Snow is no reason to miss out on the deliciousness of grilled food.

Just because it’s wintertime doesn’t mean you have to forego delicious grilled meals. In fact, the hot savory goodness of anything grilled is even more satisfying when the outdoor temps are frigid. Use the following tips to make sure your winter BBQs are a success.

Have plenty of cooking fuel

Remember that when temperatures dip, it will require more fuel to heat your grill. Additionally, plan for food to take longer to cook compared to warmer weather. Ensure you have plenty of fuel on-hand.

Clear a path

Make sure the path from your door to the grill is clear of snow and ice.

Let there be light

Michigan’s shorter winter days mean we have less sunlight. Be sure you can see what’s happening on your grill with an overhead light or a headlamp.

Be mindful of what you wear

Avoid scarves, loose leaves and other flammable objects that could make contact with the flames. To keep your hands warm and safe, consider a pair of heatproof flexible gloves.

Use a meat thermometer

Frigid outdoor temperatures and any wind can greatly slow the cooking speed of food. Use a thermometer to make sure meat is cooked to a safe temperature all the way through.

Keep the lid closed as much as possible

Every time you open the grill lid, you are losing heat and cooking inevitably slows down. In fact, Food Network says this can add five to seven minutes of cooking time. Worse, the longer meat is on the grill, the more likely it is to get dry.

Use warm serving dishes

Part of your winter BBQ plan must include getting the food from the grill to the table. A preheated cast iron skillet or pre-warmed serving platter will help keep your grilled goodies hot until you’re ready to eat.

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