What Winter BBQ Means to Me

Char-Griller Ambassador James Llorens of Certified Creole BBQ breaks down why he loves winter grilling and why it's engrained into his life now.

Being from Illinois, the winter weather is cold and unpredictable. As my passion for BBQ began back in 2016, I had no choice but to embrace the weather. I wasn’t going to stop BBQ’n because it was cold and the weather was bad.

As time went on, I really started to enjoy it just as much as BBQ’n in the spring, fall and summer. I embrace the winter and especially when it snows. It may be cold and snowy out, but it’s peaceful. It looks beautiful and with everyone indoors, you can clearly hear all the BBQ sounds. I love to hear the charcoal crackle, pop and hear the food sizzle.

I bundle up with a few layers: gloves, hat and boots. I keep my grills/smokers covered, clean and stored away, so they are always ready to go. I give my grill/smoker extra time to thoroughly warm up, and I use a little more fuel. It’s important to monitor temperatures closer and allow a little more time for the food to cook. It may be an inconvenience for some to BBQ in the winter, but I absolutely love it and will always light up the grill in the winter.

My passion for BBQ runs deep and I take great pride in BBQ’n year-round regardless of the weather. Winter BBQ means a lot to me and I look forward to it. When you look forward to something, you enjoy it regardless of the obstacles that may be presented. It can be a challenge at times but it’s a challenge that I’m always up for.

As I write this blog now, I am chomping at the bit to go outside and fire up the pit for some grilling action. It’s currently 6°F with snow on the ground and, as usual, all my grills/smokers are ready to go.

So, to me winter BBQ means: embrace the winter weather and get out there and Just BBQ!