Grill the perfect feast for Valentine’s Day
Valentine's Day can be really stressful. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves, looking to surprise our loved-one on that special day, whether it's about cooking the right meal, having the right ambiance or the right romance. But at the end of the day, it is about making that special someone in your life feel, well, special.
The most expensive gift or the most exclusive restaurant in town doesn’t necessary mean that you’ll be sure to have a perfect Valentine’s Day. Instead, why not invest a little time, build the right ambiance in your own home, and spoil your Valentine with a home-prepared meal on your backyard grill. And this year, Valentine’s Day is a Saturday, the perfect day, right?
Tips for making the perfect grill feast
Be patient. Winter grilling is different than throwing some burgers on the barbecue in the middle of July. Cold air temperatures mean it will take longer for your grill to reach optimum cooking temperature, and every time you open the lid you will lose valuable heat.
Pick a good menu. Only you know what your Valentine likes and dislikes, so plan the menu accordingly. Steak is always a good option, or a rotisserie chicken smoked with woodchips. Dating a vegetarian? Grilled vegetables or vegetable shish-kabobs are a winner, as are burgers that use portobello mushroom caps in place of meat patties. Speaking of portobello mushroom caps, they are great stuffed and grilled as well!
Clear the snow. No matter how cold it is, do not set up your barbecue in your garage, shed or any enclosed space. This increases the chances that are you will be grilling in the snow, but that is part of the experience — and even an expression of your dedication to your Valentine! Position the grill near your door and make sure you have shovelled a clear, safe path to your grill.
Get the right equipment. Heat resistant gloves will both keep your hands warm and protect you from the heat of the grill. With the early arrival of darkness in winter, chances are you will need additional light. If your BBQ doesn’t come equipped with it’s own light, there are lights you can attach to your grill, or even to your spatula. If you are cooking a big cut of meat like a roast or whole chicken, the Napoleon PRO Wireless Digital Thermometer allows you to monitor the temperature of your meat from the comfort of your warm living room.
Got it? And why not jump on Pinterest for more inspiration? The table setting is also important, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to show the creative side in you. Don’t be shy, look for inspiration and prepare something right in the comfort of your home.
*A special thanks to Napoleon for these great tips, just in time for Valentine’s Day!