Ten Reasons to ‘Wintercue’ This Season

Fondly missing summer backyard afternoons spent over the open flame? There’s no reason not to be barbecuing in winter, suggests the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA).

“While grilling is a common pastime during the spring and summer, there are more and more barbecuers using their grills and smokers year-round,” said Jack Goldman, president and CEO, HPBA. “Whether it’s winter in North Dakota or South Florida, you can’t beat barbecuing to give foods extra flavor and explore culinary ideas at your next get-together.”

To provide inspiration for stepping out of the kitchen and into the backyard during even the coldest of months, HPBA offers “10 Reasons to Wintercue”:

1. Enjoy simple comfort foods. Explore soups, stews, casseroles and chili over the grill during the cooler, darker months. Keep warm with this Beer Can White Chicken Chili.
2. Throw the ultimate Super Bowl party. Join the 28 percent of grill owners who barbecue on one of the biggest eating occasions of the year. Cheer on your team while enjoying these Planked Grilled Potato Skins.
3. Kick post-NFL blues. Use your open Sunday afternoon to throw out the playbook, and try a new barbecue recipe for your home team.  
4. Be different. Friends and neighbors will take note when you’re searing steaks in freezing weather, quickly earning you a stand-out reputation.
5. Cure cabin fever. Feeling cooped up? Get outside and fire up your barbecue for a complete family dinner of Braised Beef Short Ribs.
6. ROI. As a year-round griller, you’ll be getting more bang (and barbecue) for your backyard investment.
7. Switch up from the crockpot. Almost every meal we cook in our crockpots can be prepared low and slow in a Dutch oven on your grill or smoker, like this Slow Cooked Beef Stew.
8. Dine in with your Valentine. Surprise your flame with juicy lobster tails or a Rack of Lamb fixed in your own backyard.
9. Stay warm. It’s more fun to stand by a warm flame when it’s 29 degrees than 99 degrees.
10. Don’t be left in the cold. According to a recent survey*, nearly half of all grill/smoker owners cook out at least once a month during the winter.

Learn more about winter barbecuing at www.WinterBarbecuing.com, HPBA’s website dedicated to celebrating and inspiring backyard barbecuing during the coldest months.

(*Source: 2015 HPBA Barbecue Lifestyle, Usage & Attitude Survey)

Source: https://www.hpba.org/Resources/PressRoom/ID/66/Ten-Reasons-to-Wintercue-This-Season