Brrrrr…BBQ

When most people think of barbecue, they picture sunny patios, cold drinks, and sizzling grills in the heat of summer. But there’s something that makes lighting up the smoker so comforting when snow is falling. Winter BBQ IS possible and it grows your appreciation for smoke and fire in the cold.

Barbecuing in cold weather comes with one big advantage: control. Cold air makes it easier to maintain steady smoking temperatures. Plus, the smell that floats in the air is something special.

Being able to smoke bbq in the winter is a skill. You have to brave the cold to tend the fire while you’re yearning for those bites of flavorful meats. Outdoor cooking is a ritual—a quiet, meditative process. You are able to stay warm while you enjoy the morning silence while the brisk air attempts to win but the power that BBQ brings always comes out on top.

What’s the best meats to slow cook on a winter day?

• Beef brisket with a smoky bark and warm, peppery finish.

• Pulled pork that melts apart between your fingers.

• Smoked chili—yes, cook it right in the smoker in a cast iron pot for unbelievable depth.

• Spare ribs glazed with a sweet, spicy finish that contrasts with the chilly air.

But, please don’t forget the cider or bourbon coffee as you enjoy creating your masterpiece. 😊

There’s something so special about fire and smoke meeting ice and snow. The world slows down, and the experience becomes more than just cooking. You feel every step of the process: the bite of the cold, the warmth of the smoke, the anticipation building as the aroma grows richer over the hours.

So just because snow is falling and it’s single digit temperatures, keep your smoker out, bundle up, and ignite the fire. Smoking bbq will always be about savoring the tastes that comes with the tender bite you finally take but it’s also about embracing the art that we love.