Sunday, January 18, 2009

Fall Is A Great Time To BBQ!

By Jon Q Zimberski

Many people put up their bbq grills and equipment right after the Labor Day holiday and don't take it out until Easter the following year. If this is you, stop it! You're missing out on some of the best bbq'ing around.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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