During the winter, many gardens in the colder climates are simply abandoned. In the Netherlands everything changes on New Year’s Eve! Just before midnight, the gardens and streets are filled with cheer and merriment. Why don’t we all follow this fun example? Too cold, too wet or too much hassle? Not at all. In this blog you can read all about what you need for a perfect winter BBQ.
Yes, it is actually that simple. Then only thing you have to pay extra attention to in the winter, is the temperature of your BBQ. So, be sure to stand it out of the wind and under a roof, like in a gazebo, for example. Just leave one side open for ventilation. Have you invited a lot of guests or do you want to serve different dishes? Then perhaps an extra BBQ might come in handy.
Whilst the mercury drops to zero, you will of course want to maintain the temperature in your BBQ. Some BBQ’s have an integrated thermometer, but then you still don’t know if your meat is cooked properly or not. Avoid serving dry or raw food by using a meat thermometer. Stick the thermometer in the centre of the thickest portion of meat or fish, avoiding fat and bone.
The table below gives an indication for the temperatures of the most common types of meat and fish. Be sure to also ask your butcher or fishmonger for their advice.
| Soort | Rare | Medium | Well Done |
| Kip | – | – | 80°C |
| Kalkoen | – | – | 85°C |
| Varkensvlees | – | 68-70°C | 75°C |
| Varkensvlees (Pulled Pork) | – | – | 88°C |
| Kalfsvlees | – | 60-65°C | 70-75°C |
| Rundvlees | 48-50°C | 50-55°C | 60-65°C |
| Lamsvlees | – | 60-65°C | 70-75°C |
| Eend | – | – | 67°C |
| Eendenborst | – | 50-55°C | 60-65°C |
| Witvis | – | – | 60°C |
| Zalm | – | – | 45°C |
Allow the meat or fish to rest for a few minutes after barbecuing by wrapping it in aluminium foil, so it can become even more tender and delicious. Just be sure to make time for this.
Lanterns and candle-holders, of course, there’s so many you can buy. But for special atmospheric lighting, you actually don’t need to leave the comfort of your home. Any empty preserve and jam jars, old candle holders and drinking tumblers can be given a second life by decorating them with some leaves or twigs from your garden. Use a glue gun to fix them to the glass or candle-holder or simply tie them on with some wool or string. Just make sure that the decoration does not protrude above the top of the jar or holder, so your winter BBQ doesn’t end in flames. Of course, you can also use battery-operated candles or Christmas fairy lights.
With some torches, burner boxes or fire-baskets, you can create a warm and pleasant atmosphere. But keep your fire away from your garden furniture and gazebo. And on chairs and benches, lay out some snug throws so your guests will be warm and comfortable. Do you have a terrace heater? Then put it to good use! If you still find it too cold outside, then let your guests eat indoors and mingle outdoors. Hang a large pan filled with hot chocolate (or mulled wine) on a special tripod, which you can keep warm over the fire in your garden. And with some marshmallows on sticks, warm apple pie and a few funny tales, the time will fly by.
Do you have any more tips for a winter BBQ? Share them with us on Facebook!
~ Saskia ~