Neither sleet, nor snow, nor rain shall keep you from this grill! Grilling and the art of BBQ is a calling and it doesn’t take the winter off.

Throw on your apron and let’s get grilling because it's time for a winter BBQ. For too long summer has claimed all the BBQ glory, but not anymore! Armed with a leather apron and some great BBQ recipes, it's time for you to reclaim the grill in the name of winter.

Why Barbeque in the Winter?

Who said a little cold has to ruin a good meal? Even in the winter, you can have deliciously charred BBQ. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy some mouthwatering pork chops or ribs in the middle of winter!?

Having a winter BBQ is a great idea for the holiday season. When all the ovens indoors are occupied with sides and sauces, take that rich and tasty meat outside for grilling. Put on your leather BBQ apron and step outside, you’ll be the holiday hero with beautifully seared meats!

Special Considerations for Winter Grilling

The art of winter BBQ can be tricky. With a few extra considerations, you can grill with the same ease and flare as on a summer afternoon.

The first thing to consider for a winter BBQ is the grill itself. Always cover your grill when it is out of use and clean it well after each use. Even on the coldest days, it is never a good idea to grill under an overhang or in a garage.

In the winter it's essential that you limit the number of times you open the grill. The flames are fighting the cold air outside the grill to reach optimum temperature, so keep it closed! Try to choose classic meats and vegetables that don’t need a lot of extra attention when deciding what to make.

An important factor in winter grilling is your supplies. There are the basics like enough fuel for the grill, cleaning tools, an apron, and tongs, but in the winter you also need to consider the cold. Remember to wear a coat but protect it with a personalized leather apron, so you can grill in style and stay warm!

• Always remember that snow gloves are not a substitute for heat-resistant gloves!
• Always reach for tongs or heat-resistant gloves to protect yourself from burns.

Perfect Winter BBQ Recipe

If you are itching to get back to the grill in spite of the cold then grab your leather BBQ apron and let’s get cooking!

This awesome Squash and Chops recipe was designed for winter grilling. In the winter it’s great to use rich seasonal vegetables and thick-cut meats. Squash and Chops highlights thick-cut meat and halved squash in a way that will make everyone grateful for the bounty of the cold months!

Ingredients for Squash and Chops

Butternut Squash
Not many people realize that you can grill butternut squash! This sweet vegetable makes a show-stopping side when it is perfectly grilled! 

Olive Oil
This ingredient is used to oil the grill and to make a wet rub for the squash.

Cayenne Powder
This ingredient adds a little heat to the squash.

Paprika
Paprika adds wonderful color and peppery flavor to both the squash and the chops.

Brown Sugar
This ingredient helps bring out the sweetness of the squash.

Salt & Pepper
These essential seasonings are added to squash and chops alike to bring some flavor.

Pork Chops
You want the thickest cut pork chops available. Thick cuts can handle the slightly longer cook times required for a winter BBQ. If you need the right knife for trimming and cutting your meats try one of these elegant and high-performance knives! 

Cumin
This spice makes meat taste better, it just does! 

Chili Powder
Helps bring some heat to the dry rub for the pork. 

Oregano
This herb adds a nice herbaceous pop to the pork’s dry rub.

Expert Winter BBQ Recipe Tips

• Check your fuel tank before getting started and make sure the grill is clean.
• Be sure to preheat the grill and oil the grate immediately before placing the food.
• Do not start the squash until after searing both sides of the pork.
• Resist the urge to open the grill!

Grilled Squash and Chops Recipe

Yield: 4 Servings
 

Ingredients:

1 Medium Butternut Squash, washed

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

½ Teaspoon Cayenne Powder

½ Teaspoon Paprika

1 Teaspoon Brown Sugar

Salt & Pepper

4 Pork Chops, thick-cut to about 1 to 1½ inches thick

½ Teaspoons Cumin

½ Teaspoon Paprika

½ Teaspoon Chili Powder

½ Teaspoon Oregano

1 Teaspoon Salt

½ Teaspoon Pepper

Olive Oil

Directions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high or between 190 to 200°C (375°F to 400°F).
2. Cut the stem off the squash then cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and discard them.
3. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp olive oil with the cayenne, paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix until homogeneous. Brush generously on the cut side of the squash. Set the squash aside and prepare the pork.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper until homogeneous.
5. Tenderize the chops then rub them thoroughly on all sides with the dry rub. Get everything ready to move outside to the grill.
6. The winter weather can make cook times longer. If you have a thermometer on your grill it should ideally be between 190 to 200°C (375°F to 400°F). Gently oil the grill then place the chops on direct heat. Sear each side for about 5 minutes. After searing each side, move them to indirect heat to finish for another 7 minutes per side.
7. At the same time as moving the pork to indirect heat, place the squash on indirect heat. Grill for 7 minutes then flip and continue grilling for an additional 7 minutes.
8. Pork is done when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop reads 63°C (145°F). The squash is done when it is tender and easy to pierce with a fork. Rest the chops for 5-10 minutes before cutting. Scoop the squash out to serve. Enjoy!