Braving a BBQ in Winter

If you follow my blog you will know that I’m from Peru and at this time of the year my family and friends are in the middle of the Summer enjoying the sun, the beach and having great BBQ’s. That made me feel a little bit nostalgic because I love BBQ’s and thinking about that made me want them even more, LOL. Here in the UK we are now in the middle of Winter but then I thought that just because Winter is here, it doesn’t mean that you have to abandon all the activities you have enjoy in Summer, especially when they involve delicious food! Burgers, sausages, corn on the cob, tasty salads and adventurous sauces – a winter BBQ will intrigue your loved ones as well as getting their tummies rumbling. Therefore, you can still enjoy a great BBQ despite the cold. These are my tips for braving a BBQ in Winter.

You only need one excellent BBQ experience to become hooked on all the gorgeous flavours that can come from this form of outdoor cooking. Imagine if you could give that experience to friends and family? Here’s some top tips to getting a winter BBQ right.

1. INVESTING IN A DECENT BBQ

The quality level of BBQ’s goes from a throw away one for about £5, up to serious money (that rivals buying a new car) of £10,000! Assuming that your budget is not that of someone with £10k to burn, it’s best to look for the best budget BBQ’s that can be used again and again all year round.

This article from the Telegraph gives a rundown on some of the best BBQ’s currently on offer ranging from £70-700, depending on your BBQ budget. Think about what best suits your needs as the choice of machine needs to fit that. You can go for style, agreeable price or movability – maybe even all three if you can find it!

2. THE PERFECT BBQ SETTING

The key thing to keep in mind for your winter BBQ is heat. And lots of it. People associate BBQ’s with a hot summer’s day and you need to alleviate any worries of frosty fingers and icy toes. Outdoor heaters are perfect for this and you don’t need to spend a fortune to get them either. A favourite for many, and perfect for getting everyone huddled together, is a fire pit. My parents in law like to do that and it is perfect. This addition will give your guests a focal point in your garden to congregate around and mingle, along with a place to sit around while tucking into your delicious grub!

If you have a garden-facing kitchen, you are in BBQ heaven. Having the benefit of folding doors gives you the opportunity to open up your kitchen and garden into one complete hosting area. So, if things get a little too nippy and not even a fire pit can save things, you’ve got the sanctuary of your kitchen to carry on the merriment.

3. HOW TO DRESS FOR A WINTER BBQ

Remember two things to tell your guests and everything should be fine: a) wear layers and b) fingerless gloves!

Layers are all important as the heat level will fluctuate depending where your guests are during the BBQ. If they’re chatting with the chef at the BBQ itself then the heat from the BBQ might not keep them that warm, so opting for more layers at this point is a good idea. However, if they’ve nestled themselves into a group around the firepit or patio heaters, then they are good to remove a few layers.

Fingerless gloves are perfect for your winter BBQ as they keep your hands warm while leaving the fingers free to enjoy eating the results of your hours of grilling. And they’re not to be mistaken with something that’s tatty or unfashionable either with brands like Barbour getting in on the action.

4. TOP WINTER RECIPES

As well as the BBQ classics we all know – meat, burger, tomato sauce – there’s also a whole other world of warming treats to please your family and friends.

Meat lovers

• The Aussie burger with all the trimmings
• Grilled Rib-eye steaks
• Ginger and honey chicken wings

Fish lovers

• Grilled fish tacos with roasted chilli and avocado salsa
• Grilled prawn sandwich

Vegetarian and vegans

• Chilli and cheese melts
• Easy BBQ beans

5. HOW TO CLEAN A BBQ

Yes, the dreaded clean up operation. The only downside to BBQing is the aftermath of it. But, you’ll be looking after ‘future you’ by cleaning it now, as the next time you pull it out of the garage (hopefully sooner rather than later) you can use it straight away. Especially when your friends and family begin asking when the next BBQ is taking place.

Plus, with the help of sites like Art of Manliness, you can make cleaning your BBQ seem like a much more technical and masculine task that might appeal to the menfolk. And if not, I’m sure the kids can be bribed with the tasty leftovers!

And this is it! I hope this is helpful if you are planning to brave a BBQ in Winter!!

Have you done a BBQ in the Winter before? What do you things of these tips? Do you have any more tips to add to the list? Leave a comment below as I would love to hear your opinion.

*Disclaimer: collaboration post

Thanks for stopping by,

Love you all ❤️

Franca  💋