Summer’s over, so we all need to cover and put away our grills.

Hahaha, just kidding. Winter grilling is some of the best grilling EVER!

However, just like summer grilling, winter grilling requires some special care. The first thing you need to do is shovel any snow off your deck and away from the grill. You don’t want to take any chances of slipping on ice or snow and falling into the grill!

Next, you need to make sure you’re dressed appropriately. In summer, we’re advised not to wear skimpy clothing in case of burns. In winter, we need to dress warmly, but it’s important that we not have any dangling scarves, etc, that might touch the flame and catch fire.

If you haven’t used the grill for a few weeks, check it carefully before you heat it up to make sure you won’t be cooking any spiders, nests, egg sacks, or cocoons. Gross, right? So check. (This is also a good rule for before that first springtime cookout!)

Another tip, which is good year-round but especially appropriate for winter grilling, is that if you’re going to fire up that grill in bad weather, you might as well use it for as much of your meal as possible. Throw in the potatoes, corn, and even the bread, as well as the meat. Just be sure you know the cooking times for everything so you can coordinate!

If it’s really cold outside, keep the grill’s lid closed for most of the cooking time. Opening it up too often when the thermometer is cold will delay your cooking time.

Important point: NEVER use your grill indoors, and that includes your garage. If the weather is so bad that you can’t stand outdoors and grill, give it up and use your kitchen stove. This applies to both gas and charcoal grills. Do not take a chance. Be smart about your grilling.

Most important of all? Be sure you are using Texas Pepper Jelly products! Seriously, no other products will give you the results Texas Pepper Jelly products can give you. Your friends and family will thank you.

You’ll thank yourself, too. Texas Pepper Jelly grilling products are AWESOME!