Summer? I hope this isn't you. If it is, stop it! You're depriving your friends and family some of the best grilled and smoked foods of the year. Grillin' when it's chillin' outside is one of the best ways to prepare meats and vegetables over a hot fire. Now go get that grill and smoker out of the Garage and fire it up. You have meat to cook!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!