Winter Tips For Your Barbeque

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

Don is the resident Grill Master over at
(http://bbq-recipes.blogspot.com) bbq recipes. Take a trip
over to see the many recipes he has. You'll find everything
from brisket to hamhocks. Try out one of his latest
(http://bbq-recipes.blogspot.com/2008/12/baby-back-pork-ribs-

done-right.html)
baby back rib recipes, we suggest the Baby Back Ribs Done
Right recipe. Mmmm mouth watering!