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GRILL ENVIRONMENT
With today's lifestyle of striving to eat healthy and nutritious foods, one factor to consider is the importance of reducing fat intake. One of the best
ways to cut down on fat in your diet is to use a low fat method of cooking, such as grilling. As a pellet grill uses natural wood pellets, the savory wood
flavor is cooked into the meats, reducing the need for high sugar content sauces.
WHERE TO SET UP THE GRILL
With all outdoor appliances, outside weather conditions play a big part in the performance of your grill and the cooking time needed to perfect your
meals. Extreme cold weather conditions may affect maximal temperature output.
All Louisiana Grills units should keep a minimum clearance of 457 mm (17.9 inches) from combustible constructions, and this clearance must be
maintained while the grill is operational. To effectively assist your grill in achieving proper temperature output, maintain heat retention, and heat
recovery time when the lid is open, it is recommended to shelter your unit from the wind. In addition, adjusting the positioning of your grill by rotating
a quarter turn – keeping the air exhaust holes (vents) out of the wind – will result in better temperature control and output.
COLD WEATHER COOKING
As it becomes cooler outside, that does not mean that grilling season is over! The crisp cool air and heavenly aroma of smoked foods will help cure
your winter blues. Follow these suggestions on how to enjoy your grill throughout the cooler months:
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If smoking at low temperatures fails, increase the temperature slightly to achieve the same results.
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Organize – Get everything you require ready in the kitchen before you head outdoors. During the winter, move your grill to an area that is
out of the wind and direct cold. Check local bylaws regarding the proximity of your grill in relation to your home and/or other structures. Put
everything you need on a tray, bundle up tight, and get it done!
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To help keep track of the outside temperature, place an outdoor thermometer close to your cooking area. Keep a log or history of what you
cooked, the outdoor temperature, and the cooking time. This will help later down the road to help you determine what to cook and how long
it will take.
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In very cold weather, increase your preheating time by at least 20 minutes.
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Avoid lifting the lid any more than necessary. Cold gusts of wind can completely cool your grill temperature. Be flexible with your serving time;
add about 10–15 minutes extra cooking time each time you open the lid.
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Have a heated platter or a dish cover ready to keep your food warm while making the trip back inside.
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Ideal foods for winter cooking are those that require little attention, such as roasts, whole chickens, ribs, and turkey. Make your meal preparation
even easier by adding simple items such as vegetables and potatoes.
HOT WEATHER COOKING
As it becomes warmer outdoors, the cooking time will decrease. Follow these few suggestions on how to enjoy your grill throughout the hot months:
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Adjust your cooking temperatures downward. This helps to avoid unwanted flare-ups.
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Use a meat thermometer to determine the internal temperature of your foods. This helps in preventing your meat from over cooking and
drying out.
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Even in hot weather it is still better to cook with the lid of your grill down.
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You can keep foods hot by wrapping them in foil, and placing them in an insulated cooler. Stuff crumpled up newspaper around the foil and this
will keep food hot for 3 to 4 hours.
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