If you’re desperately waiting for spring to come and the barbecue season to begin again, stop waiting. With a bit of determination, there is no reason you can’t barbecue all year-round. You may, of course, decide that you don’t want to eat outdoors, but you can certainly cook (and if you do want to eat outdoors, it can be lots of fun wrapping up with hot mugs of tea around a bonfire). Here are some ideas to help you have the perfect winter barbecue.
1) Protect your barbecue from the elements
This is the most important part of having a winter barbecue, and the one that puts many people off trying it. A gas barbecue will probably fare better in the colder months, but you can use a traditional model too. Try and find a sheltered place away from those winter winds, but never put your barbecue under a roof or overhang - that can be dangerous. Naturally, your barbecue won’t get or stay as hot in cold weather, but you can try and combat the cold a little. Line charcoal barbecues with foil to reflect heat, and keep some extra fuel handy in case you need to give it a boost. If your barbecue has a lid, keep it closed to keep heat in. You can also buy barbecue covers to keep it safe.
2) Choose the right food
Food will take longer to cook on a winter barbecue. Pick foods that will cook quickly and simply. Kebabs (both vegetable and meat versions) will cook fast and well. Sausages, burgers and steaks are good too, though thinner versions are better. Chicken on the bone or anything that involves precision should probably be avoided, as it will be difficult to cook without frequently opening the barbecue lid (letting heat out) and may take some time. As an addition to your barbecued foods, you could make up a pot of wintry soup to keep guests happy while they’re waiting for their food, and to keep everyone warm.
3) Create the right atmosphere
Winter barbecuing should be about having fun, whatever the weather. Even if you plan to eat indoors in the warm, it can be nice to have your guests come and mingle outside as the food is cooking. Light a small bonfire or get a fire-pit, and put some garden chairs around it so people can keep warm. You may need some lighting to, to combat the dark winter night. Candles and tea lights can add a bit of light and create a lovely ‘fairy garden’ atmosphere. Have some hot drinks on the go to keep people going while they wait to eat. Hot chocolate is good for the kids, while adults might enjoy a mug of steaming mulled wine. And put some music on to make sure everyone keeps their spirits up.
Still not convinced? If you really don’t think that an outdoor winter barbecue is for you, why not consider investing in a barbecue hut? Popular in Scandinavia, a barbecue hut has a central chimney so you can safely barbecue indoors. Alternatively, you could get one of these cool fire baskets, light a fire and just toast marshmallows while you warm up in the starlit night.
